Almond and Oat Barfi
A delightful, chewy Indian fudge made with nutritious almond flour and rolled oats. Sweetened naturally with jaggery, this guilt-free dessert is perfect for festivals or a healthy sweet craving.
For 12 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Grease a small tray or a plate with a little ghee and set aside.
- b.Place the rolled oats in a blender and pulse until you get a coarse, flour-like powder.
TIPA coarse powder gives the barfi a better texture than a very fine powder. - 2
Step 2
- a.Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
- b.Add the ground oat powder and roast for 3-4 minutes until it turns aromatic. Transfer to a bowl.
- c.In the same pan, add the almond flour and dry roast for 2-3 minutes until it's fragrant and slightly changes color. Be careful not to burn it.
- d.Mix the roasted almond flour with the roasted oat powder.
TIPRoasting on low heat is key to developing flavor without burning the flours. - 3
Step 3
- a.In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee, water, and grated jaggery.
- b.Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until the jaggery dissolves completely.
- c.Let the syrup come to a gentle boil and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
TIPUsing powdered jaggery will help it dissolve faster and more evenly. - 4
Step 4
- a.Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the roasted flour mixture and cardamom powder to the jaggery syrup.
- b.Stir quickly and continuously to avoid lumps.
- c.Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, forming a single mass.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Immediately transfer the hot mixture to the greased tray.
- b.Using the back of a spatula, spread it evenly to about half-inch thickness.
- c.Sprinkle the slivered pistachios on top and gently press them into the barfi.
- 6
Step 6
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of milk powder along with the flours.
- 2Do not overcook the mixture after adding the flours, as it will result in a hard and dry barfi.
- 3You can also use other nuts like slivered almonds or chopped cashews for garnish.
- 4Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free if you are making this for someone with a gluten allergy.
- 5Store the barfi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil for a completely plant-based version.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 2 tablespoons of unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder along with the almond and oat flour to boost the protein content.
kid friendlyKid friendly
After cooking, instead of setting in a tray, let the mixture cool slightly and roll it into small ladoos. You can also roll them in desiccated coconut.
quickQuick
Use store-bought oat flour to skip the step of grinding the oats at home.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Refined Sugar-Free
Sweetened with jaggery, which is an unrefined sugar that retains more minerals like iron and magnesium compared to white sugar.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Almonds are an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and managing cholesterol levels.
Rich in Fiber
Rolled oats provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Gluten-Free Friendly
Made with naturally gluten-free ingredients like almonds and certified gluten-free oats, making it a great dessert option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of barfi is healthier than traditional ones. It uses almond flour and oats for fiber and healthy fats, and is sweetened with jaggery instead of refined sugar.