1. In an large bowl mix coconut and sugar and keep aside for 10 mins.
2. Heat a non stick pan/vessel put the cocounut-mixture and mix well on meduim flame for 5 mins.
3. Keep stirring continuosly.
4. Reduce the flame to low and stir for another 7 - 8 mins.
5. Add cardamom powder and optional essences at this stage.
6. Keep stirring till mixture gets dry.
7. Pour the mixture immediately onto a greased plate and smoothen it out.
8. Wait for 2 mins to cool and immediately cut into square or diamond shapes.
9. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an air tight jar.

Note: The quantity of sugar can be reduced for those who prefer it to be less sweet. It`s a very basic barfi recipe and most importantly can be made without milk or khoya.