This Diwali, instead of the calorie-laden kaju ki barfi, reach for a more forgiving anjeer ki barfi instead. The high content of minerals, vitamins and fibre in figs (anjeer) makes this treat an infinitely healthier option than traditional ghee & sugar loaded sweets. Figs are also known to control cholesterol, to prevent coronary heart diseases, control diabetes, prevent hypertension, treat bronchitis, strengthen bones, & soothe throat pain, making it a dessert that you can indulge in without feeling guilty.
Ingredients
- 3/4th cup of anjeer
- 3/4th cup of chopped dates
- 2 tbsp. raisins
- 3 tbsp. of water
- ¾ cup chopped mixed nuts – almonds, walnut, cashews, pistachios (the mix can be adjusted as per your taste & preferences)
- 1/8th of cardamom powder
- pinch of cinnamon powder
- pinch of nutmeg (jaayaphal) powder
- 1 tsp ghee
Methods
- Chop up the anjeer, nuts, & dates.
- Dry roast the nuts in a pan until crunchy on a medium flame. Remove from pan & set aside.
- In the same pan, put in the chopped anjeer along with 3 tbsp. of water. Let cook until the anjeer
- Add dates, raisins, cardamom, cinnamon & nutmeg powder. As you continue to cook the mixture, it will begin to soften and turn sticky. If you find it sticking to the pan, mix in some ghee.
- Add the roasted nuts back into the pan. This will begin to soak up the moisture. Continue to cook until the mix appears to dry up to a mouldable If the mixture is too wet, it might not hold its shape and fall apart.
- Pour this mix onto a sheet of butter paper or foil, and top with another sheet. Using a rolling pin, roll out to mix to level it out.
- Allow it to cool sufficiently, and cut into squares. For a more festive touch, you can use cookie cutters in various shapes as well.
- Since there are no preservatives used in this recipe, it is advisable to consume this within a day. If refrigerating, it lasts about a week. Since it isn’t particularly time-consuming to make, we’d suggest making it on the day of your soiree or the day you plan on consuming it.
