This low-calorie gajar barfi strikes the perfect balance between taste and health

We all love to indulge in our favourite traditional Indian sweets, but the problem is they are laden with sugar and fat. But how about finding a healthy alternative, so that we can enjoy sweet treats guilt-free?

Gajar (carrot) barfi is one such delicacy, which is not just tasty. It can be prepared in a healthy way to reduce the calorie intake. Gajar is a delicious root vegetable that is crunchy and highly nutritious. It is a good source of beta carotene, fibre, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants. and offers health benefits such as management of weight and cholesterol levels, as well as improved eye health. 

Before we present to you the recipe, it is important to note that freshly grated carrots should be used, and their skin must be peeled before grating. This step will help you give a rich dark red colour to the gajar barfi. Also, keep in mind to continuously stir the carrot mixture, while it is in the pan, else it may stick to the bottom and spoil the colour and texture of this sweet treat.

This gajar barfi recipe will help you make a low-calorie version of the traditional gajar mithai (carrot sweet) from the comfort of your home-

Servings: 10 – 12

Calories per serving: 95

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 500 grams grated gajar or carrots
• 1 cup skimmed milk powder (fat-free)
• 1 cup skimmed milk (fat-free)
•  ½ cup powdered jaggery
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 15-20 unsalted pistachios and almonds sliced/chopped

Preparation:

Step 1: Rinse, peel and then grate the carrots. Grease a pan or tray with half to one teaspoon ghee and keep aside.

Step 2: In a separate thick bottomed pan, melt two tablespoons ghee (clarified butter), and mix the grated carrots with it.

Step 3: On a low to medium flame, saute the carrots and add one cup skimmed milk powder. Stir and mix the milk powder with the carrots for a minute.

Step 4: Add powdered jaggery and cardamom powder to the pan, and continue to saute it for about seven to nine minutes on a low to medium flame.

Step 5: As the mixture thickens and reduces, switch off the flame and pour the mixture in the greased pan that was kept aside.

Step 6: Use a spatula or spoon to smoothen the top part of the barfi mixture, and sprinkle chopped pistachios and almonds on top, gently pressing them with a spoon or spatula.

Step 7: Cover the mixture with a mesh, and allow it to cool down and set at room temperature.

Step 8: Slice and serve gajar ki barfi and store the leftover in the refrigerator.

This recipe can be experimented with by using various ingredients such as almond powder, coconut oil, cashews, raisins and beetroots.

Don’t give up on sweets because of the calories! Just use healthy ingredients to prepare your favourite Indian desserts.