Unlock The Deliciousness Of Kaju Halwa With This Easy Recipe

Kaju Halwa is a rich Indian dessert made from blended cashews, milk, and sugar, flavored with cardamom. The recipe involves preparing a smooth cashew paste, cooking it with ghee, and adding khoya for extra richness. Once cooked, it's set, garnished, and cut into pieces for serving.

Ingredients

For the Kaju Paste:

• • 1 cup cashew nuts (kaju)
  • 1/4 cup water (for soaking)

For the Halwa:

• • 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (adjust according to taste)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup khoya (mawa) - optional for richness
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
  • Chopped nuts (for garnish: almonds, pistachios, or more cashews)

Equipment Needed

• A heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai
• Blender or food processor
• Mixing spoon
• A greased plate or tray for setting the halwa

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Kaju Paste

• Soak Cashews:
  • Start by soaking 1 cup of cashews in warm water for about 2 hours. This softens them, making it easier to blend.

• Blend to a Paste:
  • Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of water and blend until you achieve a smooth and thick paste. Scrape the sides as needed to ensure everything is blended evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Kaju Halwa

• Heat Ghee:
  • In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over low to medium heat.
• Add Cashew Paste:
  • Once the ghee is hot, add the cashew paste. Cook the paste on low heat, stirring continuously to avoid burning. The mixture will begin to thicken and change color slightly after about 5-7 minutes.
• Add Milk and Sugar:
  • Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and stir well to combine. Then, add 1/2 cup of sugar. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
• Add Khoya (Optional):
  • For an extra rich flavor, crumble 1/4 cup of khoya (mawa) into the mixture. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is well combined and the halwa thickens further.
• Flavoring:
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder and a pinch of saffron strands (if using). Mix thoroughly to incorporate the flavors. Continue cooking until the mixture is dry and leaves the sides of the pan, which may take another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Set the Halwa

• Transfer to a Plate:
  • Once cooked, remove the halwa from the heat and transfer it to a greased plate or tray.
• Spread Evenly:
  • Use a spatula to spread the halwa evenly. You can also press it down slightly to make it compact.
• Garnish:
  • While it's still warm, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, or more cashews on top for garnish. Press them gently into the halwa to stick.

Step 4: Cool and Cut

• Cool Completely:
  • Allow the halwa to cool completely at room temperature. This will help it set properly.
• Cut into Pieces:
  • Once cool, cut the halwa into desired shapes squares or diamonds work well.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Kaju Halwa can be served warm or at room temperature. It makes for a delightful dessert for festivals, special occasions, or simply as a sweet treat.

Tips

• Ensure you keep stirring the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
• You can adjust the sugar based on your taste preference; it can be less or more sweet.
• Store leftover Kaju Halwa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Kaju Halwa is a luxurious dessert that's relatively easy to prepare. Its rich flavors and smooth texture make it a favorite among many. With this detailed recipe, you can impress your friends and family with your homemade Kaju Halwa during any festive occasion.