Besan Burfi
Besan Burfi Recipe from Nepal and Pakistan with Shortening, Sugar, Cardamom, and Nuts
Introduction
Besan Burfi is a traditional Indian sweet, cherished across the country for its delightful taste and texture. Made with simple ingredients like besan (gram flour), sugar, and ghee, this dessert is a staple during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions. Its rich, nutty flavor, combined with the aromatic hint of cardamom, makes it a favorite among all age groups.
History
The origin of Besan Burfi can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where it has been a part of the culinary landscape for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the royal kitchens of the Mughal era, where chefs experimented with gram flour to create a variety of sweets. Over time, the recipe spread across the region, with each community adding its own twist to the traditional recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of besan
- 1 cup of shortening
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 seeds of cardamom
- nuts
How to prepare
- Melt the shortening in a pan. Reduce the heat and add the cardamom and Besan. Fry, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it turns brown in color and has a cooked aroma. (Test: Sprinkle a few drops of water on it, and if it sputters instantly, it is done).
- Turn off the heat and stir in the sugar. Spread the mixture onto a platter, making it 0.5" thick. Allow it to cool down, then cut it into diamond shapes. It can also be served as a cake.
Variations
- 1. Chocolate Besan Burfi: Add cocoa powder to the besan mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- 2. Coconut Besan Burfi: Mix grated coconut into the besan mixture for added flavor and texture.
- 3. Vegan Besan Burfi: Use vegan shortening or coconut oil instead of ghee for a vegan version.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
1. Roasting the besan properly is key to achieving the perfect flavor and texture. It should be done on low heat to avoid burning.
2. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the burfi.
3. To test if the besan is cooked, sprinkle a few drops of water on it. If it sizzles, it's done.
4. Grease the platter before spreading the mixture to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Besan Burfi can be served as a dessert after meals or as a snack with tea or coffee. It can also be offered to guests during festivals and celebrations.
Cooking Techniques
The key technique in making Besan Burfi is the slow roasting of besan to ensure it's fully cooked without burning. This requires constant stirring and patience.
Ingredient Substitutions
1. Ghee can be substituted with clarified butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
2. Sugar can be replaced with jaggery or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
Make Ahead Tips
Besan Burfi can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Presentation Ideas
1. Garnish the Besan Burfi with sliced almonds or pistachios for an elegant touch. 2. Use cookie cutters to cut the burfi into various shapes for a festive look.
Pairing Recommendations
Besan Burfi pairs well with savory snacks like samosas or kachoris. For drinks, it goes well with masala chai or coffee.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Besan Burfi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator. There's no need to reheat, but if desired, a few seconds in the microwave can soften it.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A single serving of Besan Burfi contains approximately 200 calories. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates and fats.
Carbohydrates
A single serving of Besan Burfi contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from sugar and besan. This provides a quick source of energy, making it a great snack option.
Fats
Besan Burfi is rich in fats due to the use of shortening or ghee, with a single serving containing about 10 grams of fat. These fats are a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats, contributing to the dessert's rich taste and texture.
Proteins
Gram flour, the main ingredient in Besan Burfi, is a good source of plant-based protein. Each serving of Besan Burfi contains approximately 5 grams of protein, making it a nutritious snack option.
Vitamins and minerals
Besan is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. These contribute to the overall nutritional profile of Besan Burfi, making it more than just a sweet treat.
Alergens
Besan Burfi contains allergens such as nuts and gluten (for those who are sensitive to gram flour). It's important for individuals with food allergies to be aware of these ingredients.
Summary
Overall, Besan Burfi is a rich source of energy, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, due to its high sugar and fat content, it should be consumed in moderation.
Summary
Besan Burfi is a classic Indian sweet that combines the nuttiness of gram flour with the sweetness of sugar, enriched with the aroma of cardamom. While it's rich in calories and fats, it also offers nutritional benefits like proteins and essential minerals. With various serving suggestions and the possibility of recipe variations, Besan Burfi remains a versatile and beloved dessert in Indian cuisine.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Besan Burfi. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her culinary skills, had invited her friends over for a cooking session. I remember being fascinated by the way she effortlessly mixed spices and ingredients to create delicious dishes.
On that particular day, one of her friends shared the recipe for Besan Burfi. I watched intently as they roasted the gram flour, or besan, in ghee until it turned a golden brown color. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the sweet treat.
As they added sugar and cardamom powder to the roasted besan, I could see the mixture starting to thicken. They poured it into a greased pan and let it cool before cutting it into squares. The Besan Burfi looked so delectable, with its golden color and sweet fragrance. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.
Over the years, I have perfected the recipe for Besan Burfi, adding my own twist to it. I have made it for countless family gatherings and festive occasions, and it has always been a hit. The secret, I believe, lies in the quality of the ingredients and the love and care that goes into making it.
I learned early on that cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about understanding the flavors and textures of each ingredient. It is about using all your senses – tasting, smelling, and feeling – to create a dish that not only tastes good but also warms the heart.
One of the things I love most about making Besan Burfi is the way it brings people together. Whenever I make a batch, my grandchildren come running to the kitchen, eager to help me stir the mixture or lick the spoon. It is a tradition that has been passed down through generations, and I hope to continue it for many years to come.
I have shared the recipe for Besan Burfi with many friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its delicious taste. It brings me joy to see others enjoying something that I have made with my own hands, using a recipe that has been in my family for generations.
As I grow older, I cherish the memories of learning to make Besan Burfi with my grandmother and her friends. It was a simple yet profound experience that taught me the importance of tradition, patience, and love in cooking. I hope that one day, my grandchildren will carry on this tradition and pass it down to their own children.
In the meantime, I will continue to make Besan Burfi for my family and friends, sharing the recipe and the love that goes into every batch. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the opportunity to keep the tradition alive for future generations to enjoy.
Categories
| Cardamom Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Nepalese Recipes | Nepali Desserts | Nepali Recipes | Pakistani Desserts | Pakistani Recipes |