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How To make Nachni Barfi? | Instant Nachni Barfi Recipe
Nachni Barfi, also known as Finger Millet Barfi or Ragi Barfi, is a popular Indian sweet made with finger millet flour, condensed milk, and a variety of nuts. It is not only a delectable dessert but also a nutritious treat due to the high fiber, calcium, and iron content in finger millet. In this recipe, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making delicious Nachni Barfi at home.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Nachni Barfi at home:
Ingredients
- 1 cup finger millet flour (nachni/ragi)
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust as per your taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- Ghee or butter for greasing
Instructions:
- Dry Roasting Finger Millet Flour:
- Heat a non-stick pan on low heat and add the finger millet flour.
- Dry roast the flour for about 8-10 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- The flour will turn slightly aromatic and change color to a light brown. Remove it from heat and set aside.
- Preparing the Nut Mixture:
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee.
- Add chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios to the pan and roast them on low heat until they turn golden brown.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preparing the Barfi Mixture:
- In a deep-bottomed pan, heat the remaining ghee on medium heat.
- Add the roasted finger millet flour and mix well with the ghee.
- Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Adding Sweetness:
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the condensed milk, stirring continuously to combine it well with the flour.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Cooking the Barfi Mixture:
- Continue cooking the mixture on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
- The mixture will thicken and start leaving the sides of the pan. It should have a dough-like consistency.
- Adding Nut Mixture and Saffron:
- Add the roasted nuts (keep a few for garnishing) and saffron strands to the barfi mixture.
- Mix well to distribute the nuts evenly throughout the mixture.
- Shaping the Barfi:
- Grease a rectangular or square tray with ghee or butter.
- Pour the prepared barfi mixture into the tray and spread it evenly, using a greased spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Garnish the top with the reserved chopped nuts and press them lightly into the mixture.
Setting the Barfi:
- Allow the Nachni Barfi to cool down at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, refrigerate it for another 2-3 hours or until it becomes firm.
Cutting and Serving:
- Remove the tray from the refrigerator and cut the barfi into square or diamond-shaped pieces using a sharp knife.
- Serve the delicious Nachni Barfi as a dessert or a snack. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips and Variations:
- You can add other nuts like walnuts or raisins to the nut mixture for added flavor and texture.
- For a richer taste, you can replace the condensed milk with khoya (milk solids) by cooking it with finger millet flour and ghee until it thickens.
- To enhance the aroma, you can add a few drops of rose water or kewra essence to the barfi mixture.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the quantity of sugar according to your preference.
Tips
- It is important to squeeze out any excess water from the grated bottle gourd, otherwise, the barfi will not set properly.
- If you do not have gulkand, you can substitute it with rose syrup.
- Make sure to cook the mixture on low to medium flame and stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- You can use any type of nuts you like, such as cashews or walnuts.
- Let the barfi cool down completely before cutting it, otherwise, it will break apart.
conclusion
Lauki Gulkand Barfi is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a festive celebration, or just a treat for yourself. It is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional Indian sweets and is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.