Indian Desserts

Rasgulla (Pronunciation: ras-gul-la) is a very popular cheese based, syrupy sweet dish originally from Orissa. It is popular throughout India and the South Asian area. The dish is made from balls of chhena (which is a form of Indian cottage cheese) and semolina dough, cooked in sugar syrup.

The rasgulla originates in the town of Puri in coastal Orissa. In this town, the dish is traditional offering to the Hindu goddess, Lakshmi. It is an age-old custom within the temple to offer rasgullas to Lakshmi to appease her wrath for being ignored by her devotees, immediately after tha Annual Chariot Festival. Some scholars believe that this practice dates back over 600 years.

Want to try your hand at making rasgullas? Check this out:
Recipe for Rasgulla : Video

Gulab Jamun is among India's most popular desserts! This delicious dessert is essentially a dumpling made of thickened or reduced milk, and then soaked in rose flavored sugar syrup.

It gets its name from two different words: Gulab which means rose (in Hindi, for the rose flavored syrup) and Jamun which is a kind of deep purple colored Indian berry (Gulab Jamuns are reddish to dark brown in color).

Gulab jamun is a sweet often presented at festivals or major celebrations such as marriages, the festival of lights Diwali etc.

Want to try your hand at making Gulab Jamuns? Check this out:
Recipe for Gulab Jamun : Video

Kaju or Kajoo Barfi (Pronunciation: Kaa-joo Bur-fee) is a type of Cashew Fudge. It usually presented in the form of a diamond-shaped bar. It is more of a take-away sweet, and is often presented to guests on auspicious occasions like the birth of a child, weddings etc.

Kaju literally means Cashewnut and Barfi is a type of Indian sweet dish, usually in the form of lozenge. Kaju Barfi pieces are sometimes decorated with edible silver foil that leave a tingly aftertaste.

It is rather expensive compared to other Indian sweets, but it is relished and gifted extensively in India.

Want to try your hand at making Kaju Barfi? Check this out:
Recipe for Kaju Barfi : Video

Kheer, also known as Payasam (Payas-Milk, Sanskrit) is a traditional South Asian sweet dish, made by boiling rice or broken wheat with milk and sugar, and flavored with cardamom, raisins, saffron, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Kheer is simply rice pudding with spices and dry fruits.

It is typically served alongside a meal or also consumed alone as a stand alone dish There are many versions of Kheer within India itself, and is made in many homes routinely.

Want to try your hand at making Kheer? Check this out:
Recipe for Kheer : Video

Laddu or Laddoo or Ladoo is a sweet that is highly popular in various parts of South Asia. It is often prepared on festivals or household events such as weddings and births or given as a 'prasad' (god's blessings) at Hindu Temples.

It is made out of flour and a mixture of other ingredients rolled into balls. There are many different types of laddoos, such as Besan Laddoo, Boondi Laddoo, Motichur Laddoo etc. The laddoo can be made from gram flour (besan), semolina (rava or sajjige in Kannada), wheat flakes, and many other flours. The name is also a common nickname for sweet and lovely people.

Want to try your hand at making Besan Laddoos? Check this out:
Recipe for Besan Laddoo : Video

Gajar Halwa or Gajjar Halwa (Pronunciation: Gaa-jer Hull-wa) is an easy-to-make dish that is delectable and common in South Asian households. It is also one of the most famous north indian sweet items. Gajar Halwa rich in vitamin A as its main ingredient is carrot. It also has a lot of fat content since it uses a lot of clarified butter (ghee).

Gajar Halwa can be enjoyed hot or cold. Here's the recipe so you can try making it yourself!

Jalebis are prepared by frying batter in a kind of pretzel shape then soaked in a sweet syrup. They can be served warm or cold. It has a somewhat chewy texture with a crystallized sugary exterior coating. The sugars are also partly fermented, thus adding flavor to the dish.

Jalebis are also sometimes made of chhena in the eastern states of India. Jalebi is a hot favourite on any and all special occasions.Jalebis though mostly eaten by themselves, can also be soaked in milk for taste.

Want to try your hand at making Jalebis? Check this out:
Recipe for Jalebi : Video

Kulfi or Qulfi is a popular flavored frozen dessert that is made from milk and is served cold. Kulfi originated in India and is popular throughou South Asian countries and even the Middle East. It has similarities to ice cream in taste, texture and preparation.

Unlike other ice cream, kulfi takes does not melt easily. It comes in various flavours, including pistachio, malai, rose, mango, cardamom (elaichi) etc which are the more traditional flavours, as well as newer variations like apple, orange etc.

Want to try your hand at making Pista Kulfi? Check this out:
Recipe for Pista Kulfi : Video

In Maharashtra where I live, Puran Poli is a hot favorite of the people. It is made mostly during holi when the bonfire is lit to kill the demon Holika. The stuffing is known as puran and the covering is known as poli.

Making Puran Poli involves a bit of effort, but once you start eating, you'll realize it's well worth it! Puran Poli can be had with cream, aamras or shrikhand, though it is usually had as a stand-alone dish.

Want to try your hand at making Puran Poli? Check this out:
Recipe for Puran Poli : Video

Shrikhand is an Indian sweet dish made of strained yogurt. It is an important part of cuisine in Western India. It is also served with Gujarati meals sometimes as a sweet dish. Preparation of this dish is very simple but time consuming, since yogurt has to be processed properly. Below is a recipe to make shrikhand at home - do check it out.

We've reached the end of our long list, and I hope you enjoyed reading this lens! If you get an opportunity to taste any Indian desserts, now you know what to choose :)

Want to try your hand at making Shrikhand? Check this out:
Recipe for Shrikhand : Video

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