“Stressed is desserts spelt backwards” All you sweet addicts of the world, it is time to unite, because you just cannot miss this one! Having a sweet-tooth, I have always been on my toes to satiate my cravings for everything saccharine, and being a Bengali I have been fortunate enough to taste some of the most luscious and succulent Indian desserts sweets one can boast of!
However, apart from the mainstream and signature Indian desserts, there is lot more to this country which brings out the culinary diversity and skills. So hold your breath as I take you on a unique journey of lesser known Indian desserts!
Jet set Chalo!
- Chalta-Mulor Ambol – This is a unique recipe from Bangladesh and with the number of Bengalis from Bangladesh region found in West Bengal, it should be no surprise that the legacy is still quite strong. The ingredients of grated coconut, fresh nolen gur (jaggery), slices of radish, mustard seeds and chalta (Elephant apple) fuse together to create this lip-smacking dish! P.S. I am quite lucky that it is a winter staple back home!
- Dehrori – A popular Diwali delicacy from the heart of Chattisgarh, it is the mating of rice, curd, cardamom and sugar syrup.
- Kali Gajar ke Halwa – Black carrot Halwa or Kali Gajar ke halwa is a rare counterpart of the usual Gajar ka Halwa. It is a treasure from Uttar Pradesh. Made with condensed milk, ghee, assortment of nuts, cardamom and of course black carrots. You just shouldn’t miss this unique treat!
- Shufta – The simplicity of the Kashmiri natives is reflected in their simple yet palatable dessert known as Shufta. It is an assortment of miscellaneous nuts daubed with piquant spices, saccharine sugar syrup and is a remarkable departure from your everyday sweets! It is a must-have during festivals.
- Adrak- Ganne ka Gola – A delightful slush prepared by giving an edgy twist to the good old sugarcane juice! It is frozen and rendered a tangy turn with a dash of ginger juice and lemon! A Must-try during the sultry summer days of Mumbai!
- Makhan Malai– Also known as Nimish, it is a staple during the winters in Lucknow. It is a creamy and ethereal delicacy that melts in your mouth and tantalizes your taste bud like never before!
- Madhurjan Thongba – This irresistible sweet dish from Manipur is basically sweet dumplings in milk. It can be savoured both in its hot and cold versions! Reasons to love it more ha!
- Holige – Holige or Obattu is a heritage of Karnataka and Andhra. It is a must make sweet during Ugadi. Holige is not just offered to the deity but is a staple dessert during weddings in Karnataka.
- Mawa Bati – A favourite delicacy in Madhya Pradesh, Mawa Bati or Meva Bati is made by filling a mava based dough that is suffused with nuts and mava inside and later deep-fried. Perfect for all those who craves for rich sweets!
- Singhare ki Barfi – This is what happens when there is a resplendent concoction of water chestnut and flour. The gooey texture of the sweet gets a scrumptious twist with the peppering of nuts and pistachios! It is a popular sweet made during the time of fasting especially Navaratri.
- Mutta Kuzhalappam (Coconut filled crepes) – Also known as ‘Love letter’. It is a tea time snack which is prepared on a loose batter which is followed by the insertion of coconut dumpling and concludes in a roll. A true respite from oily snacks!
- Bebinca – A classic traditional delicacy from Goa it is a seven layered cake or pudding made with flour, sugar, coconut milk and egg yolk. Also known as bibik or bebinka, it is baked during wedding, cradle ceremonies, Christmas, Easter or any other festive occasions! Relish it even more with a scoop of ice-cream
- Crullers – A legacy from the land of sand dunes, Rajasthan crullers are spiral scrumptious sweets in circular shape prepared with the blend of sugar, milk, cinnamon and flour! Next time you are in the royal state don’t forget to get crullers!
- Dabbroo – These are basically sweet wheat pancakes from Himachal Pradesh. This super quick recipe lingers on your tongue and you just can’t help but crave for more!
Time for some serious sweet indulgence, isn’t it? Go and catch up on some traditional Indian desserts as fast as you can!
