Barfi is a traditional Indian dessert made from milk, khoya (mawa), sugar, and various nuts. The name “barfi” is derived from the snow-white or light-colored appearance of this dessert. Barfi is frozen solid and served cut into square or diamond shapes. It can be made with various flavors and ingredients such as coconut, pistachio, almond, chocolate, and cashews, which make it even more delicious.
Ingredients:-
Khoya (mawa): 500 grams
Sugar: 200 grams (or according to taste)
Water: 1/4 cup
Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Cashews, almonds, pistachios: for garnishing (chopped)
Ghee: 1 teaspoon (for greasing the pan)
Step 1: Prepare the khoya
Choice of khoya: You can use homemade or market-bought khoya. Place it in a pan over medium flame.
Fry the khoya: Fry the khoya on low flame until it turns light golden in colour and starts emitting aroma. This process will take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring it continuously so that it does not stick to the bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the syrup
Sugar syrup: Make the syrup by mixing sugar and water in a small pan. Cook it over medium flame. When the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup reaches a single string consistency, turn off the gas.
Identify one string syrup: The syrup should form a thin string when pulled between your finger and thumb. This is essential for the perfect sweetness and texture of the barfi.
Step 3: Mix Khoya and syrup
Add syrup to khoya: Now add the syrup to the roasted khoya and keep stirring continuously. Mix it and cook on low flame so that the mixture thickens.
Add cardamom powder: Now add cardamom powder to it and mix well. It will add flavour and aroma to the barfi.
Step 4: Set it
Grease the pan with ghee: Take a square or rectangular thali or tawa and grease it with a little ghee.
Pour the mixture: Pour the prepared khoya-syrup mixture into the pan and spread it evenly. Press it lightly with a spoon or rolling pin to make it smooth.
Garnish with nuts: Now garnish the barfi with chopped cashews, almonds and pistachios and press them lightly so that they stick to the mixture.
Step 5: Cut and serve the barfi
Let it cool: Let the barfi set for 1-2 hours. When it cools down and hardens, cut it into desired shapes.
Serve: Now your khoya barfi is ready. Serve it or store it in an airtight container for a few days.
