Walnut and dates burfi with dark chocolate

India, a land of vibrant colors, diverse cultures, and rich traditions, shines even brighter during its festival seasons. Among the myriad elements that make these celebrations so cherished, sweets or ‘mithai’ play an incredibly pivotal role. As the joyous clamor of festivals like Durga Puja and Navratri echoes across streets and homes, a box full of delightful sweets becomes almost sacrosanct in every household. Yet, as the world becomes more health-conscious, many ponder, “How can we keep the spirit of these traditions alive while also staying true to our health commitments?” here is a simple recipe with a handful of ingredients to create a delicious burfi with lots of love and of course “desi ghee”/clarified butter.

The essence of Indian festivals lies not just in the grandeur of the celebrations but in the love, warmth, and shared joys. Whether you share a traditional ‘mithai’ or our Walnut Dates burfi, the sentiment remains the same – spreading sweetness and love.

These bars offer the richness of walnuts and dates, the allure of dark chocolate, and the contrasting zing of salted caramel if you’re feeling particularly naughty. A treat that aligns with modern health goals while honoring traditional festive indulgence!

Here’s wishing everyone a joyous Durga Puja and Navratri! Dive into the festivities with the perfect blend of tradition and health!

Preparation time: 12 minute
cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Serves: 5-6

Ingredients

• Walnuts (finely chopped) 150 gms
• Dates (pitted and chopped) 180 gms
• Clarified butter or ghee 5-6 tbsp
• Cornflour 1 tsp
• Dark chocolate (melted for coating) 200 gms
• Salted Caramel Drizzle (optional) 2 tbsp

Method

1. Heat a nonstick pan, add clarified butter (1 tbsp), and lightly toast the chopped walnuts.
2. Remove the toasted walnuts and add chopped dates, ghee (2 tbsp), and a little water. Let them cook.
3. Once the dates become mushy, add the cornflour slurry. When the mixture leaves the sides of the pan, add the toasted walnuts.
4. Mix everything until well combined. Add the rest of the ghee towards the end, and the mixture looks like a lump. 
5. Press this mixture firmly into a parchment-lined tray or dish. Let it set in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Once set, cut the mixture into bar shapes.
6. Cover the top with melted dark chocolate, ensuring it’s well coated. Place these bars back in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
7. Drizzle salted caramel over the chocolate-coated bars. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.