Indian desserts are a delight to talk about! Let's be real, who doesn't like sweets? Indians sure do, and we have a whole culture built around it. So, let's dive into the world of Indian desserts and how fruits and vegetables make them even better!
Firstly, let's talk about the culture of Indian desserts. Desserts in India are more than just a sweet treat; they are a part of our culture and traditions. Whether it's a festival, a wedding, or any other celebration, desserts are an essential part of the menu. It's a way to show hospitality, love, and warmth to our guests. Plus, it's also a great way to bond over a sweet treat with family and friends.
Now, when it comes to using fruits and vegetables in Indian desserts, we have a whole range of options. Indians love their fruits and vegetables, and we believe in using them in every way possible, even in our desserts! For example, let's take the humble mango. We love it so much that we use it in a ton of desserts, like mango shrikhand, mango kulfi, and even mango rasgulla! That's right; we take the classic Bengali sweet and soak it in mango syrup to give it a fruity twist.
But it's not just mangoes; we use other fruits and vegetables too. Take the carrot, for example. We grate it and cook it in milk, sugar, and ghee to make the iconic gajar ka halwa. Or how about the papaya? We grate it and cook it in milk, sugar, and ghee to make a delicious halwa. And let's not forget the anjeer barfi made with figs, khoya, and sugar.
But it's not just about making traditional sweets with fruits and vegetables; we also experiment with new flavours and combinations. For instance, have you ever had pineapple kesari? It's a South Indian dessert made with semolina, sugar, ghee, and pineapple chunks. Or how about the fruit custard, a chilled dessert made with mixed fruits like apples, bananas, and pomegranate, and a creamy custard base?
So, you see, fruits and vegetables are a big part of Indian desserts, and we use them in every way possible to create new and delicious treats. Whether it's a traditional sweet or a modern fusion dessert, fruits and vegetables always find their way into our desserts, adding a healthy twist and a burst of flavour! Let's see the top 10 Indian desserts that are made using fruits and vegetables.
Lauki Ka Halwa
Lauki ka halwa, the dessert that sounds like a tongue-twister but tastes like heaven! It's a classic Indian sweet made from grated bottle gourd, milk, sugar, ghee, and flavoured with cardamom powder and chopped nuts. Now, you might be thinking, "Wait, did you say bottle gourd? In a dessert?" Yes, my friend, you heard it right! Bottle gourd, also known as lauki, is a vegetable that Indians love to use in everything, from curries to snacks to desserts. But don't worry, the bottle gourd in lauki ka halwa is not like the bland, watery vegetable you might be picturing in your mind. Oh no, when you grate it and cook it in milk and sugar, it turns into a sweet and juicy delight that complements the other flavours in the dessert perfectly. And let's talk about those flavours, shall we? The milk and sugar give it a rich and creamy base, while the ghee adds a lovely nutty flavour. The cardamom powder and chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios add a burst of aroma and texture, making each bite a heavenly experience. Some people say that lauki ka halwa is even better than the classic gajar ka halwa made with carrots. Don't believe me? You'll have to try it yourself to find out! So, the next time you're looking for a unique and delicious dessert to try, give lauki ka halwa a chance. You never know, it might just become your new favourite dessert!
Gajar Ka Halwa
where do we even start with gajar ka halwa? This dessert is a showstopper in the world of Indian sweets and for good reason. It's made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and garnished with chopped nuts like cashews and almonds. Now, we know what you're thinking, "Carrots in a dessert? That's crazy!" But trust me, when you cook grated carrots in milk and sugar, they turn into a sweet and juicy delight that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. And the ghee! Oh, the ghee! This clarified butter is what takes this dessert to the next level. It adds a rich and nutty flavour that'll have you licking the spoon clean. But wait, it gets better! The aroma of this dessert is absolutely divine. The cardamom powder and saffron strands that are added to the mix give it a heavenly scent that'll fill your entire house with warmth and love. And don't even get me started on the texture. The grated carrots give the halwa a lovely bite, while the chopped nuts add a crunch that'll make you go "mmm" with every bite. It's no wonder that gajar ka halwa is a favourite dessert for many Indians, especially during the cold winter months. It's like a warm hug in a bowl, comforting and delicious at the same time. So, if you're looking for a dessert that's unique, flavorful, and downright addictive, you have to try gajar ka halwa.
Mango Shrikhand
Mango shrikhand is the dessert that's perfect for those hot summer days when all you want is something cold, creamy, and delicious. Shrikhand is a popular Indian dessert made from strained yoghurt, sugar, and cardamom powder, and mango shrikhand is a variation of this dessert made with the king of fruits, the mighty mango! It's like a party in your mouth with every spoonful. Plus, the bright yellow colour of the mango shrikhand is just so inviting and cheerful, it's impossible not to smile when you see it. And the best part? It's so easy to make! All you need are a few ingredients and a blender or food processor. You can even make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a refreshing dessert after a hot day. So, if you're looking for a dessert that's refreshing, easy to make, and oh-so-delicious, give mango shrikhand a try. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
Sitaphal Basundi
Sitaphal basundi, the dessert that's a blend of the creamy and sweet flavours of milk, sugar, and sitaphal, also known as custard apple. It's a classic Indian dessert that's popular during festive occasions and weddings. The soft and juicy bits of sitaphal mixed with the creamy texture of the basundi make it a delightful treat for your taste buds. And the best part? It's so versatile! You can enjoy it warm or chilled, depending on your preference. You can also top it with some chopped nuts or dried fruits to add some crunch and texture. So, if you're looking for a dessert that's creamy, sweet, and bursting with flavour, sitaphal basundi is the way to go. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it's a festive celebration or just a cozy night in with your loved ones.
Pineapple Kesari
Pineapple kesari is a dessert that's perfect for those who love the sweet and tangy flavour of pineapple. It's a classic South Indian dessert made from semolina, sugar, ghee, and, of course, pineapple chunks. The semolina gives it a lovely texture that's both soft and slightly grainy, while the pineapple adds a burst of juicy flavour that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Plus, the aroma of ghee and cardamom powder that's added to the mix gives it a lovely and comforting scent. And the best part? It's so easy to make! You can whip it up in just under 30 minutes, and it's a great dessert to make for a special occasion or just a cozy night in with your loved ones. So, if you're looking for a dessert that's sweet, tangy, and easy to make, give pineapple kesari a try. It's a dessert that'll transport you to the tropical paradise of India with just one bite!
Anjeer Barfi
Anjeer barfi, also known as fig fudge, is a classic Indian dessert that's perfect for those who love the rich and nutty flavour of figs. It's made from dried figs, khoya, sugar, and nuts, and it's a popular dessert during festive occasions. The figs give it a lovely sweetness that's not too overpowering, while the khoya and nuts add a lovely depth of flavour and texture. Plus, the anjeer barfi has a lovely chewy and fudgy texture that's both satisfying and comforting. And the best part? It's a dessert that's not too sweet, making it perfect for those who prefer their desserts on the milder side. It's also a great dessert to make ahead of time and keep in the fridge for a sweet treat whenever you need it. So, if you're looking for a dessert that's rich, nutty, and easy to make, give anjeer barfi a try. It's a dessert that'll transport you to the colourful and vibrant streets of India with just one bite!
Mango Rasgulla
Mango rasgulla is a fruity twist on the classic Indian dessert, rasgulla. It's a sweet and spongy dessert made from cottage cheese, sugar syrup, and of course, fresh mango puree. The cottage cheese balls are delicate and melt-in-your-mouth, while the mango puree adds a refreshing fruity flavour that's perfect for those hot summer days.
And the best part? It's a dessert that's both satisfying and light at the same time, making it the perfect ending to any meal. Plus, it's so easy to make, you can whip it up in no time. So, if you're looking for a dessert that's sweet, fruity, and easy to make, give mango rasgulla a try. It's a dessert that'll transport you to the lush and tropical lands of India with just one bite!
Banana Sheera
Banana Sheera is a delicious and comforting Indian dessert made with semolina, ripe bananas, ghee, sugar, and nuts. It's a dessert that's perfect for those who love the natural sweetness of bananas and the rich, nutty flavour of semolina. Banana Sheera is a dessert that's not too sweet, making it perfect for those who prefer their desserts on the milder side. It's also a great dessert to make ahead of time and keep in the fridge for a sweet treat whenever you need it. The bananas give it a lovely sweetness that's balanced by the richness of the semolina and ghee, while the nuts add a lovely crunch and depth of flavour. And the best part? It's a dessert that's so easy to make, you can whip it up in no time. It's a perfect dessert for those busy weeknights when you want something sweet but don't have much time to spare. So, if you're looking for a warm and comforting dessert that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion, give Banana Sheera a try.
Beetroot Halwa
Beetroot halwa is a sweet dessert that's made from grated beetroots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It's a popular dessert in India and is known for its beautiful dark pink colour and delicious flavour. It's a dessert that's perfect for those who love a natural sweetness, and the pink colour adds a fun and vibrant touch to any table. Beetroot halwa is a dessert that's easy to make and is a great way to incorporate some vegetables into your sweet treats. It's also a dessert that's perfect for those who have a sweet tooth but are looking for a healthier option. So, next time you're in the mood for something sweet and colourful, give beetroot halwa a try!
Fruit Custard
Fruit custard is a sweet and creamy dessert that's made by combining custard powder, milk, and sugar with a variety of chopped fresh fruits. It's a popular dessert in India and is enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a dessert that's perfect for those who love the creamy texture of custard and the refreshing taste of fruits. Fruit custard is a dessert that's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can use any combination of fruits you like, and even add in some nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavour. It's a dessert that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive celebration. So, next time you're in the mood for a sweet and refreshing dessert, try making fruit custard. It's a dessert that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling satisfied and happy!