Kaju Katli – 2 ingredients only

We are celebrating Diwali, one of the biggest and brightest festivals of India in all its festivity here in Denmark. Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali literally means a ‘row of lighted lamps’. The festival lasts 5 days in total falling either in October or November depending on the lunar calendar and celebrated with music, lights, fireworks and traditional sweets. Diwali also pays homage to Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity. We prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating our homes, donning new clothes to take part in prayers of devotion to Goddess Lakshmi. ‘Rangoli’– patterns and designs made from coloured powders, ground rice powders and flowers – is proudly displayed outside the house.

It’s a time when I miss all family and friends back home the most. Being away from the raucous affair, marked by a cacophony of firecrackers on the streets and a flourish of ceremonial gambling has its benefits. Over the past few years, we have created a home away from home and friends like family here make it extra special. Celebrations for us here is generally a simpler affair, defined by humble offerings and wholesome feasts. And it was no different this year. Our closest gathered for a memorable evening, an awesome treat and good laughs 🙂 

Besides the platter full of traditional sweets and snacks I make each year, I was asked for one special treat by my kids – Kaju Katli. Kaju Katli is one of the most popular and expensive Indian sweets and our favourite at home. It’s basically marzipan made from cashews. Though I felt challenged having never tried this before, I decided to give this nutty delight a shot. Little did I know that this recipe only calls for 2 ingredients and is super simple to make. Thrilled to see how well it turned out, I slammed my hand to my head wondering why I had not tried this earlier. We have for years waited for travellers from India to carry a couple of precious boxes of this sweet for us since we miss it so much here. But now on, I shall wait no more. This is going to be homemade now on – for one I select the ingredients and know that it is unadulterated. 🙂 An added bonus, this delicious treat is absolutely gluten-free and vegan (replace ghee with oil instead).

Do hope you try these delicious melt-in-mouth nutty bites at home. It only needs 2 ingredients and a whole lot of love. It definitely added sparkle to our joy and satisfaction to our sweet tooth. Happy Diwali everyone! 🙂 

INGREDIENTS

Makes approx. 20-25 pieces

1 1/2 Cup Cashew Nuts ­

3/4 Cup Sugar ­ 

1/3 Cup Water

1-2 tsp Ghee / Clarified butter or Oil for Greasing 

1 tsp Cardamom powder – (Optional)

Silver Leaf, Or Vark for decoration (Optional)

METHOD:

1. Grind the cashews in a grinder until you get a fine powder stage. Grind in 30-sec intervals as over grinding the nuts will release oils
2. In a pan, add water and sugar and keep boiling over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Once boiled check the syrup between your fingers for a one string consistency. You just need a thin syrup
4. At this point, turn the heat down to medium-low and add cardamom powder and cashew powder
5. Stir continuously until it forms a dough. The mixture will leave the sides of the pan at this point.
6. Grease a plate or a baking paper with ghee and transfer the dough to it.
7. With the back of a spatula or greased hands knead the dough well for a minute.
8. Now roll the dough out not too thin
9. To add a more festive look, decorate with edible silver leaf and cut into diamond shape using a sharp knife.
10. Let it set at room temperature for 30 mins and Kaju Katli is ready to serve.
11. These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. (Mine vanished in few minutes 🙂 )

Do try this and do not forget to like, comment and share if you like what you see here. Also, visit and subscribe to my Facebook Page: My Culinary Saga to get regular yummy updates.

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For more Diwali treats, click below: 

Chirote

Rasgulla

Carrot / Gajar Halwa

Pista Sandesh

Malai Peda

Shrikhand

Have a lovely weekend.

Sharing this beauty with all on Angie’s Fiesta Friday  co-hosted by Diann @ Of Goats and Greens and Jenny @ Apply To Face Blog.

Love & Hugs,

Trupti