Barfi is a popular Indian sweet made primarily from milk solids (khoya) and sugar, often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts like pistachios or almonds. It’s a dense, fudge-like treat that’s usually cut into squares or diamonds and served during festivals and celebrations. There are many variations of Barfi, including those made with ingredients like coconut, cashews, or even chocolate, but the traditional version is simple and rich, making it a beloved sweet across India.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups khoya (milk solids)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Pan: Grease a square or rectangular pan with a little ghee and set it aside.
Cook the Khoya: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the khoya and cook, stirring constantly, until it softens and begins to melt. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Sugar and Milk: Once the khoya has melted, add the sugar and milk to the pan. Continue to cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens. This process will take about 10-15 minutes.
Flavor with Cardamom: Once the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan and comes together in a mass, add the cardamom powder and mix well.
Set the Barfi: Pour the mixture into the greased pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios or almonds on top and gently press them into the mixture.
Cool and Cut: Allow the Barfi to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cut it into squares or diamonds.
Serve: Barfi can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Serve it as a sweet treat during festivals or celebrations.
Nutritional Information (per piece, approx.):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Proteins: 3g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
