A rich, aromatic confection made from sugar, cornstarch, ghee, and cardamom, cooked until firm and cut into jewel-like squares.
Ingredients
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2 cups sugar
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1 cup cornstarch
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1 cup ghee
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3 cups water
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1 tsp cardamom powder
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1/2 tsp nutmeg
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1/4 cup crushed peanuts or sesame seeds
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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1
Dissolve sugar in two cups of water over medium heat, stirring until completely clear and syrupy.
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2
In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch into one cup of cold water until smooth with no lumps.
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3
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the sugar syrup, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
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4
Add ghee one tablespoon at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated.
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5
Continue cooking and stirring for thirty to forty minutes until the mixture pulls away from the pot sides.
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6
Stir in cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla, pour into a greased tray, top with crushed nuts, cool, and cut into squares.
Did You Know?
Making xalwo is considered a test of patience and skill in Somali culture; a bride who can make perfect xalwo earns great respect.