Kaju Barfi Recipe

Kaju barfi is a popular Indian sweet made with cashew nuts, sugar and cardamom. It is also known as kaju katli or kaju burfi. Kaju barfi is often cut into diamond-shaped pieces and decorated with silver vark or edible silver leaf. Kaju barfi is a festive treat that can be enjoyed on occasions like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, or weddings.

To make kaju barfi, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of cashew nuts
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron (optional)
• Silver vark for garnishing (optional)

The steps to make kaju barfi are as follows:

1. Grind the cashew nuts in a blender or food processor until they form a fine powder. Do not over-grind them or they will release oil and become pasty.

2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the sugar and water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Reduce the heat and cook the sugar syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency. This means that when you lift a spoonful of syrup and stretch it between your thumb and index finger, it forms a thin string that does not break easily.

4. Add the cashew nut powder, cardamom powder and saffron (if using) to the sugar syrup and mix well. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, until it leaves the sides of the pan and forms a thick dough.

5. Transfer the dough to a greased plate or tray and let it cool slightly. While it is still warm, knead it gently with your hands until it becomes smooth and pliable.

6. Roll out the dough on a parchment paper or a greased surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut into diamond-shaped pieces and remove the excess dough.

7. Place the pieces on a tray and press a silver vark on each piece if desired. Let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container.

Enjoy your homemade kaju barfi with your family and friends.