Kaju Katli (Indian sweet made with Cashew nuts)

Sadly, Diwali is gone :( and in most of our houses the sweets and snacks that we had made for Diwali; are long gone!! So, who's with me and doesn't wanna call quits yet... :D Kaju Katli is considered to be one of the most exquisite sweets amongst all Indian sweets and very expensive too. But only when I decided to make it myself, did I realize that it is sooo easy and inexpensive!! Try this recipe and check it out for yourself!! You will never buy Kaju Katli from the market again!

Ingredients:

Cashews – Powdered, 1.5 cups
Confectioners Sugar (Icing Sugar) – 1 cup
Instant Milk Powder – 1/2 cup
Cardamom Powder – 1/8 tsp
Edible Rose Water – 1/4 cup

Method:

- Take water in a double boiler (Or take water is a huge pan that allows another pan to sit exactly on it, without touching the water and covers it.)

- When the water starts boiling, add the sugar and milk powder on the second pan and place it on the pot with boiling water.

- Stir the powders continuously and let it heat for 2-3 minutes. The idea is to get the sugar and milk powder to mixed thoroughly and get it slightly heated (dry roast).

- Now add this mix to the powdered cashews in a large mixing bowl, along with the cardamom powder.

- Mix well. Now start adding the rose water little by little (you may need more or less than 1/4th cup) and keep kneading it like you would knead your flour for rotis.

- This will take a few minutes and the cashews will start oozing oil. This is when the mixture will get combined well.

- Once you reach the consistency where you can easily roll this dough, you can stop.

- Now place a cling wrap on the rolling surface and place the dough on it (you can divide it into half)

- Start rolling till you reach a thickness you desire and then cut it with a knife or a pizza cutter to desired shapes. Keep them closed in an air tight container at room temperature until you serve them.

Tips:

- Traditionally this sweet is slightly flavored with rose, but you can be creative and choose any flavor you like. For eg: Mango. In this case, I would replace the rose water with regular water that has few drops of mango essence in it and add some kesar and yellow food color too!

- You can decorate this with the pounded sliver foil to make it more attractive.

- Once you make it, you can store this in a closed container for up to 2 weeks or even more.

Healthy Twist:

- Now calorie wise, this is not the best dish, but cashews are really good for your health and when eaten in moderation can help with your overall well being.