India is a diverse and vibrant country with a rich culture, traditions and cuisine that’s so good you’ll be asking for seconds in no time. Indian cuisine is home to a wide variety of enchanting desserts. There’s creamy kheer and sweet jalebis. Indian desserts take you on a lovely, merry adventure. There’s so much to choose from that one can never get bored.
Diversity in Indian desserts
The diversity of Indian desserts is due to the vast expanse geographically. It’s so diverse that there’s a new culinary invention every hundred kilometres. Each region boasts its unique culinary traditions, which is the reason behind the delicious tapestry of sweets. Up North, desserts with milk as a primary ingredient are more prevalent in some regions, while in others, crispy, sweet jalebis and rasgullas are preferred. It all depends on what’s available in that region and what people enjoy.
Traditional Indian desserts
Indian desserts are sweet treats that hold a lot of cultural significance and embody culinary heritage. From the unique origin story to the distinct flavour profile – there’s a lot to learn about desserts.
A guide to Indian desserts
Kheer: kheer is a sweet dish best described as a rice pudding made with milk, rice, sweeteners and spices such as cardamom and saffron. Kheer is often served chilled and is popular during celebrations. It makes for a refreshing treat that is popularly known as payasam in the south.
Gajar ka halwa: Gajar ka halwa is a wintertime dessert that is surprisingly delicious for a dessert made with a vegetable such as a carrot. It’s healthy and delicious! Carrots are shredded and simmered in milk, ghee, spices and sweeteners.
Moong dal halwa : A dessert made with moong dal, ghee, sugar and cardamom for that refreshing flavour. It’s soft, chewy, and melts right in your mouth. The lentils bring in some protein while the ghee makes the halwa very soft.
Jalebi: a jalebi is sweet, twisted and melts in your mouth. It’s deep-fried and then dipped into sugar syrup. It has a vibrant orange hue and a perfectly sweet bite. Jalebi could be served warm, with some rabdi or even chilled.
Rasgulla: A popular dessert from West Bengal, rasgulla is a soft and spongy delight. It’s made of cottage cheese, kneaded into soft balls that soak up a lot of sugar syrup. Eating a rasgulla is a messy affair, but it’s always worth it. It’s chewy and sweet – a must-try for those who like a little sugar in their dessert.
Kulfi: this can be best described as a traditional ice cream. It’s rich and creamy. Milk is simmered with nuts, spices, and saffron, which results in a dense custard flavour. It’s then frozen. Kulfi comes in many flavours – malai, pistachio, badam, etc.
Enjoying Indian desserts :
A guide to Indian desserts is incomplete without a few suggestions to enjoy these desserts in the best way possible. While trying any cuisine, we urge you to keep an open mind and an excited palette. Here are a few tips for you to enjoy Indian desserts best.
- Feel free to pair contrasting flavours. Indian desserts were built to be eaten after a savoury meal. It creates a delightful crossplay of sweet and salty flavours. Jalebi can be enjoyed with samosas, while kheer can be enjoyed with pakoras.
- Moderation is key when sugar is involved. While it’s tempting to eat a lot of dessert, it’s important to remember that it must only be had in moderation. The rich flavours can get overwhelming really quickly.
- Diversity is key – try different kinds of desserts. It’s important to try all kinds of desserts before you settle on favourites. Each dessert is unique and has its own charm
- Ask the locals! The easiest way to enjoy any dish that is foreign to you is by asking the locals who’ve had them for a long time. They may even have strange combinations for you to try!
Final thoughts
Indian desserts are rich in flavour, texture, sweetness and aftertaste. It’s a testament to the country’s culinary heritage. Embark on a sweet adventure every now and then. The dessert landscape India offers is too good to stop at ladoos.
Also read – When in diet, dive into keto dessert delights
A food enthusiast and a blogger – someone who likes to eat and write about it. I’m passionate about exploring different cuisines and challenging my palette. I give into my food craving regularly and am often on the hunt to find my new favorite food place in town.
