Shri Krishna Janmashtami—The birth celebration of Lord Shri Krishna deserves a sweet treat as he loves feasting on sweets. Different kinds of sweets including laddoos, barfis, halwa & kheer, malai (cream), makhan (butter) and dahi (yoghurt) are offered to our beloved Bala Gopala ( Little Krishna). We commemorated his birth festivity by offering him this delicious sweet “Pumpkin Barfi  “ , specially made for him in the bhog (offering).  You may note down the recipe if you wish, as follows:                                                                                                                                                                                   

Ingredients:

 

Pumpkin (grated)                                   :     1/2 kg

Khoya (thickened solidified milk)       :     100-150 grams

Sugar                                                         :     2 tbsp or to your taste

Ghee or refined vegetable oil               :     1 tablespoon

Bay leaves                                                 :     1 pcs.

Cardamom ( powdered)                         :    5-6 pcs

Raisins                                                        :    As much you like.

Nuts 

Pistachio (for garnish)                             :    As much you like.                  

Almond                                                       :    As much you like.  

Cashew nuts                                              :    As much you like.   

 

Preparation:

1. We take half Kg of pumpkin, peeled and grated.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pan.
3. After it gets heated, add bay leaf to it and stir.
4. Add the grated pumpkin into the oil and saute it in a low flame till it gets cooked completely and starts emitting a mild fried aroma.
5. Add Khoya into it and keep stirring till the khhoya blends well with the pumpkin.
6. Add sugar to it and mix well.  
7. Add raisins and nuts (a portion) and cook till the mixture is able to leave the surface of the pan easily.
8. Now add powdered cardamom and mix it nicely.
9. Put off the flame, take it down from the oven and spread it evenly on a flat surface.
10. Let it cool down for sometime.
11. With a knife cut it into shapes of your choice i.e. into cubes or cuboids or in the shape of a Barfi.
12. Garnish with pieces of pistachio and the remaining portion of your nuts (almonds & cashews).

Your pumpkin barfi is ready to be offered in the bhog  or served.                                                                       

                                                   *******