Any happy occasion is incomplete without sweets. Desserts are the last course of any meal, and they are relished by young and adults with equal enthusiasm. While different parts of the world have various classic choices, Indians enjoy their staples during weddings, gatherings, and venerations.
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These classic sweets are classics for a reason. Not only are they most commonly found in Indian sweet shops but enjoy a huge fan base of gastronomes and people with a sweet tooth. Whether you are visiting a relative at a festival or organising an auspicious ceremony at home, you can purchase these sweets without any regrets.
Gulab Jamun
The milk-based ultra-soft balls dipped in sugar syrup are everyone’s favourites. From children to adults, people love to devour gulab jamun. The desi doughnuts are initially deep-fried before bathing in the sugar syrup. They are also available in variations across India, including mini gulab jamun and kala jamun. Some people also swear by pairing them with ice cream for a sugar rush.
Ladoo
Atta, bajra, gond, puffed rice, boondi, besan - you name an ingredient and old Indian cookbooks will give you a recipe of sweet melt-in-the-mouth balls. A wet thick mixture is prepared first in which sugar is dissolved. Once the elements can bind, the mixture is given the shape of spheres with hands. You can also garnish them with dry fruit to make these delights more nutritious.
Kheer
On any special occasion, especially if there is a puja, you can make kheer. Among the most common recipes include cooking rice, sabudana, makhana, or vermicelli in a concoction of milk and sugar. Once the mixture reduces, it is garnished with dried fruits and saffron before serving. It is also considered among the favourites of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and is offered to them during puja.
Peda
Peda is a soft milk-based dessert often consumed during festivals like Holi, and Diwali, but it is available year-round. The best quality of peda is it melts the moment you put it inside your mouth. If you are looking for the best quality peda, you will find it in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. This sweet is available in various flavours and fillings making it a perfect choice for gifting people during weddings, gatherings, and festivals.
Kaju Katli
Kaju katli is another staple Indian sweet that needs no excuse for purchase or gifting. You will definitely find it in sweet boxes prepared for guests attending weddings in India. The cashew-based sweet comes with a silver foil on the top and tastes divine. These days, it is available in flavours like strawberry and chocolate but nothing can beat the creamy texture and flavour that comes from cashews.
Halwa
Halwa is the easiest sweet to prepare at home on an auspicious day. In India, you can find sweet shops selling halwa according to season. In monsoon, you will find lauki ka halwa, while in winter, gajar and moong dal halwa rule the markets. Sooji halwa is among a few varieties that you can enjoy throughout the year. Garnish your recipes with fresh rose petals, crushed dry fruits, and crushed cardamom to amplify the flavours.