Carrot Barfi
Carrot barfi (Gajar ki Barfi, गाजर की बर्फ़ी) is a traditional Indian dessert, especially popular in North India during the winter season and festivals like Diwali and Holi. This sweet dish, reminiscent of halwa, is made from fresh carrots, milk, sugar, spices, and often enhanced with nuts or coconut flakes. The barfi is sweet, with a rich carrot aroma, subtle notes of cardamom, and a nutty texture. It is served as a dessert, a snack with tea or coffee, or gifted during festivals in beautifully decorated boxes. Its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture makes it a beloved treat that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
I came across recipes for carrot barfi from Indian cooks multiple times and decided to make it myself. This dessert turns out especially delicious as the carrots are cooked down to a dense, slightly caramelized consistency.
Ingredients
Preparation Method
1. Wash, peel, and finely grate the carrots (or cut into 2 cm pieces and blend for a smoother texture).
2. Heat 3 tbsp of ghee in a large pan, add the carrots, and mix well. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the carrots soften and darken in color.
3. Add sugar and mix thoroughly. Cook covered for 5-7 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves. Then pour in the milk, stir, and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk completely evaporates (about 20-30 minutes).
4. Add the milk powder and coconut flakes mixture, stirring thoroughly. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until the mixture reaches an elastic consistency and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. Add ground cardamom and mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish greased with ghee, spread evenly, and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios for garnish. Let it cool in a cool place for at least an hour (or in the refrigerator for better setting).
6. Once fully cooled, carefully cut the mixture into squares or diamonds. Carrot barfi is ready!
