Hello, sweet lovers! Today, I am thrilled to share a healthy and delicious Indian dessert recipe: Pearl Millet (Bajra) Burfi. Pearl millet, known as Bajra, is a nutritious grain packed with health benefits. This Bajra Burfi is a perfect blend of taste and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for festive occasions or as a healthy snack. Let’s dive into this simple and delightful recipe!

Ingredients

To prepare this nutritious Pearl Millet (Bajra) Burfi, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl millet flour (bajra flour)
• 1/2 cup grated jaggery (adjust sweetness as per taste)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (optional, for binding)

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Bajra Flour

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee on medium flame.
2. Add the bajra flour and roast it until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
3. Once roasted, set the flour aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

1. In a separate pan, add the grated jaggery with 1/4 cup of water.
2. Heat the mixture on low flame until the jaggery melts completely.
3. Strain the syrup to remove any impurities and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Burfi Mixture

1. In the same pan used to roast the flour, heat the remaining ghee and add the chopped nuts. Fry them until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the raisins and fry for another minute until they puff up.
3. Add the desiccated coconut to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes until it turns slightly golden.
4. Now, add the roasted bajra flour to the pan and mix well with the nuts, raisins, and coconut.
5. Pour the jaggery syrup into the mixture and stir continuously to combine everything well.
6. Add the cardamom powder and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly.
7. If the mixture is too dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to help bind it together.

Step 4: Set the Burfi

1. Grease a square or rectangular dish with a little ghee.
2. Pour the burfi mixture into the dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
3. Press down gently to compact the mixture.
4. Allow it to cool completely and set. You can refrigerate it for faster setting.
5. Once set, cut the burfi into squares or diamonds using a sharp knife.

Tips for Perfect Pearl Millet Burfi

• Roasting the Flour: Ensure that the bajra flour is roasted well to bring out its nutty flavor and to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of jaggery according to your taste preference. You can also use dates or honey as alternative sweeteners.
• Binding: If the mixture feels too dry to set into burfi, you can add a little more melted ghee or milk to help bind the mixture.

Health Benefits of Pearl Millet Burfi

• Rich in Fiber: Pearl millet is high in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
• Gluten-Free: Pearl millet is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
• Packed with Nutrients: Pearl millet is a good source of protein, iron, and essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus.
• Low Glycemic Index: Pearl millet has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes.

Serving Suggestions

Pearl Millet Burfi is perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or as a wholesome snack any time of the day. They also make great travel snacks due to their long shelf life and nutrient density.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful Pearl Millet (Bajra) Burfis as much as I do! They are a wonderful way to incorporate the goodness of millet into your diet while indulging in a sweet treat. Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family. Stay tuned for more healthy and delicious recipes!