The word barfi has been derived from the Persian word ‘barf’, which means snow. Barfi is a milk-based sweet made in different flavours like cashew, pistachio, besan and coconut. Sometimes, the top of the barfi is coated with a decorative silver lining called ‘vark’. Barfi is usually considered to be a sweet treat that’s eaten after meals or on special occasions. It may be distributed when there is good news, like a wedding, the birth of a baby or a professional achievement. It is especially popular during Hindu festivals like Diwali. Boxes of barfi are exchanged as festivities go into full swing. Barfi uses milk and sugar as its main ingredients, which are cooked together until they become solid. After being cooled, the mixture may be cut into diamonds, squares or circles. This recipe for coconut barfi uses condensed milk and is quick and easy.
