Anjeer Barfi
A delicious and healthy Indian sweet made without any refined sugar. This rich barfi gets its natural sweetness from dried figs and dates, packed with the crunch of mixed nuts. Perfect for festive occasions or as a guilt-free treat.
For 8 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Fruits and Nuts
- b.Wash the dried figs and dates thoroughly. Place them in a bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for 30-45 minutes until they become soft and plump.
- c.Drain all the water completely. Transfer the soaked figs and dates to a blender or food processor.
- d.Grind them into a coarse, thick paste without adding any extra water. A little texture is desirable.
- e.Coarsely chop the almonds, pistachios, and cashews. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Barfi Mixture
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed, non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
- c.Add the fig and date paste to the pan. Sauté continuously for 8-10 minutes. The paste will thicken, darken in color, and become glossy.
- d.Add the chopped nuts and optional cardamom powder to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- e.Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture is ready when it forms a single, non-sticky mass and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Set and Garnish the Barfi
- b.Grease a tray, plate, or a piece of parchment paper with a little ghee.
- c.Immediately transfer the hot barfi mixture onto the prepared surface.
- d.Using a greased spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture evenly to a thickness of about half an inch.
- e.Sprinkle the poppy seeds and a few extra chopped nuts over the top. Gently press them down with the spatula so they adhere to the surface.
- f.Allow the barfi to cool down completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until it is firm enough to cut.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cut and Store
- b.Once the barfi has set completely, use a sharp, greased knife to cut it into squares or diamond shapes.
- c.Carefully separate the pieces. Store the Anjeer Barfi in an airtight container.
- d.It can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality, soft dried figs for the best flavor and texture.
- 2Ensure the figs and dates are drained completely after soaking to avoid a sticky mixture.
- 3Stir the mixture continuously while cooking to prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pan.
- 4To check for doneness, take a tiny piece of the mixture and try to roll it. If it forms a non-sticky ball, it's ready.
- 5For a richer flavor, lightly toast the nuts in a dry pan before chopping them.
- 6Greasing your hands, the spatula, and the knife with ghee will make handling and cutting the sticky mixture much easier.
Adapt it for your goals.
Anjeer Roll
Instead of setting in a tray, shape the hot mixture into a log on parchment paper. Roll the log in poppy seeds or chopped nuts, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for an hour until firm. Slice into rounds to serve.
Coconut Anjeer BarfiCoconut Anjeer Barfi
Add 1/4 cup of desiccated coconut to the mixture along with the nuts for a different flavor and texture.
Nut Free VersionNut-Free Version
For a nut-free version, replace the nuts with an equal amount of seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and melon seeds (magaz).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Figs (Anjeer) and dates are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps prevent constipation.
Natural Energy Booster
This barfi is packed with natural sugars from figs and dates, and healthy fats from nuts, providing a sustained release of energy without the crash associated with refined sugar.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
No Refined Sugar
As this sweet is naturally sweetened with fruits, it's a much healthier alternative to traditional Indian sweets that are loaded with refined sugar, making it suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Anjeer Barfi is considered a healthy sweet. It contains no refined sugar, getting its sweetness from natural sources like figs and dates. It's also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the dried fruits and healthy fats from the nuts.