Introduction
Out of all the sweets, which are consumed during Diwali, Kaju katli forms a prominent part of each and everybody’s celebration. Grown from cashews and a few more ingredients, it is loved for its delicious flavor, velvety mouthfeel, and a diamond shape. This tutorial will try to provide you the simplest way of cooking Kaju Katli which is perfect for Diwali celebration.
Table of Contents
Why Kaju Katli is a Diwali Favorite
The Symbolism of Sweets in Diwali Celebrations
On the Indian subcontinent, the most popular festival is Diwali also known as the festival of lights; it symbolizes victory against the vice. Sweets represent happiness, wealth and bond of harmony and thus Kaju Katli fits the occasion very well. Giving of sweets is another traditional method of extending goodwill for a prosperous year to our dear ones.
Kaju Katli’s Popularity During Festivals
The sweet is widely preferred not only for the taste but for the distinguished appearance. Starting from the shiny thin sheet of silver called varak to making the cashew based Kaju Katli extremely soft and melt in the mouth, this product is a must for any festive occasion.
Ingredients for Diwali Kaju Katli
Main Ingredients Explained
The Use of Cashews
The primary contributor used in this sweet barfi is Cashews. Their heaves of butter afford the best foundation, or each bite and still firm. The cashews must be fresh and of high quality to give the right taste of this food.
Some More Spices for Taste and Fragrance
Saffron and small cardamom are added for the warm and aromatic flavour to Kaju Katli. All these spices used in Indian sweets make the Barfi flavourful and appealing.
Sweetening with Sugar
The sugar plays a dual role in the preparation of Barfi in addition to sweetening the product it assists in the proper setting of the mixture.
Special Equipment for Preparation
For preparing the Barfi, blender for cashews, non-stick pan and a flat greased plate or tray for preparing the mixture. This way the process is actually made easier and faster in that these essentials are already available.
Step-by-Step making of Barfi Recipe
Step 1: Preparation Of Cashew Powder Starting Process
First process, pulverize the cashews until it turns into a fine powder. Not over blending as the cashews have a propensity to release oil, thus turning into a paste. Adding honey and ghee to areas of this recipe makes for a smooth powder, which in turn gives Barfi its creamy texture.
Step 2: The Preparation of Sugar Syrup
Pour water and sugar in a non-stick pan, add more water if you prefer your syrup less sweet.Stir it and let it to boil, until the thickness resembles a one string.This step is important as depending on this the type of texture and the binding of the Barfi is determined.
Step 3: The Ingredients and Their Combination
Add the cashew powder in the sugar syrup stirring continuously. Bake gently, as the mixture should not stick to the pan. It takes long to thicken and when it does and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, one is ready.
Step 4: Soaking the Mixture
Sprinkle milk over the mixture and coat through with ghee and then transfer the mixture into a flat tray with a greased surface. It is better to let the mixture cool a little, then make diamond-shaped slits in it. Top with the edible silver leaf if using it would be appropriate.
Some Useful Tips to get a Perfect Kaju Katli
About the Right Consistency
Make sure to keep the heat low so the mixture does not clump and stir continuously.But it is crucial to also have the right sugar syrup consistency to have a melt in the mouth Barfi.
Measures of Common Blunders
Care must be taken to avoid over browning or burning the mixture as it becomes very hard, both in texture and chewy when cooked. Further, do not over boil the sugar syrup: it should not be too liquid; otherwise, it will not set properly; too thick; it will set soon.
Other types of Kaju Katli
Kaju Katli with Edabele varak
Adding edible varak (silver foil) gives the Barfi an ethnic look that makes it ideal for gift purposes.
Kesar Kaju Katli
Adding saffron (kesar) to the mixture gives it a delicious warm golden colour to the barfi as it suits for festivals and other such occasions.
Tips for Savoring Kaju Katli
Serving Tips for Festive Occasions
Place the Kaju Katli on a decorative plate in Devine Diwali theme, put some fresh flowers or decorated Diwali lamp on the plate.
Proper Storing Instructions to maintain the Freshness
Keep the Barfi in an air tight container in room temperature and consume within a week. For it to last longer put it in the refrigerator but allow it to warm up to room temperature before serving.
Health Benefits of Cashew in Kaju Katli
Nutritional Details of Cashew Nuts
Indians love sweets but this sweet Barfi is worth going for because it contains healthy fats fiber and protein from cashews. They also offer vitamins and minerals of cardiovascular structures and blood substances.
Healthy portion sizes for sweets
Sweet foods do not have to be permanently banned because they can just be eaten in smaller servings. That little piece of Kaju Katli will be enough to make you have your desired share of sweetings without causing you extra weight.
Conclusion:
A Guide to Enjoy Diwali through Kaju Katli
It will be wrong to refer to Kaju Katli only as a type of sweet, as it encompasses lot of significance in terms of love, joy and prosperity. Just as it is being prepared for your family or friends, each piece should keep you on your way to the spirit of Diwali. Take it and incorporate it into your festivities and be sure to relish the good times it reminds you of.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use other nuts than cashews for Kaju Katli?
A1: It’s generally made only with cashew nuts but you could try using almonds or pistachios for a different taste.
Q2: How long is homemade kaju Katli good for?
A:2: Its shelf life is prolonged to about 2 weeks when refrigerated.
Q3: Why does my Katli become too hard?
A3: Overcooking always leads to a hard Barfi and a thick sugar syrup causes hard Barfi. To achieve a one-string syrup consistency use a spatula and watch the mixture at the same time.
Q4: What if I want to make Kaju Katli without sugar?
A4: Yes that is possible, you replace the sugar with jaggery syrup or date palm sugar as it will affect the taste and tatse of the Kaju Barfe slightly.
Q5: What should I do when my kaju Katli is too Soft?
A5: If your mixture is soft, cook for few more minutes on slow flame until it becomes thick enough to maintain its shape after setting.