Barfi Recipe

Note

This recipe is courtesy of Jenna G The Hijabi. Visit website for the original and further culinary delights.

Please handle all ingredients and cooking equipment with care, and ensure seafood is fresh and well-cleaned. Island Staycation assume no liability for the preparation and consumption of this dish. Enjoy responsibly!

This dish is popular in Trinidad and Tobago

Recipe Background

This Barfi recipe captures the essence of this beloved traditional Indian sweet, a highlight during festivals like Divali (Diwali) and Eid. This Barfi recipe ensures you can savor one of the first treats from a ‘sweets bag’ during these celebrations. With key spices like cardamom (elychee), ginger, and nutmeg, this Barfi recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that cater to various taste preferences.

Quick Recipe Info

Yield: 1 14″ x 11″ tray (approximately 48 pieces)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Serving: 48 pieces
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

This recipe offers a delightful balance of creamy sweetness and aromatic spices. The texture can be adjusted to your preference, whether you like your Barfi soft or firm. It’s an excellent sweet treat for any festive occasion or as a dessert.

Cooking Pro Tips

Achieving the right consistency of the sugar syrup is crucial. It should be removed from heat just before it reaches a thread-like stage.
If unsure about the sugar syrup, prepare extra and add gradually to the milk mixture.
Using a food processor for the milk mixture significantly speeds up the process and ensures a fine, sand-like texture.

Ingredients:

800g full cream powdered milk (approx. 6 cups)
1 tin Nestle cream (300g)
2 tsp ground cardamom (elychee)
1 tsp ground ginger
2-3 cups granulated sugar
1 – 1 1/2 cup water
Candy sprinkles

Milk Barfi Recipe — Image Courtesy Times Food

Method:

Prepare Milk Mixture:
- Begin by adding 800g of full cream powdered milk and a tin of Nestle cream (300g) to a large bowl.
- Use your hands to mix these ingredients together until the mixture becomes grainy. This is an important step as it helps create the right texture for the Barfi.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together.
Process Milk Mixture:
- Transfer the milk mixture to a food processor.
- Pulse the mixture until there are no more chunks, and it attains a very fine consistency, almost like sand. This texture is crucial for the final mouthfeel of the Barfi.
- Once processed, empty the mixture back into a bowl and set aside.
Make Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, combine 1 to 1.5 cups of water with 2 to 3 cups of granulated sugar, depending on your sweetness preference.
- Add 1 tsp of ground ginger and 2 tsp of ground cardamom (elychee) to the pan.
- Bring this mixture to a boil. Keep a close eye on the syrup, as achieving the right consistency is crucial and it should take around 8 minutes. You want to remove it from the heat just before it starts to form a thread. This is the most challenging part of the recipe, but it’s vital for the right consistency of Barfi.
Combine Syrup with Milk Mixture:
- Gradually add the hot sugar syrup to the prepared milk mixture.
- Using a spoon, mix well until the syrup is fully incorporated. Be careful during this step, as the sugar mixture will be very hot and can cause burns.
Setting the Barfi:
- Grease a 14″ x 11″ tray with a little ghee or butter.
- Carefully pour the mixture into the tray.
- Use your hands or a flat spatula to press down the mixture evenly across the tray.
- Sprinkle candy sprinkles over the top for a festive look.
Cutting and Cooling:
- Before the mixture cools completely, cut it into squares. This makes it easier to get clean cuts, as the Barfi will harden as it cools.
- Allow the Barfi to cool and set properly at room temperature. This may take a few hours.
Enjoy Your Barfi:
- Once the Barfi has cooled and set, it’s ready to be enjoyed. Serve it as a dessert or as a part of a festive sweet platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

While full-cream milk powder is recommended for the traditional rich texture and flavor, low-fat milk powder can be used as a healthier alternative. However, note that this may alter the texture and richness of the final product.

The right consistency of the sugar syrup is key to perfect Barfi. It should be removed from heat just before it reaches a thread-like stage, typically after boiling for about 8 minutes. A good test is to drop a little syrup into cold water; it should form a soft ball.

Absolutely! You can experiment with adding various flavors like rose water, saffron, or different types of nuts. Just be mindful of the quantities so as not to overpower the base flavors of milk and sugar.

The texture of Barfi largely depends on the sugar syrup consistency. If it’s too hard, the syrup may have been overcooked. If it’s too soft, the syrup may not have been cooked long enough. The amount of time the mixture is cooked after combining with the syrup also affects the texture.

Barfi can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or refrigerated for up to two weeks. Avoid storing it in a humid environment as it may become sticky.

Yes, vegan Barfi can be made by substituting dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like almond milk powder and coconut cream. However, this will change the flavor and texture, so some experimentation might be needed to get it right.

Final Thoughts

As you embark on making this delightful Barfi, remember that the joy of cooking lies in both the process and the final product. Each step, from mixing the milk powder to mastering the sugar syrup, is an opportunity to infuse love and care into your creation. This Barfi recipe not only offers a taste of traditional Indian cuisine but also allows room for your personal touch, whether it’s through the spices you choose or the way you garnish.

When serving, present your Barfi on a colorful platter, perhaps alongside other sweets or with a hot cup of chai, to truly celebrate its cultural richness. This sweet treat is not just about satisfying a craving, but also about sharing a piece of heritage and creating moments of joy with friends and family.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the wonderful journey of making and sharing your Barfi!