Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make Indian sweet? Look no further! This Burfi recipe, made with creamy ricotta cheese, offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert. It's surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned cooks looking for a quick and satisfying homemade treat. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this healthy and flavorful dessert. This recipe offers a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional burfi while retaining that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
Ingredients:
- 15 oz (425g) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (60g) milk powder
- 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup (30g) chopped almonds
- Pinch of cardamom powder
- Pinch of saffron threads (optional, for color and flavor)
- Ghee or butter for greasing the pan
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ricotta Cheese
Begin by gently pressing the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess moisture. This step helps prevent a watery burfi. Let it drain for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine the drained ricotta cheese, sugar, milk powder, butter, pistachios, almonds, cardamom powder, and saffron (if using).
Step 3: Cooking the Burfi
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. This is crucial to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The mixture will gradually thicken and start to leave the sides of the pan. This process takes about 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness
To check if the burfi is done, take a small amount of the mixture and drop it into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a solid mass and doesn't stick to your fingers, it's ready.
Step 5: Setting the Burfi
Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with ghee or butter. Pour the cooked burfi mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature before cutting.
Step 6: Cutting and Serving
Once the burfi is completely cool and set, cut it into small, square pieces. Serve and enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Indian sweet treat!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat ricotta cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with other nuts like cashews or walnuts.
- Add a teaspoon of rose water or kewra water for a floral aroma.
- For a chocolate burfi, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture.
- You can store the burfi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This ricotta cheese burfi recipe is a perfect example of healthy and delicious food recipes. It's a quick dinner idea for those busy weeknights, and it’s a great way to explore homemade cooking and delicious dishes. Try it out, and let us know how you like it!