Indulge in the irresistible sweetness and rich flavors of homemade Sweetmeats, a delightful confection bursting with nuts, dried fruits, and fragrant spices. This recipe combines toasted almonds, cashews, and golden raisins with the natural sweetness of dried apricots, all enveloped in a luscious rose water and cardamom-infused syrup. Topped with a delicate layer of desiccated coconut and optional pistachio garnish, these bite-sized treats are perfect for festive occasions or an everyday indulgence. With a quick 20-minute prep time and easy step-by-step directions, you'll love making (and savoring!) these chewy, nutty squares of perfection. Store them for up to a week to enjoy their balanced blend of textures and flavors whenever you please! Keywords: Sweetmeats recipe, homemade confections, nut and fruit sweets, rose water dessert, festive treats.
Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly with ghee or lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
Coarsely chop the almonds, cashews, and dried apricots. Keep them separate for later use.
In a large heavy-bottomed pan, add the ghee and let it melt over medium heat.
Add the chopped almonds and cashews to the pan. Toast them lightly for 2β3 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, and then let the mixture come to a boil to form a syrup. Reduce the heat to low and check the consistencyβit should reach a soft ball stage (around 240Β°F or 115Β°C on a candy thermometer) which can be tested by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball.
Once the syrup reaches the desired consistency, add the cardamom powder and rose water. Stir to combine.
Quickly add the toasted almonds, cashews, chopped apricots, and raisins to the syrup. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated with the syrup.
Turn off the heat and pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread it evenly to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Sprinkle the top with desiccated coconut, pressing gently so it adheres to the surface. Garnish with chopped pistachios, if desired.
Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. Once firm, cut into small, bite-sized squares or diamonds using a sharp knife.
Store the sweetmeats in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Calories |
3456 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 194.9 g | 250% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.1 g | 290% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 73 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 64 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 399.0 g | 145% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.1 g | 147% | |
| Total Sugars | 301.1 g | ||
| Protein | 60.4 g | 121% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 568 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 19.0 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 2609 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.