Many people enjoy sweets, but some prefer to buy them from the store. If you feel like having something sweet after dinner, you can prepare a pure dessert at home. Homemade Chana Dal Burfi is a healthy and delicious option. It is not only delightful in taste but also beneficial for health due to the nutrients from lentils and dried fruits. This dessert is perfect for satisfying a mild sweet craving after dinner, and it can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
How to make Chana Dal Burfi:
First, you need to prepare the ingredients. You will need 1 cup of Chana dal, soaked overnight or for 3-4 hours; 1 cup of sugar (or to taste); 1 cup of milk; half a cup of pure ghee; 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios); 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder; and optionally, half a cup of khoya/mawa to enhance the flavor.
The cooking process begins with grinding the lentils. You must carefully drain the water from the soaked lentils, and then grind them into a coarse paste using very little milk or water so that the mixture does not turn into a too thin puree.
Next is roasting the lentils. Heat 3-4 tablespoons of ghee in a pan and add the ground lentils. You must stir them constantly over medium heat until the raw taste disappears and the color turns light golden. This step requires patience.
After the lentils are well roasted, gradually add the milk to avoid lumps. When the milk has completely evaporated, mix in the sugar and mawa (if used). Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the entire mass starts to leave the sides of the pan.
In the next step, add the cardamom powder and half of the chopped dried fruits. Then, top with the remaining ghee and stir thoroughly again. Pour the finished mixture onto a greased plate or baking sheet and spread it evenly using a spatula or spoon.
After the mixture cools slightly, sprinkle the remaining dried fruits on top and press lightly. Once the burfi is completely set, cut it into pieces of the desired shape, such as square or diamond.
