Healthy Besan Barfi(Chickpea Flour shortbread)

A healthier version of the traditional sweet made with gram (chickpea) flour and semolina with almond butter and hint of cardamom, a mellow but delicious sweet treat especially in festive season.

Traditionally Besan barfi is made with ghee, clarified butter and sugar syrup, which is rich and sweet, very yummy though lol, but my recipe is a healthier version but still taste great and guilt feeling at all.

Growing up in indian, during festive season especially in Diwali the markets were filled with sweets and beautiful diyas, still remember how the markets and houses were lit and looked beautifully bright. Although it’s not going to be same this year, we can still have good tune with our families.

I made this barfi as a preparation for Diwali, I have made both types Traditional and healthy version, to be honest I like healthier version more. There are so many ways to make it but I chose to make non frying option to avoid free radicals.

These pieces are shortbread type consistency so little crumbly, that melts in your mouth. Let me now what you think if you try this recipe x

Ingredients: (makes 8)

• 1 Cup sifted gram flour( chickpea flour)
• 1/4 cup fine semolina
• 4 tbsp maple/agave syrup, add more for more sweetness
• 6 tablespoons or 70-80g Almond butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Cashew/almond to decorate

Method:

• Take a heavy bottom pan, turn in the heat, add gram flour and semolina, dry roast on low to medium heat for 15-20mins, until the raw aroma is gone and the mix turns little darker then the golden brown. Stirring constantly so that it doesn’t catches the pan
• Take off the heat and add rest of the ingredients expect cashews and mix well
• Take a tray, pour the mixture in the tray and shape and press to make squar or rectangle depending on your tray
• Let it cool completely in room temperature then Cover with cling film and leave to set
• Takes about 1-2 hrs, then cut into pieces and enjoy!
• You can store in air tight container for up to a week