When you think of Hyderabad, biryani, haleem and kebabs may be the first things that come to mind. But the city’s culinary treasures go far beyond its famous savoury dishes. Tucked away in the old city is a lesser-known sweet that has been quietly winning hearts for generations. We are talking about Badam ki Jali, a delicate, baked almond sweet known for its intricate lattice-like patterns and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Meet Badam Ki Jali, Hyderabad’s Intricate Almond Sweet
While it is often associated with Hyderabad, the story of Badam ki Jali actually begins elsewhere. According to accounts from families who have preserved the recipe for almost 200 years now, the sweet came to Hyderabad from the Nawayat community of old Madras and the Arcot region through marriages. The recipe eventually became part of Hyderabad’s culinary traditions and found a special place at weddings and other celebrations.
The name itself gives away its most distinctive feature. While badam means almond, the ‘jali’ here refers to a net or lattice like design of the sweet. The delicacy gets its name from the intricate, perforated patterns created on its surface using traditional moulds. These patterns can take the shape of flowers, stars, leaves and other intricate designs, making the sweet look almost too pretty to eat.
And no, the design is not simply added on top. The dough itself is shaped using moulds to create that characteristic lace-like appearance before it is baked.
There is something particularly special about the way Badam ki Jali is connected to Hyderabad’s food culture. It was traditionally prepared for weddings, festivals and other special occasions, rather than being an everyday mithai. For generations, recipes were passed down within families, with women playing an important role in preserving the tradition.
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What Goes Into This Delectable Dish?
At its heart, Badam ki Jali is a fairly simple sweet. Ground almonds and sugar form the basic ingredients, while some versions also use cashews. Recipes vary between families, and many of them remain closely guarded secrets passed down through generations.
Some traditional versions have also used ingredients such as egg white, milk and rose water, although recipes differ and not every family follows the same method.
The almond mixture is turned into a dough, rolled out and then carefully shaped using moulds. Unlike soft mithais such as kaju katli, Badam ki Jali is baked, giving it its signature delicate crispness.
If you are expecting the soft, fudgy texture of a typical Indian mithai, Badam ki Jali might surprise you.
It has a delicate, crisp and slightly crumbly texture, with the rich nuttiness of almonds coming through in every bite. The sweetness is balanced by the natural flavour of the nuts, giving it a more subtle taste than many syrupy Indian desserts. Some versions may also include cashews, adding another layer of nuttiness.
It is often compared to a cookie because of its baked texture, although its almond-rich flavour and intricate shapes make it quite different from your everyday biscuit.
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So, the next time you find yourself exploring the city’s Old City lanes, make some room for this beautiful little sweet. After all, Hyderabad has plenty more to offer beyond biryani.
Cover Image Courtesy: Just Dial
FAQs
What is Badam Ki Jali?
Badam Ki Jali is a traditional Hyderabadi sweet made primarily with ground almonds and sugar. It is known for its delicate, intricate lattice-like designs and slightly crisp, crumbly texture.
What are the main ingredients in Badam Ki Jali?
The sweet is primarily made with ground almonds and sugar. Depending on the recipe, ingredients such as cashews, egg white, milk or rose water may also be used.
Is Badam Ki Jali the same as Badam Katli?
No. While both can contain almonds and sugar, they differ in preparation and texture. Badam Ki Jali is typically baked and is known for its intricate designs and delicate crunch.
