Craving something sweet but also want to sneak in some veggies? Look no further than this delicious Carrot Besan Barfi! It’s a delightful Indian sweet made with grated carrots, gram flour (besan), and a touch of cardamom. Perfect for festivals, celebrations, or just a little indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy-ish: Packed with the goodness of carrots!
- Flavorful: The nutty aroma of roasted besan combined with the sweetness of carrots and a hint of cardamom is simply divine.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
- Versatile: You can adjust the sweetness and add your favorite dry fruits.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 4 tbsp ghee
- 2-3 tbsp mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios), chopped.
Instructions:
- Prep the Carrots: Wash, peel, and finely grate the carrots. The finer the grate, the smoother the barfi will be.
- Roast the Besan: Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the besan and roast it on low heat until it turns a beautiful golden color and releases a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and don’t rush this step – it’s crucial for the flavor. Set the roasted besan aside.
- Cook the Carrots: In the same pan, add the remaining ghee. Add the grated carrots and sauté for 5-6 minutes on medium heat until they soften slightly and become fragrant.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk and cook the mixture until the carrots are tender and the milk is mostly absorbed. This will create a creamy base for the barfi.
- Sweeten and Thicken: Add the sugar and cook until it dissolves completely. Then, gradually add the roasted besan, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. This is important for a smooth texture.
- Flavor and Finish: Mix in the cardamom powder and half of the chopped dry fruits. Cook the mixture, stirring regularly, until it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This indicates that the barfi is almost ready.
- Set the Barfi: Grease a plate or tray with ghee. Transfer the mixture onto the plate and spread it evenly to your desired thickness. Sprinkle the remaining dry fruits on top and gently press them in.
- Cool and Cut: Let the barfi cool completely at room temperature, or if you’re impatient, you can chill it in the refrigerator. Once it’s set, cut it into squares or diamond shapes.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use full-fat milk.
- Add a touch of saffron: A few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk can add a beautiful color and aroma.
- Experiment with nuts: Feel free to use your favorite dry fruits.
- Storage: Store the barfi in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy your homemade Carrot Besan Barfi!
Let me know in the comments below how your barfi turned out! I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family.
