Indian sweets… it simply makes one feel like jumping up and down in joy. Mithais are an integral part of Indian family dinner after a real hearty meal. No one can beat sweets made from wholesome ingredients in India. Many of these desserts are made from condensed milk or skimmed milk and the addition of cardamom, cashew nut, walnut, etc. gives an extra flavor to the sweets.
There are innumerable Indian sweets popular all over the world. Some of these are listed as under:
1. Gulab Jamun
The origination of Gulab Jamun is from Persia when Muslim rulers came there to rule. Gulab Jamuns are famous from that time onwards. These sweets are made from Khoya which is a milk powder that can be changed to balls. This khoya is first deep-fried in medium heat and then, they are dipped in sugar syrup. The sugar syrup is mostly flavored with either saffron or rose water. Gulab Jamuns are delicious and are an essential part of any Indian family meal.
- Benefits: Provides energy and can boost mood.
- Harms: High in sugar and calories, may contribute to weight gain and diabetes if consumed in excess.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Diwali
- Most Famous sweet in State: Uttar Pradesh
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2. Laddu
When talking about sweets, laddus cannot be forgotten. Laddus are loved by people of all ages. There are so many versions of laddus, the best one is Motichoor laddu. There is ancient history to the preparation of Laddus. It is believed to have been prepared by Indian physician Susutra, as a means to cure his surgical patients. Nowadays, Laddus are made as an offering to God during religious ceremonies.
- Benefits: Can be a source of protein and healthy fats if made with ingredients like nuts.
- Harms: High in sugar and calories, can contribute to weight gain and dental issues.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Ganesh Chaturthi
- Most Famous sweet in State: Andhra Pradesh
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3. Kulfi
Kulfi is the Indian version of ice cream. Like so many Indian sweets, Kulfi is also an origination from Persia. This dish was made popular during the Mughal period as they had kulfis as part of their sweets. Kulfis are made from milk and the enhancement of flavor is given by either pistachios or saffron. Kulfis are found in most stalls in India today.
- Benefits: Rich in calcium and protein if made with milk and nuts.
- Harms: High in sugar and fat, may contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Eid
- Most Famous sweet in State: Punjab
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4. Kheer
There are various milk-based deserts in India, the best one that remains is the Kheer. Kheer is made by boiling milk and sugar and the flavor is given with the help of saffron, cardamom or simply dry fruits and nuts. Kheer has different names in India and all of these are milk-based puddings. In South India, rice is changed to vermicelli and is called seviyan there.
- Benefits: Contains calcium and protein from milk and nuts.
- Harms: High in sugar and calories, may contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Most Famous Dessert in Festival: Navratri
- Most Famous Dessert in State: West Bengal
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5. Sandesh
Bengalis are known for their sweets, the most popular among them is the Sandesh. Sandesh is prepared from Chenna which is a residue of curdled milk. Sandesh is very soft and juicy and it melts in the mouth when put. Many believe that Sandesh has been inspired by the cheese-based products that were produced in the European countries in the earlier times.
- Benefits: Contains calcium and protein from milk, can be a lower calorie option compared to other sweets.
- Harms: High in sugar, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous dessert in Festival: Durga Puja
- Most Famous Dessert in State: West Bengal
Read more – Popular Food of Andhra Pradesh
6. Kaju Barfi
Kaju Barfi is similar to fudge but it is prepared from cashew nuts in India. Kaju Barfis are shaped in the form of diamond and are priced high in India. Kaju Barfi is given during special occasions or festivals in India. There is also Kesar Kaju Barfi and it is saffron in color.
- Benefits: Contains protein and healthy fats from cashews.
- Harms: High in sugar and calories, may contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Diwali
- Most Famous sweet in State: Maharashtra
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7. Gajar Ka Halwa
How can someone miss out Gajar ka Halwa when in India? This sweet dish is prepared from carrots and then simmered in milk and cardamom. Then the grated carrots are dipped in ghee and sugar. After completion of the dish, it is garnished with dry fruits. Gajar Ka Halwa became popular during the Mughal period and it is continuing in India till today. This particular sweet dish is made during many festivals of Muslims and Hindus.
- Benefits of sweet: Contains vitamin A and fiber from carrots.
- Harms of sweet: High in sugar and calories, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous dessert in Festival: Lohri
- Most Famous dessert in State: Punjab
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8. Jalebi
Jalebis are a famous sweet dish among everyone. These are hoop typed dishes that are made from deep frying flour which is then dipped in sugar syrup. Many varieties of jalebis are found in Iran and Iraq. This is one such recipe that dates back to the 15th century and is famous even today. Jalebis are best served warm and is given with rabri or condensed milk.
- Benefits of sweet: Provides quick energy, can boost mood.
- Harms of sweet: High in sugar and calories, may contribute to weight gain and diabetes if consumed in excess.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Ramadan
- Most Famous sweet in State: Rajasthan
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9. Rasgulla
Rasgullas are also made from chenna and then these ball-shaped dumplings are made to be cooked in a sweet syrup that moves through the dough. West Bengal and Orissa are the two stated in India in which Rasgulla has been famous. These states make the best Rasgullas which are very delicate and tender in shape and also in taste.
- Benefits of Sweets : Contains calcium and protein from milk, can be a lower calorie option compared to other sweets.
- Harms of sweets: High in sugar, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Durga Puja
- Most Famous sweet in State: West Bengal
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10. Ghevar
Ghevar is a sweet dish which has been originated from Rajasthan and it dates back to the 15th century. Ghevar is prepared mostly during the Teej festival to show love towards husbands. Teej is a two-day festival celebrated to seek blessings from Goddess Parvati who is Lord Shiva’s consort. Ghevar is offered to God for seeking blessings for bliss and sublime life.
- Benefits of sweet: Provides energy, can boost mood.
- Harms of sweet: High in sugar and calories, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Teej
- Most Famous sweet in State: Rajasthan
Read more – Famous Local Food of Uttar Pradesh
11. Malpua
Malpua is a pancake-shaped desert which is prepared in the state of Orissa. The batter for Malpua is made from flour and semolina but the preparation depends from state to state. The common ingredient used to enhance the flavor is cardamom. Malpua is deep-fried and then it is dipped in sweet syrup and then served with cold rabri.
- Benefits of sweet: Provides energy, can boost mood.
- Harms of sweet: High in sugar and calories, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Holi
- Most Famous sweet in State: Odisha
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12. Peda
Pedas are famous in the city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and it is made from milk and sugar. Pedas are offered to Lord Krishna and the importance of Pedas has evolved since then. Pedas are mostly yellow and they are served with dry fruits to give crunchiness to these pedas.
- Benefits of sweet: Contains calcium and protein from milk.
- Harms of sweet: High in sugar and calories, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Janmashtami
- Most Famous sweet in State: Gujarat
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13. Rabri
Another milk-based product that is prepared in India is Rabri which is made from condensed milk. The milk is thickened and the flavor is found mostly in the layers of milk which are converted to cream. Cardamom and saffron are the two basic ingredients that are used for flavor enhancement along with dry fruits. Rabri is one such dish that is eaten with Jalebis or Gulab Jamuns. Mishti Doi of Bengal is similar to Rabri but with no addition of nuts and fruits.
- Benefits of sweet: Contains calcium and protein from milk.
- Harms of sweet: High in sugar and calories, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Raksha Bandhan
- Most Famous sweet in State: Uttar Pradesh
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14. Mango Sago
Mango Sago is a typical sweet dish that is found in North India. It is prepared from ripened mangos and it is mildly sweet. Sago is a granular starch prepared from palm leaves. The entire dish is prepared from milk, condensed milk, mango, sugar, and sago. The dish becomes an absolute delight when it is garnished with mangoes.
- Benefits of sweet: Contains vitamin C and fiber from mangoes.
- Harms of sweet: High in sugar, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Vishu
- Most Famous sweet in State: Kerala
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15. Mysore Pak
Mysore Pak is a famous South Indian dish prepared from gram flour, ghee, sugar, and cardamom. The taste of Mysore Pak is heavenly and taste buds linger to this taste. The preparation of Mysore Pak depends on the amount of ghee that is used. More usage of ghee can lead to the melting of the Pak in the mouth. This sweet dish is quite divine and is a must-have.
- Benefits of sweet : Provides energy, can boost mood.
- Harms of sweet : High in sugar and calories, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Dasara
- Most Famous sweet in State: Karnataka
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16. Ras Malai
Ras Malai is a creamy dish prepared from Indian cottage cheese dipped in condensed milk. Cheese curd is the basic product that goes into making this dish. Ras Malai is quite soft and spongy to have and the taste of saffron would want you to have more of it. The milk is thickened for the preparation of this sweet dish.
- Benefits of sweet : Contains calcium and protein from milk, can be a lower calorie option compared to other sweets.
- Harms of sweet : High in sugar, should be consumed in moderation.
- Most Famous sweet in Festival: Eid
- Most Famous sweet in State: West Bengal
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These are some of the sweets and desserts which are very popular in India. Once you have any of these, you will not be able to resist. Go on a trip and savor some of these amazing deserts there.
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