Apart from varied cultures, ancient monuments, diversity, incredible architecture, there’s one more amazing thing that India has to offer i.e., an inexhaustible supply of sweet dishes. And it is no secret that Indians do have a sweet tooth! Some mouth-watering, sweet desserts are mentioned below that one must try. Bon Appétit!
1. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is also known as the Indian donut, minus the hole. Those dumplings are made with milk powder or khoya and fried in oil until they are golden brown and dipped in sugar syrup until they are ready to be consumed. Gulab Jamun is the most divine dessert ever. They are the life of every Indian birthday party or function. And its place of origin is North India mainly Punjab, Jammu, and Kashmir, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand.
2. Kulfi
Kulfi is an Indian ice cream made from whole fat milk, powdered sugar, cardamom powder and comes in tantalizing flavors like strawberry, mango,etc., embellished with raisins and almonds. It comes with popsicle sticks or in terracotta pots. It is very easy to make. Its place of origin is India during the Manual period.
3. Rasgulla
Rasgulla is a Bengali delicacy but it popular everywhere in India. It is preferred more than other snacks as it neither fried nor too much ghee is used. Its place of origin is Orissa and Bengal. This syrupy dessert is so heavenly that your taste buds will go crazy.
4. Coconut or Nariyal Barfi
A delight for people who love coconut and even more for people who love Barfi. It is very easy to make and you need only three ingredients to make this- coconut, condensed milk and sugar. Its place of origin is South India.
5. Oats Dry Fruits Ladoo
An irresistible healthy and sweet snack. It’s fat-free and gluten-free and served mainly during Diwali. Its preparation is easy and does not require a lot of ghee or oil. Instead, you can savor dry fruits like dates, nuts, and even flax seeds. Apart from the fact that they make for a delicious dessert, they are also a great source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
6. Milk Peda
Milk Peda is a must for Diwali. You will find different variants of this sweet in different parts of the country. Prepared with khoya, condensed milk, milk powder, chopped pistachio, cardamom powder, saffron, and ghee, this sweet dish is everyone’s favorite.
7. Lachha Seviyan
Laccha Seviyan is a dish prepared during Eid celebrations made of Vermicelli and dry fruits. The main ingredients used are vermicelli, sugar, cashew nuts, almonds, raisins, saffron, green cardamom, milk, and butter. The vermicelli is cooked in milk, with dry fruits added to it.
8. Phirni
Phirni can also be called ‘kheer’ prepared on the occasion of Eid and Ramzaan. It is another variety of the typical Indian milk pudding and is served in mud pots. You need rice flour, milk, pistachio, cardamom powder, and sugar to prepare this lovely dessert. Its place of origin is North India during the Mughal period.
9. Shrikhand
Shrikhand is also called as Green Yogurt and is very popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat. This dessert is made of strained yogurt, sugar, saffron, and cardamom. The creamy, velvety dessert is a favorite among visitors in the scorching heat of summers.
10. Gajar ka Halwa
Gajar ka Halwa is enjoyed by people all over the country but is invariably found in every Muslim home during Ramzaan and Eid celebrations. Though Halwa is made from a variety of ingredients- pineapple, batman, flour, beetroot, pumpkin, and what not, carrot tops the list amongst the most mouth-watering desserts. Its preparation takes time. It will have to stay on the stovetop in tempered heat for a number of hours, while the Chef stirs and fusses about with it until the ingredients get thoroughly mixed. Ingredients used are carrot, milk/condensed milk, sugar, cream, and dry fruits. It can be served warm or cold, depending on how you like it.
11. Ras Malai
Ras Malai is the distant cousin of Rasgulla and is prepared in a slightly different way. Cheese or Paneer balls are soaked in luscious soapy milk, flavored with cardamom and it’s an absolute delight that will strike an arrow straight to your heart. Just like Rasgulla, Ras Malai’s place of origin is also Bengal.
12. Malpua
Malpuas are very similar to pancakes but usually small round cakes made with flour batter, soaked in sugar syrup, and topped with nuts. These are best enjoyed with Rabri, another Indian dessert.
13. Rabri
Rabri is a rich, creamy dessert made from milk, sugar, nuts, and spices. You will have to be vigilant while stirring the ingredients together until they achieve the desired consistency. Rabri is enjoyed hot or cold and is also consumed with Malpua or Jalebis.
14. Sandesh
Sandesh is another delicious Bengali recipe that has many ardent followers. It is made from freshly crumbled paneer, powdered sugar, and cardamom. You can also add pistachios or cashew nuts to further enhance the flavor.
15. Jalebi
It is made by deep-frying maida/flour batter in pretzel or circular shapes, which are then soaked in sugar syrup. This dessert can be served warm or cold. It is best enjoyed with Rabri.