Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and sumptuous feasts, and no celebration is complete without a delectable array of desserts. In this article, we'll guide you through seven handpicked Indian desserts that will add a touch of sweetness to your wedding festivities, leaving your guests enchanted and satisfied.
Classic Gulab Jamun
A wedding dessert spread is incomplete without the timeless favorite - Gulab Jamun. These soft, syrup-soaked dumplings made of khoya, flour, and cardamom are sure to win the hearts of your guests.
Ingredients:
- Khoya (milk solids)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Cardamom powder
- Sugar
- Water
- Saffron strands
- Rose water
- Ghee (clarified butter) for frying
Method:
- Prepare the dough by combining khoya, all-purpose flour, cardamom powder, and a pinch of baking soda.
- Form small balls from the dough.
- In a separate pan, make a sugar syrup using water, sugar, saffron strands, and rose water.
- Fry the dough balls in ghee until they turn golden brown.
- Soak the fried balls in the sugar syrup for a few hours before serving.
Kesar Pista Kulfi
Beat the wedding heat with a luscious and creamy Kesar Pista Kulfi. This frozen treat, flavoured with saffron and pistachios, is an all-time favourite for its rich taste.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat milk
- Condensed milk
- Saffron strands
- Pistachios (chopped)
- Cardamom powder
Method:
- Boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
- Add condensed milk, saffron strands, chopped pistachios, and cardamom powder.
- Continue stirring until the milk reduces and thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Pour the mixture into Kulfi molds and freeze until set.
- Garnish with more chopped pistachios before serving.
Ras Malai
Elevate your dessert table with Ras Malai, delicate cheese patties immersed in flavored milk. This sophisticated dessert will leave your guests impressed.
Ingredients:
- Paneer (cottage cheese)
- Milk
- Sugar
- Saffron strands
- Cardamom powder
- Almonds and pistachios (slivered)
Method:
- Knead the paneer until it becomes smooth and divide it into small patties.
- In a pan, heat milk with sugar, saffron strands, and cardamom powder.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, add the paneer patties and simmer until they absorb the flavors.
- Garnish the Ras Malai with slivered almonds and pistachios before serving.
Jalebi
Add a burst of color and sweetness to your wedding dessert spread with the ever-popular Jalebi. These spiral-shaped treats will delight both young and old alike.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Yogurt
- Baking soda
- Saffron strands
- Sugar
- Water
- Ghee (clarified butter) for frying
Method:
- Make a batter by combining all-purpose flour, yogurt, and a pinch of baking soda.
- Let the batter ferment for a few hours or overnight.
- In a separate pan, prepare sugar syrup using water and sugar, flavored with saffron strands.
- Heat ghee in a wide pan and pipe the fermented batter into spiral shapes.
- Fry the Jalebis until they turn golden and crisp.
- Soak the fried Jalebis in the sugar syrup for a few minutes before serving.
Gajar Ka Halwa
Celebrate the season's bounty with Gajar Ka Halwa, a rich and comforting carrot-based dessert that will leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients:
- Grated carrots
- Full-fat milk
- Sugar
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)
Method:
- In a pan, cook grated carrots in milk until they become tender and the milk reduces.
- Add sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens.
- Garnish with chopped nuts before serving.
Malpua
Indulge in the heavenly taste of Malpua, a sweet and syrupy pancake-like dessert that is sure to be a hit at your wedding.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Semolina (suji)
- Mashed ripe bananas
- Fennel seeds
- Milk
- Sugar
- Water
- Ghee (clarified butter) for frying
Method:
- Mix all-purpose flour, semolina, mashed bananas, and fennel seeds in a bowl.
- Add milk to form a thick batter.
- In a separate pan, make sugar syrup using water and sugar.
- Heat ghee in a wide pan and pour a small amount of the batter to make pancake-like Malpuas.
- Fry until golden and crisp on both sides.
- Soak the Malpuas in the sugar syrup for a few minutes before serving.
Shahi Tukda
End your wedding feast on a regal note with Shahi Tukda, a luxurious bread pudding with a touch of saffron and silver leaf.
Ingredients:
- Bread slices
- Milk
- Saffron strands
- Sugar
- Cardamom powder
- Ghee (clarified butter) for frying
- Chopped nuts (pistachios and almonds)
- Edible silver leaf (varak)
Method:
- Trim the edges of the bread slices and cut them into triangles or desired shapes.
- Heat ghee in a pan and fry the bread slices until golden and crispy.
- In a separate pan, heat milk with sugar, saffron strands, and cardamom powder.
- Once the milk thickens, immerse the fried bread slices and let them soak in the flavoured milk.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and edible silver leaf before serving.
Choosing the perfect Indian desserts for your wedding is a delightful task. With these seven exquisite choices, your guests will be treated to a delightful array of flavours and textures that celebrate the richness of Indian culinary heritage. Ensure that your special day ends on a sweet and memorable note with these enchanting dessert options.