Badam Burfi (Almond Fudge)

Burfis, a traditional Indian sweet made with milk, khoya and flavoring comes in varieties of shapes and forms. From saffron to chocolate, pineapple and coconut to mangoes and almonds, Burfis have honored several festivals and gatherings. So to celebrate India's Independence Day, and also the festival of "Rakhi" this weekend, I made these delicious Kesar Badam Pista Burfis. Made with milk and flavored with saffron, you can call it an Indian version of Fudge! Mildly sweet and adorned with chopped almonds and pistachios, they look pretty on a plate and are pretty easy to make! So try this simple badam burfi recipe and spread the festive spirit around!


Ingredients
1 cup almonds
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup (4 oz) condensed milk
sugar (optional, if needed)
6 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) - melted
6-7 strands of saffron + more for garnish
2 drops yellow food color (optional)
slivered almonds & pistachios - for garnish


Method
Soak the almonds in the milk for a at least an hour. remove the skins, then using a blender or food processor, blend the almonds and milk together into a fine thick paste.


Soak the saffron in 2 tbsp warm milk and set aside to bleed.


Take a deep skillet, set it on low-medium heat, and add the almond paste and keep stirring continuously. After 3-4 minutes, add the sugar, saffron and the melted ghee slowly into the pan (in small increments) while stirring continuously, and cook till the ghee is absorbed by the almonds.


As the mixture thickens, add the condensed milk and the food coloring, then again stir for another 5-7 mins, making sure it doesn't stick to the bottom.


Remove from the heat and allow to cool just slightly. Lightly grease a square baking tray (about 1/2 inch deep). Transfer the mixture to the tray while it is still warm. Garnish with some chopped almonds and pistachios, and the remaining saffron strands.


Now allow to cool, about half an hour. Then cut into diamonds or squares. If its still soft, refrigerate for 15 mins then cut. You can store the burfi in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for upto a week. This goes to Pooja for her Independence Day theme this week, featuring Orange-Green-White colors.


Serve the Kesar Badam Burfi to your friends and family.