Besan Burfi (Sweet Gram Flour Squares)

Besan, also known as gram flour, is flour made from "channa" or yellow dried chickpeas. It is readily available in Indian and Asian markets.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 20 squares or burfis

Ingredients

• 2  cups  grated coconut or 2  cups  desiccated coconut
• 1  cup gram flour ((besan))
• 3  cups sugar
• 3  tablespoons ghee or 3  tablespoons  clarified butter
• 2  teaspoons cashews, crushed
• 1  cup water
• 1⁄3 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1  pinch saffron

Directions

1. Grease a shallow dish/pan with some ghee.
2. In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee and fry cashewnuts until golden; remove.
3. To the same ghee, gradually add the besan, stirring gently.
4. Fry on low heat until golden brown; remove and set aside.
5. Now in the same frying pan, heat 1 cup water and add sugar.
6. Boil on low heat until the sugar dissolves.
7. Increase flame and boil briskly until a thick syrup is obtained.
8. Add the dessicated coconut and fried besan.
9. Stir until the mixture solidifies and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
10. Add the rest of the ghee and saffron; mix well and allow to cook for a couple of minutes.
11. Remove from flame, add the nuts, cardamom powder and mix well.
12. Pour into the greased dish, and while still warm, cut into 1.5 inch squares.
13. Cool completely and store in an airtight tin.