1. Jalebi:
Jalebi is a popular monsoon mithai that tops the list of sweet treats during the rainy season. Made by deep-frying a fermented batter of all-purpose flour and yoghurt, jalebis are then soaked in sugar syrup, giving them a sticky and sweet taste. The crispy and syrup-soaked jalebis are often enjoyed with a steaming cup of masala chai, adding a touch of warmth to the rainy day.
2. Ghevar:
Ghevar is a traditional Rajasthani sweet dish that is a monsoon favourite in many parts of India. It is made by deep-frying a batter of all-purpose flour and ghee (clarified butter) into a round, disc-like shape. The fried is then dipped in a sugar syrup and garnished with almonds, pistachios, and saffron strands. This delicacy is known for its unique texture, with a crispy outer layer and a soft, honeycomb-like interior.
3. Malpua:
Malpua is a sweet pancake-like dessert that is commonly made during monsoon festivals like Teej and Raksha Bandhan. The batter for malpua is made with flour, milk, and sugar and is flavoured with cardamom or saffron. The batter is then deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup before serving, giving it a sweet and syrupy taste. Malpua is often garnished with chopped nuts and served hot, making it a delightful monsoon indulgence.
4. Rasgulla:
Rasgulla is a soft and spongy cottage cheese ball soaked in sugar syrup, and it is a popular sweet across India. The monsoon season is the perfect time to savour these delectable treats, as they are known to absorb the flavours of the syrup. Made with chhena (cottage cheese) and semolina dough, rasgullas are cooked in a sugar syrup until they become fluffy and light. They are best enjoyed chilled, and the burst of sweetness provides a refreshing contrast to the rainy weather.
5. Modak:
Modak is a traditional Indian sweet that holds a special place in the monsoon festivities, particularly during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. These dumplings are made with a rice flour or wheat flour dough and filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. Modaks are steamed or fried and are considered Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet. The soft outer covering and the sweet stuffing make it a delightful treat during the rainy season.
6. Peda:
Pedas are small, disc-shaped sweets made from condensed milk and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or nuts. These milk-based sweets are a popular choice during the monsoon season due to their rich and creamy texture. Pedas come in various flavours and are often decorated with pistachios, almonds, or silver. They are enjoyed as a dessert or as a festive offering during auspicious occasions.
Monsoon mithai adds a touch of sweetness to the Indian rainy season celebrations. These delectable treats are cherished by people of all ages and are a delightful way to embrace the spirit of the monsoon. So, indulge in these sweet delights and make the rainy season even more memorable.