Badam Burfi Recipe

As I stood in my kitchen, I couldn’t help but get excited about crafting my own Badam Burfi; the aromatic blend of almonds, saffron, and cardamom promised a sensory adventure that would absolutely elevate my treat game to divine levels.

I adore making Badam Burfi, an enchanting Indian dessert that spotlights the almond’s natural goodness. It unfurls the rich flavors of cardamom, and balanced with a whisper of saffron, this sweet combines almond benefits with a well-balanced sweetness.

‘Ghee-candy’ has never been this good.

Badam Burfi Recipe Ingredients

• Almonds (Badam): Rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E; promotes heart health.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness; provides quick energy; should be consumed in moderation.
• Cardamom Powder: Adds fragrance; aids digestion; contains antioxidants.
• Ghee: Clarified butter; adds richness; provides healthy fats and vitamins.
• Saffron: Optional; imparts golden hue and aroma; rich in antioxidants.

Badam Burfi Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup almonds (badam)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee, plus extra for greasing
• A few strands of saffron (optional)
• Silver leaf (chandi ka warq) for garnishing (optional)

How to Make this Badam Burfi Recipe

1. Prepare the Almonds
Allow 1 cup of almonds to sit in hot water for approximately 30 minutes. Pour off the water, remove the skins, and then use a kitchen towel to dry the almonds.

2. Grind the Almonds
Put the almonds, skins removed, in a blender or food processor, and grind to a not-quite-fine powder. Don’t overdo it, or the almonds will turn into almond butter.

3. Make Sugar Syrup
In a pan with a thick bottom, combine 3/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over a medium flame until the sugar completely dissolves, forming a syrup.

4. Add Saffron and Cardamom
If you decide to use saffron, add a few strands to the sugar syrup and then stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder.

5. Mix in the Almond Powder
Slowly incorporate the almond powder into the sugar syrup, stirring all the while to ensure an even mixture without any lumps.

6. Cook the Mixture
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of ghee into the mixture. Then, keep cooking on low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.

7. Prepare for Setting
Oil a flat plate or tray with a little ghee. Pour the hot almond mixture onto the tray and spread it evenly with a spatula.

8. Shaping
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then use a knife to make light cuts in your desired shape (usually diamond or square).

9. Garnish
When the mixture has cooled completely, you can apply silver leaf (chandi ka warq) for a traditional touch.

10. Serve
When it is set, take care to cut along the pre-marked lines and serve the Badam Burfi. Enjoy!

Badam Burfi Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Bowl
2. Kitchen towel
3. Blender or food processor
4. Thick-bottomed pan
5. Spoon or spatula for stirring
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Flat plate or tray
8. Knife for cutting

FAQ

• Can I use almond flour instead of whole almonds?Certainly, to save time, you can use almond flour. If you use 1 cup of almond flour, you don’t have to blanch or grind whole almonds. Just substitute the almond flour for the almonds.
• How do I blanch and peel the almonds?Almonds should be boiled in water for 2 minutes; then they should be drained and rinsed under cold water. Each almond can be pinched: the skin should slip off easily.
• Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?If you want a less sweet burfi, you can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup. Just know that the texture may be a bit different.
• What if I don’t have saffron?Saffron is not required, so if you don’t have any handy, feel free to leave it out. It gives the dish perfume and hue, but it can’t truly be called the “essential ingredient” here.
• How do I know when the mixture is ready to set?When it leaves the pan and forms a soft, dough-like consistency that can be rolled into a ball, the mixture is ready. This should happen shortly after you take the pan off the heat.
• How should I store Badam Burfi?Badam Burfi can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a longer period. It has a decent shelf life.
• Is there a substitute for cardamom powder?In the absence of cardamom powder, substitute with a small pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon; however, these substitutions will significantly alter the flavor profile of this dish.

Badam Burfi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Almonds: Swap in cashews or pistachios for a different flavor profile.
Sugar: Substitute an equal amount of jaggery or coconut sugar for a taste that is more robust.
Use cinnamon powder or vanilla extract as an alternative to cardamom powder.
Ghee: Unsalted butter or coconut oil can be used as substitutes with only a minor taste difference.
Saffron: Turmeric can be used for coloring, although it does change the flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Roast the Almonds: Before soaking, lightly roast the almonds in a dry pan to enhance their flavor. This step will add a nutty aroma and deeper taste to your Badam Burfi.