1 cup almonds
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup or one stick unsalted butter
1 teaspoon of ghee or clarified butter
1 cup of water
optional coloring
a few strands of saffron
1/4 teaspoon of crushed cardamom seeds
Soak the almonds hot water. When cool and the skin comes out easily, remove the skin.
Grind the almonds with skin removed to a slightly coarse paste with about 1/2 cup of water
Heat sugar on medium heat with 1/2 of cup water. When the sugar is dissolved add the ground almond paste stirring all the time.
Start adding small pieces of butter heating and stirring constantly.
When the butter is dissolved add some color (optional) and saffron strands. Continue stirring until the mass starts pulling away from the sides of the pan and the butter is oozing out, add a teaspoon of clarified butter and stir for a few seconds.
Add the crushed cardamon and turn the heat off.
Cooking time 15 to 20 minutes.
Note: If you are making large quantities, grind the soaked almonds a cup at a time.
Almonds cooked in sugar makes this dish a very tasty dessert. Some recipes call for almonds to be ground in milk. It is a matter of choice how you like it. This is a popular sweet made for auspicious occasions.
Almonds are so versatile. They are used all over the world to make sweet and salty dishes. It is available through out the year.
Almonds are low hanging nuts everyone should enjoy.
