.jpg) Assortment of barfis | |
| Alternative names | Burfi |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Indian subcontinent |
| Main ingredients | Khoa,sugar |
| Variations | Numerous |
Barfi[a] orburfi is a milk-basedsweet from the Indian subcontinent with afudge-like consistency. It is consumed throughoutIndia andPakistan and is especially popular inNorth India. Barfi is often served at celebrations and religious festivals such asDiwali andHoli.[1][2][3]
Barfi originated inPersia and was introduced to India by theMughal Empire in the 16th century. Its name comes from thePersian andUrdu word (barf) for snow.[1][2][4]
According to a story, kaju (cashew) barfi was first prepared by the Mughal emperorJahangir's chef on the occasion of the release of theSikhGuru Hargobind from prison.[5]
To prepare barfi,khoa (milk solids) is mixed withgranulated sugar and cooked, until it thickens to a fudge-like consistency. It is then spread onto a greased plate to cool. After cooling, it is cut into squares, diamonds, or circles. It can also be formed into balls, layered, or rolled into multicolored slices. When served at special occasions, it is often decorated withvark (edible silver foil). It can also be decorated withcoconut, groundnuts, orpowdered milk.[1][2][3]
Fruit, nuts, legumes, spices, and other flavorings may be added to the khoa-sugar mixture and yield different varieties of barfi. Commonly added fruits includeguava andmelon seeds. Typical nuts added includealmonds,cashews, coconut, andpistachios.Mung beans are sometimes added and yield moong dal barfi. Common flavorings and spices includecardamom,kewra (fragrant screwpine),orange,mango,saffron,rosewater, andvanilla.Food colorings may also be added.[1][2][3]
Barfi is also popular inTrinidad and Tobago, where it was brought byindentured workers in the mid-19th century.[6]
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barfi (also spelled burfi), from the Persian and Urdu word for snow, is a sweet with a fudge-like consistency that is especially popular in northern India.
Burfi means "snow" in Persian. This candy originated in Persia and was introduced to India during the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century.
Barfi is a fudge-like sweet made from condensed milk, sugar, and flavourings such as cardamom or pistachios. It is believed to have originated in Persia and was introduced to India by the Mughals.
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