Sesame Burfi Recipe – Traditional Indian Sweet with Silver Leaf

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sesame Burfi Recipe – Traditional Indian Sweet with Silver Leaf

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you have a soft spot for Indian sweets. There’s just something so comforting and delightful about them, isn’t there? Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s been a family favorite for years – Sesame Burfi. It’s a beautiful, subtly sweet treat, and honestly, it’s easier to make than you might think! The delicate silver leaf just elevates it, making it perfect for festivals or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sesame Burfi (also known as Til Burfi) is more than just a sweet treat. It’s a little piece of tradition, packed with flavor and goodness. It’s wonderfully nutty from the sesame seeds, creamy from the milk and milk powder, and has a lovely warmth from the cardamom. Plus, it’s a relatively quick recipe – perfect when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious burfi:

• 1 cup sesame seeds
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup milk powder
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 tbsp cashew nuts
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 2-3 edible silver leaves (Vark)
• 1 tbsp sliced almonds

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Sesame Seeds: Types & Toasting
You can use white or black sesame seeds – both work beautifully! Black sesame seeds have a slightly more intense flavor. Definitely dry roast them, though. It brings out their nutty aroma and makes the burfi so much more flavorful.

Milk & Milk Powder: Full Fat vs. Low Fat Options
I prefer using full-fat milk for a richer, creamier burfi. However, you can use low-fat milk if you prefer. Milk powder is key for that perfect burfi texture, so I don’t recommend skipping it.

Ghee: Clarified Butter – Flavor & Substitutions
Ghee adds a wonderful, traditional flavor. If you don’t have ghee, you can substitute with unsalted butter, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. About 1 tbsp of butter for every 1 tbsp of ghee should work.

Cardamom Powder: Freshly Ground vs. Store-Bought
Freshly ground cardamom is always best! The aroma is incredible. But good quality store-bought cardamom powder works well in a pinch.

Edible Silver Leaf (Vark): Tradition & Sourcing
Edible silver leaf is a traditional touch, adding a beautiful sheen. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe to eat (more on that in the FAQs!).

Cashew Nuts: Roasting for Enhanced Flavor
A quick dry roast of the cashew nuts really enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, dry roast the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until fragrant. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent burning! Once roasted, let them cool completely and coarsely grind them.
2. In a separate pan, heat the ghee. Add the milk and milk powder. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken. This takes patience, but it’s worth it!
3. Add the sugar and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved. You’ll notice the mixture becoming smoother and a little glossy.
4. Now, mix in the ground sesame seeds and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously. This helps everything bind together.
5. Add the cardamom powder and cashew nuts. Cook until the mixture starts to form a dough-like consistency and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This is the sign you’re looking for!
6. Quickly transfer the mixture to a greased tray lined with edible silver leaves.
7. Garnish with sliced almonds and gently press down to set.
8. Let the burfi cool completely at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours before cutting. Trust me, this is the hardest part – the waiting!
9. Once cooled, cut into squares or diamonds and serve.

Expert Tips

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

Achieving the Perfect Burfi Texture
The key is to cook the mixture until it reaches the right consistency – a dough-like texture that pulls away from the pan. Don’t rush this step!

Preventing Sticking & Ensuring Clean Cuts
Greasing the tray really well is essential. You can also line it with parchment paper under the silver leaf for extra insurance. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut.

Working with Edible Silver Leaf
Edible silver leaf is delicate! Handle it gently to avoid tearing. It’s best to apply it to the greased tray right before pouring in the burfi mixture.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels
If you prefer a less sweet burfi, you can reduce the sugar to ¼ cup.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Sesame Burfi
Substitute the ghee with coconut oil and the milk with plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk).

Gluten-Free Adaptation
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your milk powder is certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding a Pinch of Chili)
My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of chili powder for a subtle kick. It’s surprisingly delicious!

Festival Adaptations (Makar Sankranti, Diwali)
This burfi is especially popular during Makar Sankranti and Diwali. You can shape it into small balls (ladoos) for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame Burfi is wonderful on its own with a cup of chai. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of cold milk. It’s a perfect sweet treat to share with family and friends!

Storage Instructions

Store Sesame 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 is Burfi and its origins?
Burfi is a traditional Indian sweet made from milk solids, sugar, and various flavorings. It originated in the Indian subcontinent and is enjoyed across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Can I make this recipe without milk powder?
It’s tricky! Milk powder is crucial for the texture. You could try using evaporated milk, but the results won’t be the same.

How do I know when the mixture is ready to set?
The mixture will start to thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan, forming a dough-like consistency. It should also start to come together into a ball when you stir it.

What can I substitute for ghee in this recipe?
Unsalted butter is the closest substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. Coconut oil works for a vegan option.

Is edible silver leaf safe to consume?
Yes, edible silver leaf is made of 99.9% pure silver and is perfectly safe to consume in small quantities.

How long does Sesame Burfi stay fresh?
It stays fresh for 5-7 days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Can I add other nuts or seeds to this burfi?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with pistachios, almonds, or even sunflower seeds.

Enjoy making this delicious Sesame Burfi! I hope it brings a little sweetness to your day. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!