Kaju Katli, also known as Cashew Burfi, is a famous indian sweet made primarily from cashew nuts, sugar, and ghee. It's a melt-in-your-mouth treat that's rich, smooth, and deliciously fragrant, making it an ideal choice for festivals and special occasions like diwali or weddings. Here's a simple and detailed recipe to make kaju Katli at home.

Ingredients:

· 1 cup cashews (kaju)

· ½ cup sugar

· ¼ cup water

· 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

· ½ teaspoon cardamom powder

· A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

· Silver leaves (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Prepare the cashew Powder

1. Soak the cashews (optional): If you're using whole cashews, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to soften them slightly. This makes it easier to grind them into a smooth powder.

2. Grind the cashews: Drain the water from the cashews (if soaked) and dry them well on a kitchen towel. Grind the cashews in a food processor or mixer until you get a fine powder. Be cautious not to grind it into a paste, as it will release oil. You want a smooth powder.

Step 2: Prepare sugar Syrup

1. Make sugar syrup: In a non-stick pan, add ½ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water. Heat the mixture on low-medium flame, stirring occasionally.

2. Check consistency: Once the sugar dissolves completely, bring the mixture to a 1-string consistency. To check this, take a drop of syrup between your thumb and forefinger and stretch it. If it forms a single thread, the syrup is ready.

o Tip: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, a simple way to test the consistency is by dipping a spoon in the syrup, letting it cool for a few seconds, and checking if it forms a single thread when you pull it apart.

Step 3: Combine cashew Powder and sugar Syrup

1. Add cashew powder to syrup: Once the sugar syrup reaches the right consistency, add the cashew powder to the syrup and mix well.

2. Cook the mixture: Stir continuously to avoid any lumps from forming. Cook the mixture on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens and starts to come together like a dough. The mixture will become less sticky as it cooks and starts to pull away from the pan.

Step 4: Add Flavor and Ghee

1. Add ghee and cardamom: Once the mixture has thickened, add 2 tablespoons of ghee and ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder. Stir the mixture until the ghee is completely absorbed and the dough comes together smoothly.

2. Optional - Add saffron: If you want an extra luxurious touch, add a few strands of saffron to the mixture at this stage for color and flavor.

Step 5: Shape the kaju Katli

1. Transfer to a greased surface: Grease a flat surface like a marble countertop or a large plate with ghee. Alternatively, you can use a piece of parchment paper.

2. Roll out the dough: Transfer the cashew dough to the greased surface and use a rolling pin to gently roll it out into a ¼-inch thick sheet. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot. You can grease the rolling pin with a little ghee to prevent sticking.

3. Cut into shapes: Once the dough has cooled down slightly but is still warm, use a sharp knife to cut it into diamond-shaped pieces. You can also make square pieces if you prefer.

Step 6: Garnish (Optional)

1. Garnish with silver leaves: If you're making the kaju Katli for a special occasion, you can adorn the pieces with edible silver leaves for an authentic touch.

Step 7: Let it Cool and Serve

· Let the Kaju Katli cool completely before serving. The burfi will set and become firm as it cools down.

· Store the kaju Katli in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect kaju Katli:

· Cashew powder: Ensure that the cashew powder is smooth and fine. If it’s too coarse, it can affect the texture of the burfi.

· Sugar syrup consistency: It is essential to achieve the right consistency for the sugar syrup, as this will determine the texture of your kaju Katli.

· Ghee: Using good-quality ghee enhances the richness and flavor of the burfi, making it melt in your mouth.

· Patience: Cooking on low heat and stirring continuously is crucial to avoid burning the mixture and ensuring a smooth texture.

Why You'll love kaju Katli:

· Delicate & Delicious: kaju Katli is smooth, creamy, and full of rich cashew flavor.

· Quick & Easy: This simple yet luxurious sweet comes together in under an hour.

· Perfect for Gifting: Whether it's diwali, a wedding, or any special occasion, kaju Katli makes for an excellent gift or party treat.

Enjoy this delicious Kaju Katli and treat your family and friends to a piece of festive sweetness!

Disclaimer:

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