The auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri is about to begin. This nine-day-long festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga’s nine divine forms. Many devotees observe a strict fast for the entire nine days, consuming only fruits and fasting-friendly foods. Following such a diet for nine days can be challenging, and deciding what to eat during the fast often leads to confusion.
Today, we bring you the Makhana Dry Fruit Barfi recipe, which you can prepare in advance before Navratri begins. Whenever you crave something light, delicious, and energy-boosting during the fast, you can enjoy this barfi with a glass of milk. This barfi is highly nutritious and provides energy, helping you stay active and preventing fatigue or weakness during fasting.
Let’s learn how to make this healthy and tasty fasting-friendly barfi!
Ingredients for Makhana Dry Fruit Barfi
To prepare this Navratri special fasting barfi, you will need the following ingredients:
- Makhana (Fox Nuts) – 5 cups (approx. 75 grams)
- Cashews – ½ cup (approx. 75 grams)
- Grated Coconut – ½ cup
- Cardamom – 4 small pods
- Full Cream Milk – ½ liter
- Sugar – ¾ cup (approx. 150 grams)
- Desi Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 1 tablespoon
- Chopped Pistachios & Almonds – for garnishing
How to Make Delicious Fasting-Friendly Barfi
Step 1: Roast and Grind the Makhana & Cashews
- Heat a pan on medium flame and dry roast the makhanas until they turn crispy.
- Allow them to cool down and then grind them into a fine powder using a mixer.
- Similarly, grind the cashews into a fine powder and mix them with the makhana powder.
Step 2: Roast the Coconut
- Heat a pan and lightly roast the grated coconut for a few minutes until it releases a fragrant aroma.
- Add this roasted coconut to the makhana-cashew powder mixture.
- Crush the cardamom into a powder and mix it in.
Step 3: Prepare the Milk Mixture
- Heat milk in a pan and let it simmer until it reduces to half its original quantity.
- Add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
- Add 1 tablespoon of desi ghee and mix well.
Step 4: Cook & Set the Barfi
- Reduce the flame and add the makhana-cashew-coconut mixture into the milk.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and takes the shape of a dough.
- Grease a plate or tray with ghee and spread the mixture evenly.
- Let it set in the fridge or at room temperature for about an hour.
- Once set, cut into square barfi pieces and garnish with chopped dry fruits.
Enjoy Your Healthy & Tasty Fasting Barfi!
Your Makhana Dry Fruit Barfi is now ready! This barfi is a perfect energy booster for fasting days and keeps you full and active throughout Navratri. Prepare it in advance and enjoy a nutritious, delicious, and fasting-friendly treat whenever you like!
Let me know if you need any variations or substitutes for the ingredients! 