Master The Art Of Kaju Laddu With This Simple Recipe

To make Kaju Laddu, grind cashews into a fine powder and mix with one-string sugar syrup on low heat. Add ghee and cardamom powder, cook until the mixture forms a dough, and roll into smooth laddus while warm. Garnish with nuts if desired and let them cool to firm up. These laddus are rich, flavorful, and ideal for festive occasions.

Ingredients

• Cashew nuts (Kaju) – 2 cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Water – ½ cup
• Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 2 tablespoons
• Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
• Saffron strands (optional) – A pinch
• Pistachios or almonds (for garnishing, optional) – Chopped

Tools Needed

• Blender or grinder
• Heavy-bottomed pan
• Spatula
• Small bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plate or tray for setting the laddus

Step-By-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Powder

• Take 2 cups of cashew nuts (kaju) and ensure they are at room temperature. Avoid using refrigerated cashews as they will have moisture.
• Add the cashews to a dry grinder or blender. Grind them to a fine powder in short pulses.
• Tip: Do not over-grind the cashews as they might release oil and turn into cashew butter. Pulse a few times and check consistency.
• Sift the cashew powder through a fine sieve to remove any larger bits. Set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare Sugar Syrup (Chasni)

• In a heavy-bottomed pan, add 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of water. Stir well and turn on the heat.
• Cook the sugar and water mixture on medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Keep stirring occasionally.
• Once the syrup starts thickening, test for one-string consistency.
• To check: Take a small drop of syrup between your fingers, press it, and pull apart. You should see a single thread forming.
• At this stage, add a pinch of saffron strands (optional) and cardamom powder for flavor. Mix well.

Step 3: Mix the Cashew Powder with Sugar Syrup

• Lower the flame to low heat. Slowly add the cashew powder into the sugar syrup while stirring continuously.
• Keep stirring to avoid any lumps. The mixture will gradually come together into a smooth paste.
• Add 2 tablespoons of ghee and continue to mix. The ghee adds richness and helps bind the laddus.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture to the Right Consistency

• Cook the cashew mixture on low heat, stirring continuously.
• After about 5–7 minutes, the mixture will begin to leave the sides of the pan and come together like dough.
• Tip: Do not overcook, as the cashew mixture may become hard once it cools. It should be soft but pliable.
• To test readiness: Take a small piece of the mixture, let it cool slightly, and roll it into a ball. If it holds shape without cracking, it is done.

Step 5: Shaping the Laddus

• Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly (but not completely). It should be warm enough to handle.
• Grease your palms with a little ghee to prevent sticking.
• Take small portions of the cashew mixture and roll them into smooth, round balls (laddus).
• Place the laddus on a greased plate or tray.
• If desired, press a piece of chopped pistachio or almond on top of each laddu for garnish.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

• Allow the laddus to cool completely at room temperature.
• Once cooled, the kaju laddus will firm up and hold their shape perfectly.

Storage Tips

• Store the kaju laddus in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7–10 days.
• For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Kaju Laddus

• Use Fresh Cashews: Old or refrigerated cashews can alter the texture and flavor.
• Avoid Over-Grinding: Cashews release oil when over-processed, which can ruin the laddus.
• One-String Syrup: Ensuring the sugar syrup reaches one-string consistency is key for soft and perfect laddus.
• Cook on Low Heat: Cashew mixtures burn quickly. Always cook on low heat with constant stirring.
• Add Flavors: You can enhance the laddus with rose water, saffron, or nutmeg powder.

Serving Suggestion

Serve these delectable Kaju Laddus as a festive sweet, prasad during puja, or as an after-meal dessert. Pair them with a cup of chai for an indulgent treat.

Enjoy making and savoring these Kaju Laddus, a rich and nutty sweet that is sure to impress everyone.