For those unfamiliar, Diwali is a five day Hindu celebration that occurs in late October or early November. This year, it fell on November 3rd, but I was incredibly busy and did not have time to write a post. I did, however, make a traditional Indian candy, usually eaten for Diwali. It is called Kaju Katli and it is one of the most delicious desserts have ever put in my mouth. I cannot compare it to any American sweets. It. Is. AMAZING! And only 5 ingredients. Here is what you do:
Crush 1 cup raw cashews into a fine powder. I used the flat blade of my Magic Bullet and it worked well. Add 1 tsp. corn starch after the cashews have been powderized and mix again.
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| Cashews are a delicious choice for this dessert because they are soft and have a unique sweetness |
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| The cashew powder should be pretty fine but some chunks are acceptable and will add a nice crunch |
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| The flat blade ensures the cashews will be thoroughly ground |
Heat this dry mixture in a skillet on medium-low until it is warm.
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| Stir occasionally to heat evenly |
Bring ¼ cup water to a boil and add ½ cup brown sugar and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon powder. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes. This should create a thick syrup. It is the most difficult step of this very simple recipe because if cooked for too long, it will be too thick and dry; if cooked for too little, it will not thicken and the end candy will be runny and wet.
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| Keep stirring during this step or the sugar will meld to the pan |
Add the cashew powder and stir, stir, stir! It will almost instantly create a dough-like substance. Make sure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Scoop the mixture onto aluminum foil and allow to cool. I have found this is best served chilled in the refrigerator for an hour or so. Cut the candies into diamond shapes and serve!
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| I had to rush this picture because the cashew powder immediately stats soaking up the syrup and it must be stirred quickly |
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| This candy is almost like a sweet nut butter with a hint of cinnamon |
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| This recipe only makes one batch and only a few pieces, so double or triple the quantities for a party sized batch |
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| Kaju Katli is traditionally served in triangles and has roots back in Indian culture |
Did you know?
Diwali is known as the "festival of lights" and is a time of joy, giving, fellowship, and food. Marking the end of the harvest season, farmers celebrate the good fortune of their crops by making meals and feasting. Bringing in the new year, the goddess Lakshmi is worshiped for her symbolization of wealth, prosperity, and the fortune of another good year ahead. It is believed that on this day, the Lakshmi-panchayatan, or group of five deities, enters the universe. Each member is responsible for a different attribute.
- Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities
- Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)
- Kubera: Wealth (generosity; one who shares wealth)
- Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)
- Gajendra: Carries the wealth
- Saraswati: Knowledge
Another main focus of Diwali is spiritual enlightenment. Hindus strive for the "awareness of the inner light" and celebrate the victory of good over evil during this time of year. With higher knowledge, one may dispel ignorance, as ignorance masks the mind, body, and soul. Only with the realization of the infinite one may be enlightened.
Happy Diwali, Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Holidays!
