Kaju Katli
Cashews ground to a paste, cooked with sugar and rolled into diamonds. Four ingredients and no room for error.
Photograph credit: Kaju katli dessert - side view (image of kaju katli on Wikidata Q6349050) by Unknomics · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · this resized copy is shared under the same licence
Method
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Pulse the chilled cashews in a grinder in 5-second bursts until they are a fine powder. Stop before any oil appears.
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Sift the powder and re-grind any large pieces.
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Boil the sugar and water for 4 minutes, to a one-thread consistency.
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Turn the heat to its lowest and add the cashew powder all at once, stirring hard.
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Cook 6 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes away from the sides in one mass.
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Add the ghee and cardamom and stir 1 minute more.
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Tip onto a sheet of baking paper and let it cool for 3 minutes, until handleable.
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Knead it warm for 2 minutes until completely smooth.
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Roll out between two sheets of baking paper to 5 mm thick.
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Lay the silver leaf on if using, and cut into diamonds while still warm.
Chef’s Tips
- Chill the cashews and pulse in bursts.
- Stop cooking when it leaves the pan in one mass.
- Knead it warm — that is what makes it smooth.
Pairing Suggestions
- Masala chai
- Diwali
- Besan ladoo
Storage & Reheating
Keeps 2 weeks in an airtight tin.
Common questions
How long does Kaju Katli take to make?
About 45 minutes in total — 20 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 16.
What are the key tips for making Kaju Katli?
Chill the cashews and pulse in bursts. Stop cooking when it leaves the pan in one mass. Knead it warm — that is what makes it smooth.
What should I serve with Kaju Katli?
Masala chai; Diwali; Besan ladoo.
How should Kaju Katli be stored?
Keeps 2 weeks in an airtight tin.
Is Kaju Katli suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free and low-carb. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Kaju Katli?
About 175 kcal per serving, with 4 g protein, 18 g carbohydrate and 10 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.