Bilkul Online | Sunday Special | 12 Oct 2025
By Shivani Trivedi
A crispy, sugary treat that brings festive sparkle to every Diwali bite!
🪔 1. Kaju Katli (Cashew Fudge) — Classic Diwali Sweet
Serves: 12–15 pieces | Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- Cashew nuts – 1 cup
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Water – ¼ cup
- Ghee – 1 tsp (for greasing)
- Silver vark (optional) – for garnish
Instructions:
- Powder the cashews:
- Grind cashews in short pulses into a fine powder (avoid over-grinding or it’ll release oil).
- Make sugar syrup:
- In a pan, add sugar and water. Heat until it forms a one-string consistency (dip a spoon and stretch between fingers — it should form a single thread).
- Mix and cook:
- Lower the flame and add the powdered cashew. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and leaves the pan sides (about 4–5 minutes).
- Knead and roll:
- Transfer the warm dough onto a greased plate. Once cool enough to handle, knead gently until smooth.
- Roll between butter papers to about ¼-inch thickness.
Cut and decorate:
Apply silver vark if desired. Cut into diamond shapes and let cool.
✨ Soft, melt-in-mouth Kaju Katli ready — just like the ones from halwai shops!
💥 2. Crispy Masala Namak Pare — Savory Diwali Snack
Serves: 4–5 | Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour (maida) – 2 cups
- Semolina (sooji) – 2 tbsp
- Ajwain (carom seeds) – ½ tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Red chili powder – ½ tsp
- Oil – 3 tbsp (for dough) + for deep frying
- Water – as needed
Instructions:
Prepare dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, semolina, ajwain, salt, red chili powder, and 3 tbsp oil.
- Add water gradually to form a stiff dough. Rest for 15 minutes.
- Roll and cut:
- Divide into portions. Roll each into a flat circle (like chapati but thicker).
- Cut into diamonds or strips using a knife or cutter.
- Fry until golden:
- Heat oil on medium flame. Fry namak pare in batches until crisp and golden.
- Drain on paper towels.
Cool & store:
Once cooled, store in an airtight jar — they stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
✨ Perfect to serve with masala chai during Diwali evenings!