Creamy Milk Barfi

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Barfi is a popular Indian sweet, often served during festivals and special occasions. It has a dense yet soft texture and is typically cut into squares or diamonds. Its taste resembles milky toffee but is less sticky and more crumbly. It is usually garnished with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds.

This recipe, based on milk powder, is a simple and quick way to make delicious barfi at home.

Ingredients

• 300 g milk powder (full-fat, high quality)
• 120 g ghee (melted)
• 300 g sugar
• 100 ml water
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp rose water (or 5-6 drops rose essence)
• 2 tbsp chopped almonds (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp chopped pistachios (for garnish)
• Pinch of food coloring (optional, preferably natural)

Recipe

1. In a bowl, mix milk powder and melted ghee until smooth and free of lumps.

2. Optionally, add a pinch of food coloring and mix thoroughly.

3. Prepare the syrup: in a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and 1/4 tsp ground cardamom. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until it reaches the "soft ball" stage (syrup temperature around 112-115°C).

4. Remove the syrup from heat, add rose water or essence, and stir. Transfer the syrup to a deep skillet.

5. Add the milk powder and ghee mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides. Add the remaining 1/4 tsp cardamom and mix well.

6. Transfer the mixture to a tray lined with parchment paper and greased with ghee. Smooth the surface, sprinkle with chopped almonds and pistachios, and press lightly.

7. Let the barfi set in a cool place for 3-4 hours or overnight. Once set, remove from the tray and cut into squares or diamonds.

Barfi is ready! Serve with tea or as a festive dessert.