15 of the most delectable desserts found in India

Introduction

When it comes to desserts, India has a lot to offer. From rich flavours and creamy textures to light and refreshing bites, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Why are Indian desserts loved so much?

There are many things that make Indian desserts special. One of the most notable things is that they often incorporate unique ingredients that you may not find in other types of desserts. For example, Indian desserts may contain items such as cardamom, jaggery, and cashews. Another great thing about Indian desserts is that they come in a wide variety of flavours, so there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds. And last but not least, Indian desserts are often very colorful and visually appealing – perfect for those who enjoy a feast for their eyes and stomachs!

Top 15 Indian desserts

1.Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak is a rich and sweet dessert from the South Indian city of Mysore. It is made with gram flour, sugar, and ghee and flavored with cardamom. The mixture is cooked until it forms a thick, sticky paste which is then shaped into small balls or slices and fried until golden brown. Mysore Pak is often served as a festive treat or as a gift during weddings and other special occasions.

Further Reading: ​​​​7 Types of Cheese Burst Pizza You Should Try

2. Gajar Halwa

Gajar halwa is a traditional Indian dessert made with carrots, milk, and sugar. The word halwa means “sweet” in Hindi, and gajar halwa is also called “carrot halwa”. It is a very popular dessert in North India and is made with grated carrots cooked in milk until they are soft and mushy. Then, sugar and spices are added to the carrots to create a sweet and rich flavour. Gajar halwa is typically served warm or hot and can be garnished with chopped nuts or dried fruits.

3. Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a famous Indian dessert made of milk, sugar, and flour. The dough is usually shaped into balls and fried, then soaked in a syrup made of sugar and water. They are often served with a dollop of cream or ice cream on top.

4. Kaju Katli

Kaju katli is a popular Indian dessert made with cashews, sugar, and ghee. It is often served during festivals and special occasions and has a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

5. Ladoo

Ladoos are a type of sweet snack made with flour, sugar, and ghee. They are often flavored with spices such as cardamom or saffron and can be made with different types of flour, including wheat flour, semolina, or gram flour. They are traditionally served at weddings and festivals as a symbol of good luck.

6. Jalebi

Jalebi is a south Indian dessert that is made by deep frying maida flour batter in circular shapes and then dipping them in sugar syrup. They are perfumed with rose water or cardamom, and sometimes saffron is added to the sugar syrup. Jalebis are served hot or warm and are often eaten with curd or rabri.

7. Kheer

Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and nuts. It is often flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. Kheer is typically served during festivals and celebrations.

8. Basundhi

Basundi is a traditional Indian dessert from the state of Gujarat. It is made with milk, sugar, and spices and has a thick, creamy texture. It is typically served chilled and is a popular summertime treat.

9. Kulfi

Kulfi is a type of frozen dessert usually made with milk, sugar, and pistachios. It has a dense, creamy texture similar to ice cream. Kulfi is often flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water and is generally served in a conical shape.

10. Rasgulla

Rasgulla is a traditional Bengali sweet dish made from balls of cottage cheese and semolina dough cooked in syrup. The balls are then soaked in light syrup made from sugar and water.

11. Kesari

Kesari is a south Indian dessert made with semolina, ghee, sugar, and milk. It is often flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. Kesari can be served as a dessert or snack.

12. Milk Peda

Milk peda is a traditional sweet made with milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is often served at festivals and celebrations.

13. Payasam

Payasam is a traditional dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar. It is typically served during festivals and special occasions. There are many different types of payasam, hence each comes with its unique flavour. The most common type of payasam is made with jaggery which gives it a distinctively sweet taste, however some recipes use sugar too. Other popular varieties also include those made with coconut milk, condensed milk, or even fruits and nuts. 

14. Modak

Modak is another traditional Indian dessert made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. It is especially popular in Maharashtra and is often eaten during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The modak generally has a sweet and rich flavour, and its texture is similar to that of a dumpling.

15. Rabri

Rabri is a sweet, decadent Indian dessert made with milk, cream, and sugar. It is typically served with fruits or nuts and also garnished with saffron or rose petals. Although, Rabri can be made with whole milk, condensed milk is also used and is often flavoured with cardamom, pistachios, or almonds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re looking for something sweet to finish off your next meal, consider one of these delicious Indian desserts. From classics like Gulab Jamun and Gajar Halwa, there’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy.