Dating with Dates - Date rolls or Barfi

Date rolls or Barfi with out sugar!! I can already hear some of you saying, “ Hey don’t spin me round the mulberry bush”

I can tell you that I certainly had my head spinning while going through the ingredients list for the classical Indian style Barfi. The amount of sugar and ghee that go into making this item is just outrageous. If you love Barfi and are also health conscious, I would insist that you avoid looking at the original recipe. Not that it would stop you from eating that, but then why have the additional guilt. J

I decided to try out and see if I could create a low calorie version . So I tried this Barfi’s which do not require any sugar and include just a tablespoon of ghee. While I thought that the low calorie version would taste good, I was quite confident that it wouldn’t be anywhere close to the taste of a traditional rich khoya Barfi. This did not prevent me for taking an attempt whatsoever.

Dates and nuts are always part of my pantry. So this was a quick sweet delight, and with in no time I could shape up the delectable rolls. Luckily, I had some packets of Varak (silver foil) that added the twinkle and luster to these nutty rolls.

By the way, Dates are rich in fibres, and here is an interesting article about some other benefits of dates. Dates are also loaded with natural sugars and they make a scrumptious dessert on their own.

Trying out new dishes and cooking in odd hours is something that I really enjoy. I vividly remember when I completed my high school and we had long summer holidays. I used to sneak myself into the kitchen when my mom used take an afternoon nap. I loved to experiment with new recipes that were shown on cookery shows and would hardly ever miss any of those girly shows that had a segment devoted to cooking. I was so touched when she brought a new oven for me to bake and enjoy my summer holidays. Anyway , back to my recipe.

Ingredients

500 gms Dates pitted and chopped
200 gms unsalted almonds roughly chopped
200gms unsalted pistachios
1tsp poppy seeds
1tsp sesame seeds
1tbslp ghee/ butter
Silver foil or chandi varak (optional)

Method
Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan. Add poppy seeds and sesame and then add the pitted dates. Keep stirring on a slow fire until they are mixed. This will take 15 approx.
Cool them slightly and add chopped nuts and roll them into logs. Wrap the silver foil and keep refrigerated for couple of hours.
Slice and serve.


The original recipe is adapted from Savvy cookbook Nov-2007