Indian desserts have a long and storied history that is present across the country. Indian celebrations and culture would not be complete without sweets, which are ubiquitous from the lively lanes of Mumbai to the crowded streets of Kolkata. Indian desserts are a vital component of many festivals because of their variety and because they provide a little bit of India's rich culinary history with each bite.
The sweets are closely associated with the monsoon season, which is characterised by refreshing rains and mild winds. The perfect way to welcome the season, which ushers in a respite from the oppressive heat and humidity, is to indulge in rich, comforting desserts. One of life's most treasured traditions is the consumption of hot, fried in ghee
Indian Sweets Best Enjoyed During Monsoon
1. Ghevar
Ghevar, hailing from Rajasthan, is a monsoon favourite. This honeycomb-like sweet is light, spongy, and cooked in desi ghee. It is soaked in sugar syrup, allowing the syrup to penetrate through every pore. Rava, malai, mawa, and fruits are just a few of the many delicious toppings that come with ghevar. Enjoying ghevar during monsoon festivities like Rakshabandhan and Teej is a special treat.
2. Malpua With Rabri
Imagine hot sugar-dipped malpua right out of the kadhai topped with creamy rabri. This traditional North Indian dessert is just what you need on a rainy day. Malpua, a sweet pancake, is fried until golden and then soaked in sugar syrup. The rich rabri, made from sweetened milk, is poured over the malpua, creating a mouth-watering combination that is perfect for the monsoon.
3. Labongo-Latika
Labongo-latika, a traditional Bengali sweet, is a monsoon must-have. This sweet is packed with flavours and is made with maida, khoya, nutmeg powder, coconut, ghee
4. Balushahi
Balushahi, native to Bihar, is often compared to a glazed doughnut but tastes even better. Made with maida, these delights are deep-fried in ghee and then dipped in sugar syrup, creating a perfect mithai. The flaky texture and sweet syrup make Balushahi an irresistible treat during the monsoon. It's a sweet that will surely make your rainy days delightful.
5. Payasam
Payasam, known as kheer in North India, is a sweet milk dessert. This dessert is traditionally enjoyed warmly and is made with rice, milk, sugar or jaggery, and sometimes khoya. Payasam's creamy texture and rich flavour make it a comforting dessert, perfect for a rainy day. The warmth and sweetness of payasam create a sense of comfort and joy during the monsoon.
6. Sooji/Atta Halwa
Sooji or atta halwa is a quick and easy dessert to make on a typical rainy day. This warm halwa, made from semolina or wheat flour, spells magic on your taste palate. It is cooked with ghee
7. Gulab Jamun
Warm gulab jamun is a monsoon favourite. Traditionally made from khoya, sugar, and dried nuts, these delicious balls are soaked in sugar syrup. The soft, spongy texture of gulab jamun, combined with the sweet syrup, makes it a heavenly treat. Enjoying gulab jamun during the rain enhances the experience, making it a must-have dessert for the season.
8. Shahi Tukda
Shahi Tukda, also known as double ka meetha, is a royal dessert from Awadhi cuisine. Deep-fried bread slices are soaked in rabri and topped with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. The rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavours make shahi tukda an indulgent treat. This dessert is perfect for a luxurious monsoon treat, offering a taste of royalty with every bite.
Monsoon and Indian sweets create a delightful combination, making the rainy season even more enjoyable. From the honeycomb-like ghevar to the royal shahi tukda, each sweet offers a unique taste experience. These desserts, with their rich flavours and comforting warmth, are perfect for enhancing the joy of monsoon. Indulge in these delicious treats and make your rainy days memorable.