Learn to make Kashata Za Nazi, an East African delectable sweet barfi made with coloured coconut in hot sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time25 minutesmins
Cooling Time1 hourhr
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: East African
Servings: 9squares
Author: Famidha Ashraf
INGREDIENTS
For the sugar syrup
1cupwhite sugar
½cupwater
1green cardamom
¼teaspoonfood colouroptional
For the coconut mixture
1cupdesiccated coconut
⅓cuplukewarm water
¼teaspooncardamom powder
¼teaspoonrose wateroptional
a pinch of salt
For garnish
peanutsor cashews
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the sugar syrup
Heat water and sugar in a deep saucepan on a medium flame. You may add a green cardamom or add a pinch of cardamom powder. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring it.
1 cup white sugar, ½ cup water, 1 green cardamom
Let the sugar water boil until it forms a one-string syrup. You can test this by taking some in a teaspoon, touch it lightly with your index finger and then stretch the syrup between your thumb and your index finger. When you can see a string form that does not break easily, then the syrup is ready for the next step. If not, boil for another 2 to 3 minutes and test again.
Add the coconut mixture
Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix thoroughly the desiccated coconut, water, food colour (if using), cardamom powder or rose water (if using) and a pinch of salt until fluffy.
¼ teaspoon food colour, 1 cup desiccated coconut, ⅓ cup lukewarm water, ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder, ¼ teaspoon rose water, a pinch of salt
Add the coconut mixture to the sugar syrup and stir thoroughly for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the mixture comes together and away from the sides. You will also notice there is no runny syrup.
Shape the kashata
Switch off and transfer the content to one of the method:
Method 1 – Transfer onto a baking paper and place another piece of baking paper over the mixture. With a rolling pin, roll the Kashata lightly to even thickness of at least ¼ to ½ inch.
Method 2 – You may grease and line a 6x6 square tin with parchment paper making sure to have an overhang.
Method 3 – Grease a tray with coconut oil and spread the mixture evenly.
Spread the coconut mixture evenly and score using a knife to square or diamond shapes. Garnish each square with peanuts or cashews. The squares will harden while it cools.
peanuts
Let it cool down and dry completely before you can remove and break along the scores.
Enjoy Kashata za nazi as a sweet snack or dessert. Store in airtight container on counter or refrigerator.