If made in the traditional way, kalakand is a very time consuming and intricate mithai to make. Mostly made on Janmashtami, Durga puja, Raksha Bandhan, Diwali and some more festive occasions in India.

Ingredients
Milk 2 litres, Alum crushed 1/4 teaspoon, Sugar 4 tablespoons, Ghee 1/2 tablespoon.

For Decoration
Pistachios thinly sliced 15-20, Silver warq.

How to make
Boil the milk in a large, thick-bottomed kadai till it thickens slightly. Add the alum (phitkari) to the thickened milk and stir continuously till the milk becomes grainy.

Cook till most of the moisture evaporates and a solid mass remains. Add the sugar and mix well. Cook for five or ten minutes longer till the mixture thickens again. Grease an aluminium tray with ghee.

Pour the milk mixture into the tray and level the surface. Sprinkle the sliced pistachios on top. Leave to set for a few hours in a cool, dry place.

When completely set, decorate with silver varq and cut into squares or diamonds.

Preparation Time : 11-15 minutes
Cooking time : 41-50 minutes

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