Cultures around the world have their own distinct take on deserts. Indian sweets hold a legendary reputation, with India being home to numerous delectable sweets and desserts. Indian sweets are a great treat for anyone who has a sweet tooth. These delicious sweets can be enjoyed on special occasions with your friends and family members or on a well-deserved cheat day!
Here are 6 delicious Indian sweets that are pretty difficult to resist!
1. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is a South Asian sweet that’s popular in northern India. This classic sweet is made from cardamom powder, rosewater, milk solids and sugar. Gulab Jamun is usually enjoyed on festive or celebratory occasions. The traditional Gulab jamun is made using ‘Khoya’ or milk solids, but sometimes, this can be replaced with milk powder if khoya is not available.
2. Motichoor Laddoos
These saffron-colored balls are one of the most popular traditional Indian sweets. Motichoor laddoos originated in northern India. Made with a base of chickpea flour, these medium-sized laddoos are smooth and have a rich taste. They are seasoned with melon seeds or saffron and are sweetened with thick sugar syrup. At times, these balls are also colored with orange coloring to make their color pop.
3. Jalebi
An extremely popular Indian snack, the Jalebi is known for its sweetness. It is made from a flour or ‘maida’ batter that is in a circular or pretzel-like shape, which is then deep-fried. After deep-frying it, it is soaked in thick sugar syrup. Jalebis can be eaten warm or cold. They have a crystalized sugary coating with a chewy interior. Sometimes Citric acid, lime juice or rose water is also added to the sugary syrup. Sometimes, the Jalebi is served with other optional flavors, such as Kewra, which is scented water or curd.
4. Chum Chum
A popular sweet from the Bengali region, Chum Chum is widely available in almost all Indian sweet shops. Chum Chums are usually white-colored sweet ball-shaped sweets served with various garnishings. Chum Chum is made from curdling milk and then using the coagulated solids to make round or cylindrical shaped pieces. These pieces can be garnished with coconut flakes, pistachios, or mawa.
5. Rasmalai
One of the rather delicious Indian sweets, Rasmalai is considered a royal sweet that is usually served on special occasions such as weddings or religious festivals. Rasmalai is made from Rasmalai balls that are dipped into thickened milk. The Rasmalai balls are made from boiled, curdled milk, after which vinegar or lemon juice is added to it. Once the water from the curdled milk is drained, the ‘paneer’ remains. This paneer is smoothened and shaped into balls, which are then boiled in sugar syrup until cooked. These Rasmalai balls are dipped in thickened milk that is flavored with cardamom or saffron.
6. Rabri
Stemming from the city of Banaras, Rabri is India’s sweet delight. One of the classic Indian sweets, Rabri is usually served during festivals or celebrations. This dish has a base of condensed milk which is slow-cooked for a long period of time to get the perfect taste. There are different variations of the Rabri, such as Rabri with Almonds, Mango flavored Rabri, Rose Rabri, or Pistachio-flavored Rabri. You can experiment with these flavors and chose the one you like best. This delightful treat tastes great on its own if you crave something sweet. It also tastes great after eating a typical Indian dinner of Biryani and Kebabs. This wonderful Indian desert is loved by children and adults alike.