By Aditi Saraswat
February 12, 2026
Besan barfi is one of those classic Indian sweets that fills the whole household with its nutty aroma while cooking. Prepared with basic everyday ingredients, this homemade tastes fresh, rich, and far more satisfying than store-bought ones.
2 cups besan (gram flour) 1 cup ghee (clarified butter) 1 cup powdered sugar ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder 2 tablespoons chopped almonds 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios 2–3 tablespoons milk (optional, for softer texture)
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat some ghee. Melt the ghee on a low flame, add besan slowly and stir it constantly to avoid the formation of lumps.
On low heat, roast the besan for about 12 to 15 minutes and stir it constantly until it turns fragrant and the raw smell fades away.
To this, add 2–3 tablespoons of milk to enhance its texture and form little granules. Continue stirring it as the mixture will make a slight foam, giving the barfi its classic melt-in-mouth feel.
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down a little for about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder and mix them well so the sugar melts nicely.
Transfer the mixture to a greased tray or thali. Spread it evenly using a spatula and press gently to make a smooth surface and provide uniform thickness.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top and press lightly so that they stick to the mixture. Let it rest for about 2–3 hours, then cut into a square shape and serve.