Quality Living Styles
Dessert Recipes for Special Occasions
Sweet Potato Burfi
Sweet Potato Burfi
Regular Burfi, a most delicious, fudge like sweetmeat is high in sugar and butter. Although this website has recipes for this delicious treat, I have been thinking about how to create a delicious Burfi that tastes just as nice but with healthy ingredients.
I have come up with Sweet Potato Burfi. I have not used any added sugar. The sweetness comes from the natural sugar in the sweet potato. I used refined coconut oil and instead of milk powder I used coconut milk.
I added spices like nutmeg and cardomom. I also added a cup of ground almonds. It then placed it in the refrigerator. I have to say that I am very pleased with the results. For those who really miss the very sweet taste of burfi, I suggest add about ¼ cup of Agave Syrup or honey.
Do keep this in the refrigerator to keep fresh and firm. Note: Only use coconut oil that is recommended for cooking. Here is the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato that will yield 3 cups of mashed sweet potato
- ½ cup refined coconut oil
- 2-2½ cups finely ground almonds
- 1 can (400ml:13.5 fl oz) coconut milk. Do not use the Lite variety
- 1 tablespoon cardamom (elachi) (ground)
- 1 teaspoons nutmeg (ground)
- 1 tablespoon Rose water
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons cornflour/maizena
- 1 tsp, Xanthan gum
- 1 tsp. rose essence (optional)
- A few pieces of colored almonds to decorate
Method
- Boil the sweet potato in a pot with about 10 cups of water
- Turn about every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Insert a knife to check softness. It takes about 35-40 minutes to achieve the correct softness
- Remove from heat. When cool remove peel and any bruises on potato. Place in dish and mash
- Heat coconut oil on medium temperature. When it is melted, add the mashed sweet potato. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring to ensure it does not catch to pot. Add coconut milk, (minus about ½ cup of milk). Blend together
- Cook about 3-5 minutes. It should be a thick consistency and not stick to the pot. The bubbles will indicate that it is done and it will easily pull away from the edge of the pot.
- Add ground almonds, salt, cornflour and Xanthan gum and flavorings. Mix well. Put into tray to set and place in refrigerator. Smooth top with back of spoon or spatula. Add colorful almonds and gently press.
- When it is firm, a few hours later, slice into pieces and serve
Sweet potato cooked and placed in tray, decorated with colored almonds
About Healthy Eating
What we eat has a big influence on our health. It is said that food can be your medicine. But on the other hand if you eat food that is rich in fatty ingredients, it can lead to obesity and a whole range of health problems.
I am very fond of sweet desserts, but I do realize that taking sugar in excess is not good for my system. So I try and reduce the amount of sugar intake. The sweet potato burfi is one attempt to do this.
It is definitely not identical to the regular burfi, but comes fairly close. You may play around and add more ground almonds and add agave syrup and honey if you are really into burfi being sweet.
For those with health problems that require complete elimination of sugar, do check with your doctor the natural sweetness in a sweet potato is okay for your health.
How to Reach Me
If you have any questions or would like to add a recipe of your own, email me, Nirmala, at
pather@qualitylivingstyles.com
I will help in any way I can. The site will be regularly updated with tasty recipes and hints and tips. You can also reach me via the Contact Form.
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