Grind the cashews into a fine powder in ½ cup increments. For best results use a spice grinder. If you don't own one, you can use a food processor but make sure to run the cashew powder through a sieve. It is important for a smooth texture.
Add milk powder to the cashew flour and mix well.
Boil sugar and water together in a non-stick pan till you get a sugar syrup with one-string consistency. To test one string consistency, place a droplet of sugar syrup on your thumb and press your index finger on it and then pull them apart - a string of sugar syrup should connect the two.
Reduce the flame to low. Add the cashew + milk powder mixture to the sugar syrup.
Add 2 teaspoons of ghee along with cardamom powder. Continue to cook until the cashew mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan.
Take a small amount of cashew mixture and try to roll it into a ball. If it does not stick to your fingers, the mixture is cooked. Turn off heat.
Grease a silicone mat or parchment paper with ghee. Transfer the mixture onto the mat. Allow it cool for 3-4 minutes till it is cool enough to handle.
Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes till it is soft and pliable.
Cover the dough with parchment paper.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to your designed thickness ( I prefer 1/2 inches thick at least).
Cover it with parchment paper and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes.
If you are using silver leaf, delicately place it on the rolled cashew dough.
To get the diamond shape, first, cut it vertically and then cut in a diagonal fashion. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for best results.
The barfi will harden in a few hours and will be perfectly soft and fudgy.
Store it in the refrigerator for about 7-10 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Milk Powder – The milk powder must be fine to get a smooth texture. For the ones living in the US, do NOT get the store brand. Buy Bob’s Red Mill Milk Powder. They are far superior in taste and have the fine texture that is required for this recipe. An alternative would be this Nestle Brand which is what I used.