Food is strongly tied to emotions, wouldn’t you agree. Strange as it may sound, but food brings back memories some cheerful some sad, reminds one of an event, some recent some from way back when!
Bringing sweets to neighbours is very common, be it sharing a good news in the family or in festive seasons. I feel it is similar to bringing a box of chocolates or sharing a pie here in the west. The type of sweet depended on the season or the festival or it could even be a surprise.
Growing up, I have vivid memories of our friend bringing these burfis to us on a steel plate covered with a beautiful crochet cover, around this time of the year. Bajra ( Pearl millet ) flour was something we were not familiar with. It is a common staple in the western part of India, having very hot and dry climate. We were very intrigued by this unfamiliar burfi.
With gluten allergy becoming so common, we are all looking for alternative grains. Bajra is an anti acid forming food packed with nutrients and antioxidants. I have not used any refined sugar, which makes this burfi very desirable.
The festive season is on. Give it a try friends like I did on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Here is the recipe.
Recipe, Made about 30 pieces One inch square.
Ingredients;
Bajra flour 2 cups
Ghee 1 cup
Jaggery ( Gur ) powder 1 cup
Poppy seeds 1 tsp
Slivered almonds 1 tbsp
Method,
Grease a metal plate about half inch deep.
Take the ghee in a heavy bottomed pan on medium heat. Add the Bajra flour. Mix properly and cook on low medium flame till the colour changes slightly about 20 minutes stirring frequently.
Add the jaggery and keep stirring for another 10 minutes. The mixture at this point comes together, releases ghee and looks shiny.
Turn the gas off. Pour this on the greased plate. Use a spatula or the back of a greased steel bowl to make the surface smooth. Sprinkle the poppy seeds and slivered almonds over it to garnish. Make some soft cut on it and let it cool. Separate out the pieces from the cuts made before.
Enjoy guilt free!
Inside Scoop.
Bajre ki atta and Gur, both are available in any Indian or health food store.
