Indian festivities without sweet delicacies are like Diwali without clay diya or lamp. Every household in this country rejoices in their respective festivals with sweet dishes. The diversified country is holding on to the thread of unity by the feeling of brotherhood, which begins by sharing food. The culture of carrying delicacies, especially sweets, while visiting each other’s residents makes the festive moments more special. We have listed the most famous and loved traditional desserts that you must enjoy this festive season with your loved ones.
1. Kaju Katli
Kaju Katli is the most beloved of all Indian sweets, be it the festive season or to satiate sweet tooth cravings after dinner. This desert has its origin in the Northern Parts of India, and the name denotes “Kaju” meaning Cashews, and “Katli,” meaning Thin Slices. The name itself indicates its cashew-packed flavour, diamond shape and a silver edible cover.
2. Laddu
The second on the list, and loved by everyone, is Laddu. Now, talking about Laddu, there is a wide array of laddus available in the whole of India. Some famous and widely eaten laddus are Motichoor Laddu, Besan Laddu, Dry fruit Laddu, Coconut Laddu, and Boondi Laddu. These balls of enjoyment are usually soaked in ghee, and that is what makes them taste like heaven.
Video Credit: YouTube/Chef Ranveer Brar
3. Jalebi
This sweet dish is just a pleasant symphony of flavors and textures. Made by deep frying swirls of a fermented batter of flour, besan, and baking soda and then soaked in aa sugar syrup, Jalebi is known for its orange colour and crispness. After frying, the swirls are soaked in sugar syrup until it absorbs all that sweetness. This dessert is often served with Rabri to hit that sweet spot of creaminess.
4. Gajar Halwa
Most popular Indian festivals occur in the winter months, and winter without Gajar Halwa is meaningless. Made from Punjab’s fresh red carrots, desi ghee, sugar, and a touch of cardamom powder, it does all its magic while melting in your mouth. Gajar Halwa is cooked with a slow process and takes time to prepare. It is usually adorned with chopped nuts to give that extra crunch.
5. Rasgulla
Rasgulla or Roshogolla, the pride of Bengal, is everyone’s favorite. It is made from kneaded chenna or fresh cottage cheese, and after being boiled, it is soaked in sugar syrup, which is flavoured with a bit of cardamom powder. It is a simple and easy to digest sweet that can be enjoyed by anyone. Rasgulla melts in your mouth like nothing and puts an end to your sweet craving.
6. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is the other alternative and has higher sweet notes than Rasgulla. It is made from deep frying a batter of khoya (milk solids) and flour. Then, they are soaked in rose water and cardamom-flavoured sugar syrup. Gulab jamun is one of the most perfect accompaniments for festivals.
7. Mysore Pak
The famous dessert of South India, Mysore Pak, is loved by the whole nation for its rich, buttery texture and divine sweetness. It is crafted from the perfect blend of besan, ghee, and sugar. The authentic Mysore Pak melts in your mouth the moment you put it in. Ending your South Indian cuisine with a Mysore Pak is a must.
8. Malpua
Malpua is one of the dessert gems from the Eastern part of India but is also widely devoured in the Northern part of India. It is a deep fried pancake made from the batter of flour, milk, and cardamom for flavorings, and then it is soaked in sugar syrup until it takes up all that sweetness. They are often served with nuts on top for that extra crunch and texture.
9. Soan Papdi
Any festive sweet box without Soan Papri is incomplete. The texture is extremely crumbly and completely dissolves in your mouth. This sweet delicacy is again created from besan, sugar, and ghee; for flavorings and texture, cardamom powder and various nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios are used. This is typically a north Indian dessert but now is available and enjoyed pan-India.
10. Rasmalai
Rasmalai, also known as Roshomalai, is again a creamy dessert from the East part of India, specifically West Bengal. However, the sweet dish is also very popular across the country and is made with various flavourings during the festive season. It is created from kneaded cottage cheese or chenna being boiled in sugar syrup and then is soaked into the Rabri-like malai, which is flavored with saffron and cardamom. Typically, this dessert is served in clay cups and is served with chopped nuts and saffron on top.
11. Ghevar
A dessert hailing from the state of Rajasthan, Ghevar is one of the most famous and widely eaten desserts these days in India. It has a round honeycomb-like texture made with flour, ghee, sugar syrup and cardamom. The batter is first deep-fried until orangish colour and crispy in texture and then it is soaked in cardamom flavored sugar syrup. At some locations it is served with Rabri and chopped dry-fruits.