Coconut barfi, also known as coconut fudge, is a delicious Indian sweet made primarily from grated coconut, sugar, and milk. Here’s a detailed recipe to make coconut barfi:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups freshly grated coconut (you can use desiccated coconut if fresh is not available)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- A handful of chopped nuts (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Grease a flat plate or tray with a little ghee and keep it aside.
- If you’re using fresh coconut, grate it finely. If using desiccated coconut, no need for further preparation.
- Cooking the Coconut Mixture:
- Heat a pan on medium heat and add the grated coconut to it.
- Dry roast the coconut for about 5-7 minutes until it turns slightly golden and releases a nutty aroma. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
- Once roasted, add the milk to the pan and mix well with the coconut.
- Now, add the sugar to the pan and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Continue cooking the mixture on low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add cardamom powder for flavor and mix well.
- Cooking Until Mixture Thickens:
- Keep cooking the mixture until it thickens. This may take around 15-20 minutes.
- You’ll notice the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan and comes together as a thick mass. At this point, reduce the heat to low.
- Adding Ghee:
- Add the ghee to the mixture and mix well. Ghee adds richness and enhances the flavor of the barfi.
- Stir continuously for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens further and starts leaving the sides of the pan again.
- Setting the Barfi:
- Once the mixture reaches a thick consistency and starts leaving the sides of the pan, turn off the heat.
- Transfer the hot mixture to the greased plate or tray. Use a spatula or back of a spoon to spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts (if using) on top of the mixture and gently press them into the surface.
- Allow the mixture to cool down for about 15-20 minutes.
- Cutting and Serving:
- Once the mixture has cooled down a bit but is still warm, use a sharp knife to cut it into desired shapes—usually squares or diamonds.
- Let the coconut barfi cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, carefully remove the pieces from the tray and store them in an airtight container.
Enjoy your homemade coconut barfi! It’s a delightful treat perfect for any occasion or as a sweet indulgence.
