
Vegan Masala Recipe
Vegan Badam Katli (Almond Barfi)
Vegan Badam Katli is a traditional Indian almond sweet made with finely ground almond flour, offering a delightful texture and nutty aroma. The infusion of cardamom, saffron, and rose water creates a fragrant treat that's perfect for sharing at family gatherings.
From the kitchen
What to expect
This Vegan Badam Katli is a labor of love, blending rich almond flavor with delicate spices. It's a cherished treat, showcasing simple ingredients with vibrant results.
Serving idea
Best served simply
Serve these sweet bites alongside a cup of chai or as part of a festive dessert platter.
Cook the recipe
Method
- 1
In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine 1¼ cups sugar, ½ cup water, and 1 tsp rose water if using. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is clear.
- 2
Once the sugar has melted, add ½ tsp saffron and 1 tsp ground cardamom, stirring well. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring frequently, for about five minutes until thickened.
- 3
To check for 'one-string' consistency, take a little syrup on a ladle, let it cool briefly, and then dip your forefinger into it. Press your finger and thumb together; it should form a single string when pulled apart.
- 4
Once at one-string consistency, quickly stir in 2 cups of almond flour and 1 tsp cornstarch until fully incorporated. The mixture will thicken rapidly—stir energetically for a couple of minutes until it resembles a thick, dough-like consistency.
- 5
Add 1 tsp pure vanilla extract and 1 tbsp of avocado oil, mixing thoroughly until the dough pulls away from the pot's bottom and feels pliable without being sticky.
- 6
Transfer the hot dough to a lightly oiled surface. After a few minutes, when it's cool enough to handle, oil your hands and knead it into a smooth ball, working quickly to prevent hardening.
- 7
On a piece of parchment paper, roll the dough into a square approximately ¼ inch thick, or slightly thinner if desired. Let it cool for about 30 minutes.
- 8
Once cooled, slice into diamond shapes using a knife or pizza cutter, ensuring clean cuts for an attractive presentation.
Gather everything first
Ingredients
- •1¼ cups sugar
- •½ cup water
- •1 tsp rose water (optional)
- •½ tsp saffron (optional)
- •1 tsp ground cardamom
- •2 cups blanched almond flour
- •1 tsp cornstarch
- •1 tbsp avocado oil (plus more for oiling your hands)
- •1 tsp pure vanilla extract
A few useful notes
Notes
- •Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The katli's texture remains delightfully chewy.
- •For a softer texture, knead the dough briefly after it cools down. If the katli feels too firm after cooling, you can try warming it slightly in a microwave to regain pliability before cutting.
Learn the technique

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