Rakshabandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, a time filled with love, laughter, and joy. One of the highlights of this special day is the exchange of sweets, which adds extra sweetness to the festivities. While there are numerous traditional sweets that grace the occasion, Kesar Barfi (Saffron Barfi) stands out as a luxurious and aromatic choice, perfect for making your Rakshabandhan celebrations even more special.
Kesar Barfi is a rich and fragrant Indian sweet made with condensed milk, saffron (kesar), sugar, and cardamom. It has a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a vibrant golden hue, which is both visually appealing and delightful to the taste buds. Whether you’re preparing it for your sibling or sharing it with loved ones, Kesar Barfi is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup full cream milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 cup milk powder
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 2 tablespoons warm milk (for saffron)
- Chopped pistachios or almonds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Saffron: Begin by soaking the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk. Let it steep for a few minutes so that the color and aroma of the saffron infuse into the milk. This will give your Kesar Barfi that rich golden color and unique fragrance.
- Cook the Milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the full cream milk and sugar. Place the pan over medium heat and allow the milk to come to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from burning at the bottom.
- Add the Milk Powder and Condensed Milk: Once the milk starts boiling, add the milk powder and condensed milk. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let the mixture cook on low heat. This will allow the mixture to thicken and begin to come together.
- Add the Saffron Milk: Now, add the saffron-infused milk to the mixture, along with cardamom powder. Stir continuously so that the saffron flavor is evenly distributed throughout the barfi mixture.
- Cook the Mixture: Continue to cook the mixture on low heat, stirring frequently. Add the ghee and mix it in well. As the mixture cooks, it will begin to thicken further, and you will notice it starting to pull away from the sides of the pan. This is a sign that it’s ready for the next step.
- Set the Barfi: Once the mixture has thickened enough to hold its shape, transfer it to a greased plate or a baking tray. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and press it down gently to smooth the surface.
- Garnish and Cool: Garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds for a festive touch. Allow the Kesar Barfi to cool and set at room temperature for about an hour. Once it’s firm, cut it into squares or diamond-shaped pieces.
- Serve: Your Kesar Barfi is ready to be served! The rich taste of saffron, combined with the creamy texture, will make each bite an absolute treat.
Tips for Perfect Kesar Barfi:
- Be patient while cooking the mixture. It’s important to cook it on low heat to ensure that it thickens properly and doesn’t burn.
- If you prefer a firmer barfi, cook the mixture for a bit longer, until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
- You can also add a few drops of rose water or kewra water to give the barfi an extra layer of fragrance and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Rakshabandhan, treat your sibling or loved ones to the delicate and aromatic Kesar Barfi. With its golden color, rich flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s bound to be the star of your celebrations. Whether you’re tying the rakhi or sharing heartfelt gifts, Kesar Barfi is the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to the occasion. Enjoy the festivities, and may your bond be as sweet as this delicious treat!
Happy Rakshabandhan!
