Diwali, the festival of lights, is incomplete without sweets, and Kaju Barfi (or Kaju Katli) is a beloved choice for many! This rich and decadent sweet made with cashews is often shaped in diamond cuts and decorated with silver leaf, giving it an elegant look and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Here's how you can make Kaju Barfi at home for Diwali.
Ingredients for Kaju Katli Cashew nuts – 1 cup
Sugar – ½ cup
Water – ¼ cup
Ghee – 1 tsp (for greasing)
Silver leaf (optional) – for decoration
How to Make Kaju KatliTo make Kaju Barfi, begin by grinding one cup of dry cashews into a fine powder, taking care to pulse the grinder in short intervals to avoid releasing the cashews’ oils, which would create a paste. Once you have a smooth powder, set it aside. In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine half a cup of sugar with a quarter cup of water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture reaches a 1-string consistency, where it forms a thin string when pressed between your fingers. Lower the heat and add the cashew powder gradually to the sugar syrup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Keep mixing until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, forming a soft dough.
Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly until it’s safe to handle. Grease your hands with a bit of ghee and knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Next, place the dough on a greased surface or a sheet of parchment paper, and use a rolling pin to roll it out to about ¼-inch thickness. Smooth out the edges to create an even layer, then let it cool for a few minutes. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the rolled dough into diamond shapes. For a decorative touch, gently place silver leaf over the top if desired. Serve your Kaju Barfi on a festive plate, or store it in an airtight container to enjoy this treat for up to a week.