Nashasta
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A soft, set sweet made from wheat starch, sugar and ghee, a festive speciality of Kangra.
Region: Kangra, Himachal PradeshOccasion: Festivals, weddings and family celebrationsTime: 1 hr + 2–3 days soaking the wheatServes: 6Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat grains
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tbsp ghee
- 4 green cardamoms, powdered
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds and cashews
- Water as needed
Method
- Soak the wheat in water for 2–3 days, changing the water daily.
- Grind the soaked wheat with water and strain through a fine cloth. Let the starchy liquid settle and pour off the clear water on top.
- Mix the settled starch with 3 cups of water and the sugar in a heavy pan.
- Cook on low heat, stirring all the time, until it thickens and turns glossy.
- Add ghee a spoon at a time, then the cardamom and nuts, and keep stirring until it leaves the sides of the pan.
- Pour into a greased tray, let it set and cut into pieces.
History
Nashasta is an old Kangra sweet; its name comes from the Persian word for starch.
Significance
Making nashasta takes days and patience, so it is kept for special occasions and gifts to relatives.