Kashmiri Shufta is a traditional sweet delicacy from the Kashmiri cuisine, renowned for its rich blend of roasted nuts, dried fruits, and caramelized sugar. This delightful dessert showcases a medley of almonds, cashews, pistachios, along with dried figs, apricots, dates, and coconut, all enveloped in a luscious caramelized coating. It’s a beloved treat enjoyed during festive occasions, boasting a delightful fusion of nuttiness and subtle sweetness, offering a taste of the vibrant Kashmiri culinary heritage.
Here’s a detailed recipe for making Kashmiri Shufta:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1/2 cup peeled and halved almonds
- 1/2 cup peeled and halved pistachios
- 1/2 cup peeled and halved cashews
- 1/2 cup peeled and halved walnuts
- 1 cup dried coconut slices or chips
- 1/2 cup seedless dates
- 1/2 cup seedless raisins
- 1/2 cup dried figs
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 1/2 cup ghee or clarified butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preparation of Nuts:
- Begin by dry roasting all the nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts) in a pan on low heat. Ensure they don’t burn but become slightly golden. Set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Fruits:
- Chop the dried figs and apricots into small pieces. Remove seeds from dates and chop them.
- Soak Raisins:
- Soak the seedless raisins in warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Drain and keep them aside.
- Sautéing:
- Heat ghee in a pan on low flame. Add the chopped dried fruits (figs, apricots, dates) and sauté for a few minutes until they turn slightly soft.
- Adding Nuts and Coconut:
- Add the roasted nuts and dried coconut slices to the pan. Mix everything well and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes on low heat.
- Sugar and Spices:
- Sprinkle the sugar, ground cardamom, saffron strands (if using), and a pinch of salt over the mixture. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and caramelizes slightly, coating the nuts and fruits.
- Cooking Time:
- Let it cook for around 5-7 minutes more, ensuring the sugar is evenly coated and the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
- Cooling and Storing:
- Turn off the heat and let the Shufta mixture cool down completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or serving dish.
- Serving:
- Kashmiri Shufta can be served at room temperature. It’s a delightful dessert enjoyed on special occasions and festivals.
Tips:
- Adjust the sugar quantity according to your sweetness preference.
- You can also add a few drops of rose water or kewra essence for added fragrance.
- Ensure the nuts are not burnt while roasting; a gentle golden color is ideal for best taste and texture.
Kashmiri Shufta is not only delicious but also a beautiful representation of the rich flavors and ingredients found in Kashmiri cuisine. Enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful dessert!
