Barfi

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Barfi
Almond Khoa based burfi Mumbai India (cropped).jpg
Assortment of barfis
Alternative namesBurfi
Region or state Indian subcontinent
Main ingredients Khoa (condensed milk), sugar
VariationsNumerous

Barfi [a] or burfi is a milk-based sweet from the Indian subcontinent with a fudge-like consistency. It is consumed throughout India and Pakistan and is especially popular in North India. Barfi is often served at celebrations and religious festivals such as Diwali and Holi. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

History and etymology

Barfi originated in Persia and was introduced to India by the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. Its name comes from the Persian and Urdu word (barf) for snow. [1] [2] [4]

According to a story, kaju (cashew) barfi was first prepared by the Mughal emperor Jahangir's chef on the occasion of the release of the Sikh Guru Hargobind from prison. [5]

Preparation

To prepare barfi, khoa (condensed milk) and granulated sugar are mixed and cooked together. When the mixture thickens to a fudge-like consistency, it is spread onto a greased plate. 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 with vark (edible silver foil). It can also be decorated with coconut, ground nuts, or powdered milk. [1] [2] [3]

Varieties

Fruit, nuts, legumes, spices, and other flavorings may be added to the khoa-sugar mixture and yield different varieties of barfi. Commonly added fruits include guava and melon seeds. Typical nuts added include almonds, cashews, coconut, and pistachios. Mung beans are sometimes added and yield moong dal barfi. Common flavorings and spices include cardamom, kewra (fragrant screwpine), orange, mango, saffron, rosewater, and vanilla. Food colorings may also be added. [1] [2] [3]

Around the world

Barfi is also popular in Trinidad and Tobago, where it was brought by indentured workers in the mid-19th century. [6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Goldstein, Darra (2015). The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets. Oxford University Press. p. 49. ISBN   978-0-19-931362-4. Archived from the original on 2023-04-02. Retrieved 2023-04-02. 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.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Chu, Anita (2014). Field Guide to Candy: How to Identify and Make Virtually Every Candy Imaginable. Quirk Books. p. 299. ISBN   978-1-59474-810-3. Archived from the original on 2023-04-02. Retrieved 2023-04-02. Burfi means "snow" in Persian. This candy originated in Persia and was introduced to India during the Mughal dynasty in the 16th century.
  3. 1 2 3 Krondl, Michael (2011). Sweet Invention: A History of Dessert. Chicago Review Press. p. 37. ISBN   978-1-55652-954-2. Archived from the original on 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2023-04-04.
  4. ↑ "Gulab jamun to jalebi, 5 popular Indian sweets that have foreign roots". Hindustan Times. February 19, 2023. 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.
  5. ↑ "Barfi unwrapped: From Persia to Punjab, the journey and appeal of these diamond-shaped delights". The Indian Express. November 1, 2024.
  6. ↑ The Multi-Cultural Cuisine of Trinidad & Tobago. Naparima Girls' High School Cookbook. San Fernando: Naparima Girls' High School. 2002. p. 93. ISBN   976-8173-65-3.

Notes

  1. ↑ IAST: barfī [bəɾ.fiː] ; Hindi: बर्फ़ी, Urdu: برفی
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