HOW TO MAKE KAJU KATLI : A STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Kaju Katli, also known as Kaju Barfi, is a popular and delicious Indian sweet that's often made during festivals and special occasions. This delectable treat, made from cashew nuts and sugar, has a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, nutty flavor. If you're looking to impress your friends and family with a homemade dessert, or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, follow this step-by-step guide to make Kaju Katli at home.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the preparation steps, let's gather the ingredients you'll need to make Kaju Katli:

• 2 cups of cashew nuts
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
• 1 teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter)
• Silver vark (optional, for decoration)

Step 1: Roasting Cashew Nuts

1. Start by dry roasting the cashew nuts in a pan over low heat. Roasting the cashews enhances their flavor and removes any moisture.
2. Keep stirring them constantly to prevent them from browning. Roast until they become light golden in color.
3. Once done, remove the roasted cashew nuts from the heat and allow them to cool completely.

Step 2: Grind Cashew Nuts

1. Once the cashews have cooled down, transfer them to Balzano Nutri Blender
2. Grind the cashews into a fine powder. Be patient, as it may take a few minutes to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Make sure not to over-grind, as the cashews can release their natural oils and turn into a paste.

Step 3: Prepare Sugar Syrup

1. In a separate pan, add the sugar and water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
2. Bring the sugar-water mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Cook the sugar syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency. To check the consistency, take a drop of the syrup between your thumb and forefinger; it should form a single thread.
4. At this stage, add the cardamom powder and ghee to the sugar syrup.

Step 4: Combine Cashew Powder and Sugar Syrup

1. Add the ground cashew powder to the sugar syrup and mix thoroughly.
2. Continue to cook the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. This should take around 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Shape the Kaju Katli

1. Once the mixture reaches the right consistency, remove it from the heat.
2. Let it cool slightly, so it's easy to handle but still warm.
3. Grease a plate or a flat surface with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
4. Transfer the warm mixture to the greased surface.
5. Using a rolling pin, flatten and shape it into a thin, even layer.
6. Optionally, you can gently press a silver vark (edible silver foil) onto the Kaju Katli for decoration.
7. While it's still warm, cut the Kaju Katli into diamond or square-shaped pieces.

Step 6: Allow to Cool and Serve

1. Let the Kaju Katli cool completely at room temperature.
2. Once it cools down, carefully remove the pieces from the plate and serve.
3. You can store the Kaju Katli in an airtight container for several weeks.

Congratulations, you've successfully made homemade Kaju Katli! Enjoy the sweet, nutty goodness of your labor in every bite.

Tips and Variations:

• You can add a few drops of rose water or saffron-infused milk for additional flavor.
• Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste preference.
• Ensure the cashew nuts are fresh and not rancid for the best results.
• Be cautious when handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.

Now that you know how to make Kaju Katli, you can create this delightful sweet treat for your loved ones on special occasions or whenever your sweet cravings kick in. Happy cooking!