I had a couple of ideas for Priya's Pink event, but somehow didn't get a chance to work on it. The one I tried was not upto my expectation. With the deadline in 2 days I saw Mangala's Pink Cham Cham and a light bulb flashed. Actually I got 2 ideas, but again had time only to try one. I also wanted to use up the cashews I had in my freezer. So googled and found a good kaju katli recipe. It was very simple to follow and did not use any added fat at all. I decided to mix few drops of rose milk essence with the cashew mixture to make pink kaju katlis.
I've tried making a couple of Indian sweets before but did not get it right because I mess up with the sugar syrup consistency. So I was not sure how this would turn out. I started with only one cup of cashew and was proceeding with each and every step very carefully. It was definitely very easy than I thought it would be and the bars came out perfect. The taste was good too, especially the addition of rosemilk essence gave it a nice exotic touch. I'm sure I'll be preparing these quite often.
If you tried this Kaju Katli recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
Recipe
Kaju Katli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cashewnut (Preferably Broken Into Pieces)
- ½ cup Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Water
- Few Drops Rosemilk Essence/Food Color (Optional)
Instructions
- Powder the cashews (without adding water) in a blender/food processor. Using broken pieces of cashews would make it easy. I used the 1 cup jar of my food processor and it took some time to powder.
- In a pan add the sugar and water. Heat it and wait until you get a single string consistency. This may take 5-6 minutes. Single thread consistency is when you take a drop of the syrup between your thumb and index finger a single strand should form.
- strong>Update: I made it again and noted down the exact times. It took 5 minutes for the syrup to boil and another 3 minutes to get the single string consistency. But note that mine is an electric range and if you have a gas stove it should even quick.
- Now stir in the powdered cashew in the sugar syrup. With a spatula (or preferably a big wooden fork) keep stirring; break any lumps, if any.
- Add the rosemilk essence or food color if using and mix it thoroughly. Update: Mixing it just enough (two full stirs maybe) that the cashew powder absorbs the syrup should be fine.
- Remove the pan from the stove and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes. By then the mixture will thicken into a play dough (roti dough) like consistency. Update: Don't cool it completely. Remove the mixture from the pan when it is warm enough to handle with bare hands, so that it won't turn brittle and rolling would also be easy.
- When the dough is cool enough to handle remove it from the pan and knead it, so that any small lumps of cashew can also be mashed. Roll the dough into a ball and flatten it.
- I took two sheets of wax paper. Place the flattened cashew mixture in between the 2 papers and roll it with a rolling pin. Make a thin sheet and remove the wax paper from the top. If you don't have wax paper, simply grease a clean surface with little ghee and then using a rolling pin stretch out the dough.
- After an hour cut it into diamonds or squares.
My Notes
- I will be reducing the quantity of sugar when I make it the next time. It was a bit too sweet for me. ½ cup is 8 tablespoons, so I think 6 tablespoons should be fine.
- If you decide to add rosemilk essence, I would suggest using just 2-3 drops. I used at least 5-6 drops to get that pink color, so the downside is some may feel that the flavor from the essence is overpowering the actual taste of kaju katlis.
- It is mentioned in the recipe source that if the kaju katli is not fully set, it can be placed in the fridge overnight. Also these bars are good for at least 4 weeks when stored in normal room temperature.
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Aishwarya.R says
all the recipes are excellent.......
Thanks Aishwarya.
Joyce Galloway says
Have you thought about including several social bookmark links for your website? At least put one for Reddit so we can ping them up!
Sulakshana says
Hey Madhu...very easy and excellent recipe...i tried it thanks a looooot.
You're welcome Sulakshana.
lavanya sundaram says
Hey Madhu,
Have always been excited about making sweets for Diwali, but never had the courage to share the sweets I make at home with friends. I guess I don't have to go hunting for chocolate boxes this Diwali. I tried the kaju katli and it was excellent.
Cheers,
Lavanya
Thank you so much Lavanya. Diwali wishes to your family.
lakshmi says
Is it so simple to do the kaju katli!!!...my whole family loves it.going to try this soon...
Sharmilee says
First time here...nice recipes, will visit often!
Welcome to my blog Sharmilee.
P. Mehta says
Hi Madhu,
Congratulations for making mouthwatering kaju katlis. I am glad that you modified my recipe to add color to katlis. Can I use the picture of your katlis on my webpage with reference to your page, http://www.fatfreekitchen.com/lowfat-desserts/kaju-katli.html
Thanks.
I had sent a mail but it has returned. You can use the picture and I would appreciate if you would link back to the post my blog.
Kristen says
I am familiar with rose water, but what exactly is rosemilk essence?
I googled rosemilk essence but everything that comes up involves milk, and I thought this was a vegan recipe.
Hi Kristen, I got the essence from India and it's not made with milk. It's mixed in milk with sugar for a flavored drink. I think it should be available in Indian grocery stores. But it's not needed for making the katlis. I just added it to get the pink color, so you could go with regular food coloring also.
sudha says
YOUR KAJU KATLI IS SO NICE WITH PINK COLUUR....IAM GOING TO TRY THIS WITH ROSE SYRUP......
THANKS A LOT
Thanks Sudha.
vanamala says
wow so colorful katlis...
Maya says
Katlis are looking nice and very pleasant color. I made a similar one with almonds, but in the microwave.
Hayley says
These look beautiful! I love anything pink. Thanks for sharing!
Cilantro says
Mouthwatering click and Kathlis. I made them for Diwali last year but could not post them...my photos got wiped out. Will have to make them.
Soma says
I have been looking for a Pure kaku katli like this for sometime.. ever since i saw this in the reader i had been itching to come:-) made time finally. looks perfect. I will try this out.. but without pink.
Kirby! says
I love cashew goodies!! And these look yummy and easy!
Thanks Kirby.
A&N says
Looks beautiful! I tried to think of something pink and could not figure out anything 🙁
But rose milk essence is so unusual and unbelievable!
suparna says
Hi Madhuram,
The katlis look very toothsome 🙂 very well explained recipe. Great click.The nippatu n okra fry were great too!
Thanks for the tempting recipes.
TC
mangala bhat says
Wowo ! madhu ...lovely kaju kalti ..love the recipe aswell
.Urs kaju kalti is also looking beautiful... i bet it taste heavenly .Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Rajitha says
look at that color...how adorable! i make katli's a lil different...will post it someday!