Shufta
A luxurious Kashmiri dessert featuring a medley of fried dry fruits and paneer, all simmered in a fragrant, spiced sugar syrup. This traditional delicacy is a true celebration of rich flavors and textures, perfect for festive occasions.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Fry the Core Ingredients
- b.Cut the paneer into small, 1/2-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- c.Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- d.Carefully add the paneer cubes and fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- e.In the same ghee, fry the almonds for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- f.Next, fry the walnuts and cashews together for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Remove and set aside.
- g.Finally, add the sliced coconut and chopped dates. Fry for just 30-40 seconds until the coconut is golden. Remove immediately to prevent burning and set aside with the other fried items.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Spiced Sugar Syrup
- b.In the same pan with the remaining flavorful ghee, add the sugar and water. Stir to combine.
- c.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- d.Reduce the heat to medium and let the syrup simmer for 5-7 minutes. It should thicken slightly and feel sticky to the touch (be careful as it's very hot). Avoid overcooking to a string consistency.
- e.Stir in the black pepper powder, dry ginger powder, cinnamon powder, green cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Mix well until all the spices are incorporated.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Finish the Shufta
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add all the fried paneer, nuts, coconut, and dates back into the pan with the syrup.
- c.Gently fold everything together, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the spiced syrup.
- d.Let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the nuts and paneer to absorb the flavors.
- e.Turn off the heat. The Shufta will appear syrupy but will thicken as it cools down.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Let the Shufta rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- c.Serve warm as a rich, festive dessert. A small portion is usually sufficient due to its richness.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Fry each type of nut separately as they have different cooking times. Cashews, for example, brown much faster than almonds.
- 2Keep the heat on medium-low while frying to prevent the nuts and paneer from burning.
- 3Do not overcook the sugar syrup. If it becomes too thick (one-string consistency or more), the Shufta will become hard and candy-like once cooled.
- 4For a deeper flavor, you can soak the saffron strands in 1 tablespoon of warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the syrup.
- 5Use high-quality, fresh ghee for the best authentic flavor and aroma.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Different Nuts/Fruits
Incorporate other dry fruits like dried apricots (khubani), pistachios, or dried figs (anjeer) for varied textures and flavors.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Replace paneer with firm tofu (pressed and cubed) and use coconut oil instead of ghee. The flavor profile will be different but still delicious.
Adjust SpicesAdjust Spices
You can adjust the amount of black pepper and ginger powder to make it more or less pungent according to your preference. A pinch of nutmeg can also be a nice addition.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Instant Energy Source
The combination of ghee, sugar, and dried fruits provides a quick and substantial energy boost, making it a traditional food for cold climates and festive occasions.
Rich in Healthy Fats and Protein
Nuts like almonds and walnuts provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while paneer is an excellent source of protein, contributing to satiety and muscle maintenance.
Warming Properties
The spices used, such as dry ginger (sonth), black pepper, and cinnamon, are known in Ayurveda for their warming properties, which can help improve circulation and digestion, especially in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Shufta is a traditional, rich dessert from Kashmiri cuisine. It's made by frying a variety of dry fruits, nuts, and paneer in ghee and then simmering them in a sweet, aromatic syrup spiced with ginger, pepper, and cinnamon.