Authentic Almond Flour Recipe – Cardamom & Ghee Indian Sweet

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Almond Flour Recipe – Cardamom & Ghee Indian Sweet

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a sweet treat that feels a little special, a little indulgent, but isn’t too complicated to make. This almond flour recipe is exactly that. It’s a family favorite, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you. It’s fragrant with cardamom, rich with ghee, and just melts in your mouth. Trust me, you’ll want to make this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a little piece of Indian sweet tradition made easy. It’s naturally gluten-free, and the almond flour gives it a wonderful, delicate texture. Plus, it comes together surprisingly quickly – perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a beautiful sweet to share with loved ones, or honestly, just enjoy all by yourself!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 2/3 cup (150ml) water
• 1 1/4 cup (250g) sugar
• 3 cups (360g) almond flour
• 1 tbsp (15ml) ghee or coconut oil
• 1 tbsp (15ml) almond paste
• 1/4 tsp (1g) cardamom
• Edible gold foil (optional, for that extra touch of luxury!)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference:

• Almond Flour Quality: Seriously, this is key. Use finely ground, blanched almond flour. Almond meal (with the skins on) will give a grittier texture and a different flavor. I usually get mine from the baking aisle, but you can also find it online.
• Ghee vs. Coconut Oil: Traditionally, ghee is used for its rich flavor and aroma. But if you’re vegan or prefer a lighter taste, coconut oil works beautifully! Just make sure it’s refined coconut oil if you don’t want a coconutty flavor.
• Cardamom Freshness: Freshly ground cardamom is always best. The aroma is incredible! If you’re using pre-ground, make sure it’s relatively recent – it loses its potency over time.
• Regional Variations: Indian sweets vary so much from region to region! Some families like to add a tiny pinch of saffron for color and flavor. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. My grandmother always said a little love is the best ingredient, too!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. You want a clear syrup here.
2. Now, mix in the almond paste until it’s fully incorporated into the syrup. Stir well to make sure there are no lumps.
3. Add the almond flour and cook on low heat, stirring constantly. This is where your arm gets a workout! Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. It should form a soft dough.
4. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cardamom. Then, transfer the dough to a bowl. Add the ghee (or coconut oil) and knead with a silicone spatula for 3-5 minutes until everything is smooth and well combined.
5. Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Roll it out to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness. If you’re feeling fancy, gently press edible gold foil on top. Let it cool for about 20 minutes.
6. Once cooled, cut into diamond-shaped pieces using a greased pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Don’t walk away from the pan while the almond flour is cooking! It can burn quickly.
• Greasing your knife or pizza cutter makes cutting the sweets so much easier.
• If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the ghee for melted coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of sugar. It changes the flavor slightly, but it’s still delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your almond flour is certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cardamom to your liking. If you love a strong cardamom flavor, add a little more!
• Festival Adaptations: These sweets are perfect for Diwali or Holi! You can add a few chopped pistachios or cashews for extra festive flair.

Serving Suggestions

These almond flour sweets are lovely with a cup of chai, a glass of cold milk, or even just on their own. They’re also a beautiful addition to any Indian sweets platter.

Storage Instructions

Store the sweets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They might lose a little of their softness over time, but they’ll still taste amazing!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of almond flour works best for this recipe? Finely ground, blanched almond flour is the way to go! It gives the best texture and flavor.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
• What is the purpose of the edible gold foil? It’s purely for aesthetics! It adds a touch of elegance and makes the sweets look extra special.
• Can I substitute ghee with another fat? Yes, you can use refined coconut oil, or even unsalted butter if you’re not dairy-free.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level? Reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the texture of the sweet.