Growing up in a traditional Indian household, I have always been surrounded by delicious homemade sweets. One of my all-time favorites is burfi, a rich and creamy dessert made with condensed milk, sugar, and various flavors. This delightful treat has a melt-in-the-mouth texture and is often garnished with nuts or coconut. While making burfi may seem like a daunting task, especially for beginners, I have discovered a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in the microwave. In this article, I will share with you the step-by-step process of making burfi in the microwave, so you can enjoy this delectable treat in no time.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we delve into the recipe, it is essential to gather all the ingredients necessary to make microwave burfi. Here is a list of what you will need:
– 1 cup of condensed milk
– 1 cup of milk powder
– 1/2 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
– A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
– A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Once you have gathered these ingredients, we can move on to the next step.
Preparing the Burfi Mixture
To start, take a microwave-safe bowl and add the ghee to it. Place the bowl in the microwave and melt the ghee for about 30 seconds or until it liquefies. Make sure to use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to handle the hot bowl. Once the ghee has melted, add the condensed milk, milk powder, and sugar to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth and creamy mixture.
At this stage, you can add the cardamom powder and saffron strands to enhance the flavor of the burfi. These aromatic spices will lend a beautiful fragrance to the final product. However, if you prefer a plain burfi without any additional flavors, you can skip this step.
Microwaving the Burfi Mixture
After preparing the burfi mixture, it’s time to cook it in the microwave. Place the bowl with the mixture in the microwave and heat it on high power for 2 minutes. Take it out and give it a good stir. This step is crucial to ensure even cooking and prevent any lumps from forming.
Repeat the process of microwaving for 2 minutes and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to leave the sides of the bowl. This should take about 6-8 minutes depending on the wattage of your microwave. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the mixture from overflowing or burning.
Setting and Garnishing the Burfi
Once the burfi mixture has thickened, it’s time to set it in a greased tray or plate. You can use any flat, shallow dish for this purpose. Gently pour the mixture into the greased tray and spread it evenly using a spatula. Make sure to smooth out the surface to create an even layer of burfi.
Now comes the fun part – garnishing! Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the burfi, pressing them gently into the surface. This will not only add a delightful crunch but also make the burfi look visually appealing. For a touch of elegance, you can garnish the burfi with a few strands of saffron.
Cooling and Cutting the Burfi
Allow the burfi to cool completely at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This will allow it to set and firm up. Once cooled, refrigerate the burfi for a few more hours or overnight. Chilling the burfi will make it easier to cut into neat and uniform pieces.
When the burfi has set completely, take it out of the refrigerator and run a sharp knife through it to cut it into desired shapes. You can either cut it into squares, diamonds, or any other shape that appeals to you. Make sure to wipe the knife clean after each cut to achieve clean edges.
Indulging in the Deliciousness
There you have it – your homemade microwave burfi is now ready to be enjoyed! Each bite of this sweet delicacy will transport you to a realm of pure delight. Share it with your loved ones or savor it all by yourself, either way, this quick and easy recipe will surely impress.
Making burfi in the microwave has never been easier. This recipe eliminates the need for long hours of continuous stirring over a stovetop, making it accessible to even the busiest of individuals. So, don your chef’s hat and give this recipe a try. I guarantee that the outcome will be nothing short of pure bliss. Happy cooking and happy indulging!