Walnut Burfi Recipe (Akhrot Barfi)
Walnut Burfi, or Akhrot Barfi, is a delectable Indian dessert made with walnuts, ghee, sugar, and cardamom. This easy-to-make recipe offers a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture that is sure to impress your guests during festivals or special occasions. This version of Walnut Burfi does not require milk, making it both simple and vegan-friendly while retaining all the richness and flavor. Its natural sweetness, combined with the fragrance of cardamom, creates a delightful treat perfect for a festive gathering or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Walnuts | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3 pods, pounded |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings:
- Yields: 6 pieces
Cuisine:
- Indian
Course:
- Dessert
Diet:
- Vegetarian (Vegan-friendly as it does not require milk)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Walnut Paste
- Begin by cleaning the walnuts thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once clean, grind them into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder. To make the paste, add a little water along with the sugar and cardamom pods (pounded). The cardamom adds a fragrant, aromatic touch that complements the walnuts perfectly.
Step 2: Cooking the Walnut Mixture
- Heat a kadai (Indian wok) on medium heat and add half of the ghee. The ghee adds richness and flavor to the burfi, so it’s important to use good quality ghee.
- Once the ghee has melted and is hot, pour the walnut paste into the pan and begin stirring continuously. Stirring constantly helps to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking. The walnut paste will begin to thicken as it cooks.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
- As the mixture cooks, it will start to thicken into a dough-like consistency. Continue stirring and adding the remaining ghee little by little. This helps in achieving the right consistency and makes the burfi more smooth and glossy. The paste will eventually turn into a thick, brown dough that easily pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 4: Cooling the Mixture
- When the dough has thickened and no longer sticks to the sides of the pan, remove it from the heat. Transfer the mixture onto a plate or a flat surface. Allow it to cool down to room temperature. The cooling process allows the burfi to firm up, making it easier to cut into neat pieces.
Step 5: Shaping and Serving
- Once the burfi has cooled, cut it into your desired shapes—square, diamond, or rectangular pieces. The texture will be firm but slightly crumbly, perfect for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 6: Enjoy!
- Serve this delicious Walnut Burfi (Akhrot Barfi) as a sweet treat during festivals like Diwali or Holi, or on special occasions when you want to indulge your guests with a homemade, wholesome dessert. You can pair this burfi with other popular burfis like Sing Paak (Spiced Peanut Burfi) and Jwarichya Lahyancha Chivda (Sorghum Chivda) to create a colorful and tempting dessert spread.
Tips & Variations:
- Sweetness Level: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Cardamom: Freshly ground cardamom has the best aroma and flavor, but you can also use pre-ground cardamom if it’s more convenient.
- Other Nuts: If you want to experiment with different flavors, try adding a mix of other nuts like cashews or almonds to the walnut paste for a varied texture.
- Consistency Check: The burfi should be firm yet slightly soft. If the mixture becomes too hard, you can add a teaspoon or two of ghee to soften it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: All you need are four basic ingredients—walnuts, sugar, ghee, and cardamom—which makes this an easy and quick recipe to whip up.
- Rich and Nutty Flavor: Walnuts provide a wonderful, earthy flavor, while ghee adds a layer of richness that makes each bite indulgent.
- No Milk Required: This version of walnut burfi is dairy-free, making it a great choice for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
- Festive Appeal: Walnut Burfi is a traditional favorite during Indian festivals like Diwali, and its natural sweetness is sure to be a hit with people of all ages.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
Final Thoughts:
Walnut Burfi is a delightful treat that embodies the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, from family get-togethers to formal festive meals. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe proves that you don’t need to be a professional chef to make an exquisite, homemade Indian sweet. Enjoy the warm, nutty goodness of this walnut burfi and share the love with those around you!
