Chocolate Burfi

Chocolate Burfi
Lisa Nicklin for The New York Times
Total Time
1 hour, plus 2 hours' chilling
Rating
4(196)
Comments
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Burfi is a very sweet Indian candy — similar to fudge, but slightly earthier and more milky — that is typically made with some combination of milk, sugar, ghee and flavorings. In Indian culture, burfi is often given as a gift, accompanying any kind of celebration: a birthday, a holiday, even a simple get-together of friends. This recipe, adapted from Raja Sweets in Houston, caters to those looking for an accessible entry point to the world of burfi; it offers a slight variation on the basic formula by adding a layer of cocoa-infused khoya (the name for the milky base). —Priya Krishna

Featured in: Finding India in a Sweet Corner of Houston

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Ingredients

Yield:16 pieces
  • cup ghee (or use melted butter), plus more for greasing the pan
  • 1tablespoon cocoa powder
  • cup sugar
  • 2cups sweetened condensed milk (a little less than two 14-ounce cans)
  • 2cups powdered milk
  • 2drops rose water
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (14 servings)

285 calories; 15 grams fat; 9 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 35 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 35 grams sugars; 5 grams protein; 71 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Lightly grease only the sides of an 8-by-8-inch pan with ghee. Line pan with parchment paper so the paper hangs over two opposite sides of the pan. Mix together cocoa powder and sugar, and set aside.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium saucepan, mix together condensed milk and milk powder and add the ghee, to make khoya. Transfer pan to stovetop, add rose water and stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon to combine. Stirring constantly, cook the mixture on low heat (to avoid scorching) until it has a thick batter-like consistency, about 5 minutes. It will be quite stiff at first, but will become easier to stir as it heats.

  3. Step 3

    Pour half the khoya into a medium, microwave-safe bowl and add the cocoa mixture, mixing until thoroughly incorporated. Set aside.

  4. Step 4

    Pour the remainder of the khoya in the prepared pan and spread in an even layer. Let cool and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Reheat the reserved chocolate khoya in the microwave in 20 second intervals, stirring in between, until the consistency becomes spreadable again. (Alternatively, return the chocolate khoya to the stovetop and cook on low heat until mixture is hot throughout, stirring constantly, until the consistency becomes spreadable again.) Immediately pour the chocolate khoya on top of the white khoya, spreading it evenly to create two separate layers. Let the entire burfi cool and then refrigerate. Cut into small squares and serve at room temperature. The burfi can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Ratings

4 out of 5
196 user ratings
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Comments

This recipe is not as simple as it seems, which makes it somewhat misleading. The 'khoya' needs a lot of stirring over the stove until it reaches a certain consistency and does not burn while that is happening. It is a long winded process and requires a lot of 'dedicated' time stove-side. So, before you embark on this be sure you have at least half a day.

Milk powder is basically preserved milk which has longer shelf life. Carnation is a nonfat milk powder and Indian grocery store carries Nestle Nido brand milk powder which is full fat. When I make sweets I prefer Using full fat products .

Terrific. I have made the khoya part with ricotta cheese, sugar, butter and skimmed milk powder. It comes out really good, has a milk cake like texture reminiscent of Alwar milk cake/kalakand.

Every aging hipster in Houston cut their teeth on Indian food at Raja Sweets! This was a right of passage to have a full course meal (and leftovers) for only a couple of dollars. I am thrilled to see this institution getting some recognition. I am partial to their gulab jamun and have tried many sweets (unnamed to me, but learning) over the years. Thank you for this recipe!

Tried both the white khoya part and the chocolate part this time. The former remained sticky somewhat even after cooling for an hour in the refrigerator, but the latter had a better consistency after microwaving and then layering it on the white part. To solve the stickiness, I rolled the white khoya in shredded (unsweetened) coconut. The final product was delightful. Chocolate coconut barfi.

I halved the recipe and put it into a 7 cup square glass container and it came out wonderfully. It tastes like a less rich fudge

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Credits

Adapted from Raja Sweets, Houston

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