How to Make Kaju Katli at Home?

In this article we are going to discuss How to Make Kaju Katli at Home? Kaju Katli, also known as Kaju Barfi, is one of the most beloved Indian sweets, often found gracing plates during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions. Its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nutty flavor make it a favorite among many. Although Kaju Katli is readily available at sweet shops, making it at home ensures a fresher taste and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring quality and hygiene. 

How to Make Kaju Katli at Home Step by Step?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delectable dessert at home.

Ingredients Needed

To make Kaju Katli at home, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups of cashews (kaju)

– 1 cup of sugar

– ½ cup of water

– 1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter)

– ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder

– Edible silver leaf (varak) for decoration (optional).

Step-by-Step Process

1. Preparation of Cashew Powder 

The first and most crucial step in making Kaju Katli is preparing a fine cashew powder. For this, you need to take 2 cups of cashews and grind them into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. It is essential to pulse the cashews intermittently to prevent them from releasing their natural oils, which can result in a pasty mixture. The goal is to achieve a dry, fine powder without lumps. Once you have the cashew powder, set it aside.

Checkout: Buy Marwadi Mixture Online

2. Making Sugar Syrup 

The next step involves preparing a sugar syrup. In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of water. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and bring them to a boil over medium heat. Continue to stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. The syrup should reach a one-string consistency, which is a critical point for achieving the perfect texture for Kaju Katli. To check the one-string consistency, take a small drop of syrup between your thumb and forefinger and pull them apart. If a single string forms without breaking, your syrup is ready.

3. Adding Cashew Powder to the Syrup 

Once the sugar syrup has reached the desired consistency, gradually add the prepared cashew powder to the syrup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Lower the heat to prevent the mixture from burning. Continue to stir until the cashew mixture thickens and starts to come together as a soft dough. The mixture should leave the sides of the pan and form a lump in the center. This process typically takes about 7-10 minutes. It is essential to keep the flame low to medium and stir constantly to avoid overcooking, which can make the Kaju Katli hard.

4. Kneading the Dough  

Once the cashew mixture has thickened, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly for a minute or two. Lightly coat your hands with some ghee to prevent the dough from sticking. Transfer the mixture onto a greased plate or a clean countertop and knead it gently while it is still warm. Kneading is essential for a smooth and even texture in the final product. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a teaspoon of milk powder or a little more ghee to help bind it together. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and pliable.

5. Rolling Out the Dough  

After kneading, roll out the dough onto a parchment sheet or a greased surface using a rolling pin. To ensure an even thickness, place another parchment sheet on top of the dough while rolling. The ideal thickness for Kaju Katli is about ¼ inch. After rolling out the dough to the desired thickness, gently lift and remove the top layer of parchment paper. At this stage, you can apply edible silver leaf (varak) if you wish to add an authentic touch to your homemade Kaju Katli. The varak is purely optional and does not affect the taste, but it does add a traditional and festive look.

6. Cutting the Kaju Katli

Allow the rolled-out dough to cool for about 10-15 minutes, which will make it easier to cut. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into traditional diamond-shaped pieces for Kaju Katli. You can also choose to cut them into squares or any other shape you prefer. Make sure to cut them while the dough is still warm, as it becomes more challenging to cut clean pieces once it cools completely.

7. Serving and Storing  

Your homemade Kaju Katli is now ready to be served! Arrange the pieces on a plate and enjoy the fresh, nutty, and delicious sweet treat. If you have prepared Kaju Katli for a festival or special occasion, serve it in an attractive platter garnished with edible silver leaf for an extra touch of elegance. Store the remaining pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. Kaju Katli stays fresh for about a week, but it is unlikely they will last that long due to their irresistible taste!
Also Read: How to Make Aloo Bhujia at Home?

Tips and Variations

1. Cashew Quality: Use good-quality cashews that are fresh and free from any moisture. Avoid using cashews that are old or have a rancid smell, as they can affect the taste of the final product.

2. Flavoring: While cardamom powder is the traditional flavoring used in Kaju Katli, you can experiment with other flavors like rose water or saffron for a different taste. A few drops of rose water or a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk can add a unique aroma and flavor to your Kaju Katli.

3. Texture Adjustment: If your Kaju Katli mixture turns too hard or crumbly during the cooking process, you can sprinkle a little warm milk and knead the dough again to bring it back to a smooth consistency. However, be cautious with the amount of milk, as too much can make the mixture sticky.

4. Ghee Usage: While ghee adds a rich flavor to the Kaju Katli, you can reduce its quantity or skip it entirely for a healthier version. The Kaju Katli will still taste delicious without the ghee, though the texture might be slightly different.

Conclusion

Making Kaju Katli at home is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also a great way to ensure that this popular sweet is prepared with the utmost care and hygiene. With these simple steps, you can create a batch of delicious Kaju Katli that will impress your family and friends, making your festivities even more special. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this delightful Indian sweet in your kitchen. Enjoy the process and the delicious result! So, I hope now you have understood How to Make Kaju Katli at Home.