Description
A quick and elegant Indian sweet made with just five ingredients. This lighter, aromatic version of traditional barfi uses condensed milk for a shortcut method that takes under 30 minutes of active cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
- 1 can (14 ounces / 397g) sweetened condensed milk (full-fat)
- ½ cup (60g) whole milk powder
- ½ cup (60g) raw unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
- 8–10 green cardamom pods, seeds ground into powder
- Chopped pistachios for garnish
- Edible gold leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Finely chop the raw pistachios, separating half for mixing and half for garnish.
- Crack open the cardamom pods, discard the shells, and grind the seeds into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a medium non-stick saucepan over medium-low heat. Do not let it brown.
- Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until combined, then add the milk powder.
- Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes a smooth, thick paste. Test consistency by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the ground cardamom and half of the chopped pistachios.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly to create an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining pistachios on top, pressing them in slightly.
- Let cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until firm.
- Lift the block out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into squares or diamonds using a sharp paring knife, wiping the knife with hot water between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
Use fresh cardamom pods for the best aroma; jarred ground cardamom is often stale. Do not skip the milk powder as it provides necessary structure. For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe dry between each slice. This dessert tastes better after sitting in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Indian sweets, barfi recipe, pistachio barfi, cardamom dessert, easy Indian dessert, 5 ingredient dessert, make ahead dessert, gluten free dessert