In India, sweets hold a significant role in our celebrations, whether they are auspicious occasions or festivals. Delectable desserts and sweets are essential components of events like weddings, birthday parties, and more. These treats are pivotal, adding a sense of incompleteness if absent. This phenomenon is a key reason why a diverse array of Indian sweets have gained global popularity. These dishes, originating from different parts of the country, have earned immense respect for their unique preparation methods. Each state in India boasts its own specialty sweet. Take, for instance, the beloved Rasgulla from Kolkata, a soft and mouth-melting treat. Another example hails from the city of Mysore – the Mysore Pak.
The array of renowned Indian sweets seems endless. Here are some of the mouth-watering sweets that you can enjoy on any occasion:
1. Rasgulla:
While Bengal is renowned for many Indian sweets, none rival the fame of Rasgulla, which was ingeniously made there. This exceptional dessert has no equal in its tender, melt-in-the-mouth quality. They are cottage cheese and semolina dough dumplings. For cooking, a light sugar syrup is prepared which completely covers these spongy soft round balls. Rasgulla is indeed difficult to turn down.
2. Mysore Pak:
This rich sweet is soaked in pure ghee and has gained recognition across the nation, capturing the hearts of people from various states. As the name suggests, it originates from Mysore and has a slightly brown and yellow colour. This Pak is flavoured with cardamom, honey, rose, and other spices.
3. Laddoos:
These treats are ubiquitous across India, available in countless variations. Ladoos can be made from atta, boondi, besan, sattu, and more. The motichur ladoos are the most popular and well-known ones. Motichur ladoo has a bright orange colour and is usually in high demand during Ganpati's ten-day celebration.
4. Malpua:
Malpua is Odisha's delicacy and is easily available on the streets due to its high demand. Additonally, it was also served to Lord Jagannath. It's a deep-fried pancake that's then dipped in sugary syrup. It is popular not only in Odisha, but throughout India.
5. Ghevar:
In Rajasthan, Teej Festival is associated with ghevar, a traditional delicacy that is given as a gift. The preparation of this sweet is both unique and fascinating. It is made by frying liquid Maida, which is then poured into a mould, usually round or hexagonal in shape, and soaked in sweet syrup layer by layer, often garnished with edible silver foil and pistachios.
Malai Ghevar is one of the most popular Ghevar varieties, following ordinary Ghevar. In this variation, Ghevar is covered with a layer of malai, whose soft texture complements Ghevar's semi-crispy texture. Another delectable Ghevar flavour that is popular throughout India is dry fruit-loaded Ghevar.
6. Jalebi:
The main ingredients of Jalebi are Channa, Urad Dal, and sugar syrup. They are made from a crisscross web of lines. This is then deep-fried and dipped in syrup. Most of the time, this sweet dish is served with Rabdi, but curd can also be used.