Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Besan Burfi Recipe – Easy Almond & Bournvita Indian Sweet

Introduction

Oh, Besan Burfi! This sweet holds such a special place in my heart. It’s the kind of dessert my nani (grandmother) used to make, and the aroma instantly transports me back to childhood. It’s a classic Indian sweet, and honestly, it’s way easier to make than you might think. This recipe adds a little nostalgic twist with Bournvita and a lovely crunch from almonds – trust me, it’s a winner! You’ll be surprising your family and friends with this delightful treat in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Besan Burfi recipe is perfect because it’s:

• Easy: Seriously, even if you’re new to Indian sweets, you can nail this.
• Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for those sweet cravings!
• Delicious: The combination of besan, sugar, Bournvita, and almonds is just heavenly.
• Festive: It’s a wonderful treat for Diwali, Holi, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1 cup besan (gram flour) – about 180g
• 1 cup sugar – about 200g
• 1/4 cup Bournvita – about 25g
• 1/2 cup ghee – about 115g
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds – about 15g
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence – about 5ml

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Besan (Gram Flour): Types & Quality

There are different types of besan available. I recommend using a fine, pale yellow besan for the best texture and color. Coarse besan can sometimes leave a grainy texture.

Ghee: Choosing the Right Kind for Flavor

Ghee is essential for that authentic flavor. Use a good quality ghee – the aroma really shines through. Homemade is amazing if you have the time, but a good store-bought brand works perfectly too.

Sugar: Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Regular granulated sugar is what we’re after here. The key is to dissolve it completely to get that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Bournvita: A Nostalgic Addition & Its Role

Bournvita adds a lovely chocolatey, malty flavor that takes this burfi to another level. It’s a bit of a throwback for many of us! If you can’t find it, I’ve included substitution ideas in the FAQs.

Almonds: Enhancing Texture & Taste

Sliced almonds add a delightful crunch. You can lightly toast them for extra flavor if you like!

Vanilla Essence: Complementing the Flavors

Just a touch of vanilla essence enhances all the other flavors beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, in a saucepan, boil 1 ½ cups of water with 1 cup of sugar until you reach one-string consistency. This takes about 8-10 minutes. We’ll talk more about how to check for that in the tips section!
2. While the sugar syrup is simmering, heat ½ cup of ghee in a separate pan. Add 1 cup of besan and roast it on low flame. Keep stirring constantly! This is where patience comes in – you want to roast it until it’s fragrant and lightly golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Now, slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the roasted besan. Be careful, it will splutter! Whisk continuously to combine everything smoothly. This takes a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it.
4. Dissolve ¼ cup of Bournvita in 1 tablespoon of hot water and add it to the mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence too. Mix well.
5. Grease a tray (about 8×8 inches) with ghee. Pour the besan mixture into the tray, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sliced almonds on top, and level it out evenly.
6. Let it set until it’s warm to the touch – about 30-45 minutes. Then, cut it into squares or diamond shapes.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect Besan Burfi:

Achieving the One-String Consistency

This is the trickiest part! Take a small amount of sugar syrup between your thumb and forefinger. If it forms one string when you open your fingers, it’s ready. If it’s too runny, keep boiling.

Preventing Besan Burfi from Becoming Hard

Don’t over-roast the besan! That’s the biggest culprit. Roast until fragrant and lightly golden, but not brown.

Roasting Besan to Perfection

Low and slow is the key. Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures even roasting.

Ensuring a Smooth, Non-Grainy Texture

Whisk, whisk, whisk! Really work the sugar syrup into the besan to get a smooth, lump-free mixture.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Besan Burfi

Substitute the ghee with a vegan butter alternative. It won’t have quite the same flavor, but it’s a great option!

Gluten-Free Besan Burfi (Naturally Gluten-Free!)

Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Bournvita packaging to ensure it’s processed in a gluten-free facility if you have a severe allergy.

Spice Level: Adding Cardamom or Saffron

My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of cardamom powder for a warm, fragrant twist. A few strands of saffron soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk also adds a beautiful color and flavor.

Festival Adaptations: Diwali, Holi, or Special Occasions

During Diwali, I like to add a tiny bit of edible silver leaf (varak) for a festive touch.

Chocolate Besan Burfi (Using Cocoa Powder)

For a chocolatey version, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder along with the Bournvita.

Serving Suggestions

Besan Burfi is delicious on its own with a cup of chai! It’s also lovely served alongside other Indian sweets for a festive spread.

Storage Instructions

Store Besan Burfi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but it might become a little firmer.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of besan is best for Besan Burfi?

A fine, pale yellow besan is ideal for a smooth texture and beautiful color.

Can I make Besan Burfi without Bournvita? What can I substitute?

Yes! You can substitute Bournvita with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or 1 tablespoon of malted milk powder.

How do I know when the sugar syrup has reached one-string consistency?

Take a small amount of syrup between your thumb and forefinger. If it forms one string when you open your fingers, it’s ready.

My Besan Burfi is too soft. What went wrong?

You likely didn’t cook the sugar syrup to one-string consistency, or you didn’t roast the besan enough.

Can I add other nuts like pistachios or cashews?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped pistachios or cashews along with the almonds.

How long does Besan Burfi stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh for 5-7 days.