Roasted cashews have always been enticing. However, there is a sweet which brings a smile to everyone- a piece of kaju katli. If gulab jamun is the king of sweet shops, kaju katli is the queen of Indian sweets. Learn to make A perfect kaju katli or the indian cashew fudge everytime you wish to have something sweet. The smooth texture of thin slices makes it one of the favorite sweets in the Indian subcontinent.These shiny diamond shapes will bring a smile to everyone with a sweet tooth. Hence, it is most sought after sweet during weddings and Diwali. You can even find it in Costco nowadays and all major sweetshops abroad.
Indian cuisine has a plethora of dishes which use cashew nuts to their advantage. We use them in different ways both savory and sweet. Dry fruits help make a rich stuffing with potatoes and paneer optionally,(instead of minced meat or keema) to make malai kofta. Nuts are used for their nutrient profile and texture both to add a base to curries like paneer butter masala.
This was inspired by my badam katli , and pairs well with a samosa , patti samosa and pinwheels for a tea party.You can make it in every season instead of just Holi and Diwali. Life itself is beautiful and one should celebrate it and not just wait for special occasions.
Ingredients
- Cashews
- sugar
- ghee or coconut oil for vegan option
- water (for grinding)
- rose water
The main ingredient for this recipe are cashews, soak them in water few hours
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
- Soak cashews in water for 2-3 hrs and drain it. Grind it in a Vitamix or a high speed mixer with minimumal water. I used little less than ⅓ cup water for 2 cups of cashew.
2. In a heavy bottom pan start cooking sugar and kaju mixture
3. Keep cooking on low flame,add ghee/coconut oil and rose water.Cook until it starts to come off pan.This takes close to 12-14 minutes.
4. Put the mix in stand mixer with a flat beater. Add one more tbsp.ghee(or coconut oil) optionally, and start kneading until it forms a smooth mixture.If you do not have a stand mixer, then you can start kneading this by keeping this in a butter paper (as it is hot)
5. After beating for atleast 5 minutes, it turns into a smooth mixture,Move this to a butter paper/parchment paper.
6. Cover it with parchment paper and roll it flat. Once set, line it with edible silver foil or varq. This is very soft now, leave it aside for few hours and then cut into pieces.
Hint: You may omit silver varq if you like. It still tastes delish.
Calories in kaju katli
I have calculated the recipes in the kaju katli after carefully measuring the ingredients from the above recipe.
Substitutions
You can make a peanut burfi or almond burfi in the similar fashion. You can also make a kaju roll by rolling the mixture and adding some chopped pistachio as a filling instead of making a diamond shape.
Variations
Some people also like to mix peanuts with cashews while making katli. However the taste will differ.
Equipment
- Vitamix blender
- Greased plate / parchment paper or butter paper on tray.
- Stand mixer
- butter knife
Storage
Store them in refrigerator for 5-7 days. You can also freeze it for later.
Top tip
If you reduce the sugar, the end result will be softer.
FAQ
Yes upto 5-7 days.
It means it is undercooked. If the mixture looks dry, sprinkle some boiled and cooled water and knead.
Kaju katli is a diamond shaped fudge with is usually made with sugar and cashew paste and ghee. It can also be made vegan by avoiding ghee and making it with olive oil. Kaju burfi on other hand contains milk and also mawa or milk solids.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Nutrition in Indian desserts -Kaju katli recipe
Equipment
- Vitamix blender / mixer grinder
- stand mixer
- greased tray or baking tray lined with parchment paper
- butter knife /pizza cutter
- heavy bottom pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw cashews 2 cups is approx
- 1 cup sugar 1 cup approx is 190 grams
- 1 tbsp. ghee (or coconut oil if vegan ) for cooking
- 1 tsp. ghee (or coconut oil if vegan ) for kneading
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tbsp. rose water optional
Instructions
- Soak cashews in water for 2-3 hrs and drain it. Grind it in a Vitamix or a high speed mixer with minimumal water. I used little less than ⅓ cup water for 2 cups of cashew. (refer notes)
- In a heavy bottom pan start cooking sugar and kaju mixture
- Keep cooking on low flame,add ghee(or coconut oil) and rose water.Cook until it starts to come off pan.This takes close to 12-14 minutes.
- Put the mix in stand mixer with a flat beater. Add one more tbsp.ghee(or coconut oil) optionally, and start kneading until it forms a smooth mixture.If you do not have a stand mixer, then you can start kneading this by keeping this in a butter paper (as it is hot)
- After beating for atleast 5 minutes, it turns into a smooth mixture,Move this to a butter paper/parchment paper.
- Cover it with parchment paper and roll it flat. Once set, line it with edible silver foil or varq. This is very soft now, leave it aside for few hours and then cut into pieces.
- Store them in refrigerator for 5-7 days. You can also freeze it for later.
Notes
Nutrition
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Conclusion: box of kaju katli made at home will delight every wise eater. Eating it in small proportions will give you the nutrients of cashews and yet let you enjoy the festive season.
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