Indian Barfis

In Western cuisine, sweet dishes (desserts) are traditionally served at the end of a meal . Rich in sugar and calories, many in our society today perceive them as a health-damaging, fattening sin. Below, the special role of the sweet dish is explained according to Ayurvedic nutritional theory , more precisely that of a millennia-old Indian healing art , and then the recipe follows!

Sweet dishes in Ayurveda:

Unlike many other nutritional theories, the sweet taste has an essential meaning in Ayurveda . Glucose is considered an important energy source and building material for the organism . Nevertheless, it is also known here: When consumed in excess , glucose causes Kapha disorders*, makes the body mucous and promotes diseases such as diabetes . While warm desserts are not unknown to us, Ayurvedic desserts generally have a cold, very sweet and heavy character . They are traditionally served at the beginning of an Ayurvedic menu, as this is when the digestive power (Agni) is considered to be strongest. A sweet appetizer should also have a calming effect on the mood and further stimulate digestive power. (*According to Ayurvedic teachings, the Kapha is located in the upper third of the stomach and is responsible for body structure, fluid balance, cohesion and stability of the body structures as well as for promoting the natural defenses)

Barfi confectionery: A "divine" dessert:

This delicacy is rarely missing in temples where the deity Krishna is worshiped , but the delicious confection is also often prepared in a wide variety of variations in India. In some places the dessert is also called Radha-Krishna-Barfi: Radha is the name of Krishna's lover, who is seen as the highest goddess in connection with him. She is considered an embodiment of Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of luck and prosperity . Maharishi also often said: “Krishna is sweet.” Especially in honor of Shri Krishna's birthday and the festival of Maha Lakshmi, sweets and confections are served after the puja. Barfis are therefore not consumed as a sin, like chocolate, but as a gift: consciously and with mindfulness, we bow to their taste.

Jaggery - Essence of Ayurvedic Desserts:

Since jaggery , a type of raw cane sugar tried and tested in India, is considered a traditional Ayurvedic product, it is natural that almost all sweet dishes are refined with it. With the Lotao Jaggery Kiss raw cane sugar you can now get to know the culinary delicacies of Ayurvedic nutrition yourself: Try our Barfi recipe at home. Have fun and enjoy!

Recipe:

Ingredients:

200 g fresh coconut flakes
1 cup Lotao Jaggery Kiss raw cane sugar
1/4 tsp cardamom
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts or pistachios)
3 1/2 cups crushed (!) dates or figs
maybe some saffron

Preparation:

Grind the nuts and dried fruits separately in a blender (peel the almonds beforehand).
Heat coconut oil, grated coconut, jaggery sugar and cardamom over a low flame.
Add nuts and remove the pot from the heat. Slowly add the dried fruits and stir until you get a fairly firm, homogeneous mass.
After the mixture has solidified, you can put it in the refrigerator. It's best to leave it overnight.
Then cut into cubes and decorate with a little cocoa if you like. Bon appetit! :-)