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 10 Indian Sweets to Brighten the Festive Spirit

10 Indian Sweets to Brighten the Festive Spirit

The festive season is upon us. From August to January, there is a long line of festivals queued up for us in India, and that means it is time to take out the recipe books, handwritten by momma, passed down by grandma, and her momma, and on and on. In India, celebration is incomplete without sweets.


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Kaju Katli, Kaju Katli RecipeKaju Katli, Kaju Katli Recipe

So used are we to having sweets that we often have them without any reason at all! For the people of many Indian communities, a full-fledged meal is not complete without serving a sweet or two.

Atta ka Sheera
Atta ka Sheera

From sweets like Atta Ka Sheera, which take just a few minutes to prepare, to more elaborate ones like Gulab Jamun, we have such a large repertoire of Indian mithai to choose from, and there is always a right one for every occasion.

Gulab JamunGulab Jamun

While sweets made for religious occasions use ingredients like coconut, Jaggery and til, there are others like Carrot Halwa and Rabri, which are usually made with sugar and associated with celebrations.

Gajar ka HalwaGajar ka Halwa

A cup of hot Carrot Halwa at the end of a meal is awesome, almost heavenly. When you are feeling more adventurous, top it with a scoop of Rich Vanilla Ice-cream!

Rich Vanilla Ice-cream

Rich Vanilla Ice-cream



Malpuas is an evergreen hit in the northern parts of the country.

Malpua Recipe ( Indian Dessert)

Malpua Recipe ( Indian Dessert)

Whether it is Holi, a wedding or a party, the dessert counter would be incomplete without these warm, deep-fried and syrup-coated flour discs. Serve the Malpuas with Rabri for a grander treat!

Rabri Or How To Make Rabdi

Rabri Or How To Make Rabdi

Badam ka Halwa is equally popular, if not more. This rich and delicious treat is an all-time favourite winter recipe. Grandmas unfailingly advice their grandchildren to have a spoonful of this wholesome halwa, each morning, all through the winter.

Badam ka Halwa

Badam ka Halwa

Some recipes like Basundi are popular all over the country, although there might be mild variations in the preparation, garnishing and serving methods.

BasundiBasundi

Gujarati Basundi is a rich and delicious dessert of thickened milk, very similar to the North Indian Rabri. It is usually served with Puris and Undhiyu.

OondhiyaOondhiya

Besan Laddoo is another mithai that is made all over India. It tastes awesome and is quite satiating too. Prepared the right way, it can be stored at room temperature for around 15 days. So, you can make a batch and keep it handy, to snack on occasionally or to serve to kids when they are back from school.

Besan Ladoo, Indian Mithai

Besan Ladoo, Indian Mithai

Fresh hot syrupy Instant Jalebis is another versatile and evergreen sweet, which fits any occasion – it is a hot-seller on roadside shops, and is as popular at weddings and chaat parties.

Basically, any time is Jalebis time!

Instant Jalebis

Instant Jalebis

Luckily for us, the process of sweet-making has also evolved over the years. In the past, making mithai meant that the women slogged in the kitchen for long hours, constantly stirring the ingredients till they got the right consistency. Now, there are easy methods to make any sweet. Halwas, sheeras and burfis can be made in minutes by cooking the ingredients in the microwave oven. Even jalebis can be made instantly without requiring long hours of fermentation, by smartly using ingredients like yeast.

Bread and Butter PuddingBread and Butter Pudding

Modern equipment and innovative techniques have taken the sweat and strain out of sweet making.

All that’s left is pure, untainted joy! So, what are you waiting for? Put on your mithaiwallah hats, take your pick from our recipes, and get set go...

Top 10 Indian Sweets



1.

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atte ka sheera recipe | quick Gujarati atta ka sheera | atta ka sheera in microwave | whole wheat flour sheera | with 8 amazing images. atte ka sheera is a popular Gujarati sweet made from simple ingredients which are easily available in the Indian kitchen. In fact all you need is whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar, cardamom and almonds to make the atta ka sheera. I consider whole wheat sheera one of the easiest sweets to make. We have made it even easier by making it in a microwave, the cooking time is cut short to 5 minutes. Mouth-watering Gujarati atta ka sheera , with a fabulous colour, texture and flavour, ready in just five minutes! If you are wondering how that magic is possible, well, just trust your microwave to do it for you. Flavoured with cardamom and garnished with slivers of almond, this is one irresistible whole wheat flour sheera that is sure to win you many praises. atta ka sheera is a quick dessert and requires far less effort as compared other Indian dessert. I usually prepare atta ka sheera in microwave as the method of cooking is quicker, so when craving for something sweet you know what to do! If you have a very sweet tooth, you can add two more tablespoons of sugar. Also remember to serve this Gujarati atta ka sheera immediately to avoid lumps. Enjoy atte ka sheera recipe | quick Gujarati atta ka sheera | atta ka sheera in microwave | whole wheat flour sheera | with detailed step by step recipe photos below.

2.

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badam ka halwa recipe | badam halwa | almond halwa | Indian almond halwa | with amazing 23 images. badam ka halwa recipe, an Indian mithai with a soft, fudge-like texture. The almond halwa just slides down your throat and warms your soul! One of the all-time favourite Indian sweets, badam halwa is made for any and every occasion, and sometimes for no reason at all ! Grandmas unfailingly advice their grandchildren to have a spoonful of this wholesome badam ka halwa every morning, all through the winter as it keeps the body warm. This is one delicious morning ritual nobody would want to skip! This all-time favourite winter badam halwa is, of course, a bit rich, so you cannot have more than a few spoons at a time. Worry not, you can stash Indian almond halwa safely into the freezer and have some everyday, especially in the winters. To make badam ka halwa recipe we have soaked, de-skinned and blend almonds to a course mixture without using any water or milk. It is important to have the texture of the ground almonds to have a grainy texture similar to semolina. So keep checking the mixer while blitzing and stop when the almonds are coarse and not smooth. Cook almonds in ghee until it imparts a nutty aroma and changes colour. Further, we have added whole wheat flour and cooked until almonds and atta are well roasted and followed by addition of water-milk mixture. Cook and keep stirring continously. We have added sugar, as the sugar melts the badam halwa will again turn runny so cook again until it turns a little dry. Add saffron and cardamom powder. The consistency of badam halwa is thick, not solid so make sure you do not over cook. Serve badam ka halwa hot garnished with almond slivers! In this particular recipe, we have added a bit of whole wheat flour to get a crunchy effect and also prevent the formation of ghee on top of the badam ka halwa, so don’t forget to add it. Enjoy badam ka halwa recipe | badam halwa | almond halwa | Indian almond halwa | with detailed step by step recipe photos below.

3.

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basundi recipe | Gujarati basundi | how to make traditional basundi sweet | milk basundi recipe | with 25 amazing images. Gujarati basundi is a rich and delicious Gujarati mishtan of thickened milk, very similar to the North Indian rabdi, it is basically just boiling the milk in a thick bottomed pan till the milk is reduced. Almonds and pistachios add crunch to this rich , creamy basundi. Remember to keep scraping the sides of the vessel when cooking, as that will make the basundi thick and impart a real creamy texture. Use a flat spoon to scrape the vessel as it is more convenient than a round spoon. gujarati basundi can be served warm or chilled and tastes amazing with piping hot, deep-fried puris and Undhiyu. Come festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami or Navratri, my father would start reducing the milk since 5 am for making basundi, so that the gas range would be free before my mother gets up and starts cooking the meal. Twist the authentic Basundi sweet recipe and make innovative Pineapple Basundi with fruity flavor. To fasten the cooking process, you can even make basundi with condensed milk that will get ready quickly. Aside from basundi, see our Gujarati sweet recipes like Golpapdi, Kopra Pak, Mohanthal. Pro tips for basundi. 1. Add 6 1/2 cups full-fat milk in that deep thick pan. Full-fat milk has a higher fat content than low-fat or skim milk. This higher fat content contributes to the rich, creamy texture and indulgent mouthfeel that are characteristic of basundi. The fat helps to create a smooth and luxurious experience when enjoying this dessert. 2. Reduce the flame and cook on a slow to medium flame for 45-48 minutes while stirring and scraping the sides of the pan occasionally. Image one of cooking for 15 minutes. Slow to medium cooking allows the milk to evaporate gently. This gradual process results in a smooth and creamy texture, unlike rapid boiling which could cause scorching or curdling. 3. Add 1/2 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder. Cardamom has a distinct aroma and flavor profile, offering a combination of warm, sweet, and slightly floral notes. It complements the richness of the milk and sweetness of the sugar in basundi, adding complexity and depth to the overall taste. Enjoy basundi recipe | Gujarati basundi | how to make traditional basundi sweet | milk basundi recipe | with step by step photos.

4.

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besan ladoo recipe | besan ke ladoo | besan ladoo with step by step photos | with 20 amazing images. besan ladoo is one of the most popular mithai in Indian cuisine. It might be known by various names, but this delicious laddoos of spiced and sweetened besan is famous all over the country. besan ladoo are made and relished for festivals, family events and different occasions. Some people also serve besan ke ladoo as prasadam. All you need is patience while making besan ladoo, patience is the key. Ingredients used for making besan ladoo are simply available in every Indian household pantry. All you need to do to make besan ladoo is heat ghee in a non stick pan, once the ghee is hot. Add besan and keep stirring it continuously which will prevent it from burning. Do not strictly leave it unattended. You will need to roast the besan for 13-15 mins atleast. You will know the besan is cooked when the besan would turn golden brown and has a nice aroma. Further, transfer it in a plate and let it cool down. Once the mixture has come to room temperature, add sugar. Also, add coarsely grounded almonds which would give laddus a nutty taste and finally cardamom powder which would enhance the taste of it. Mix well and roll into laddoos. The finish of the laddoos should be shiny, which is an indication of perfectly cooked besan ladoo. When making this, remember that the rich flavour of the besan ladoo depends on how well you cook the besan. Under-cooking it will leave behind a raw taste, which will ruin the whole recipe. So, make sure you cook it well. The proportion of ghee and besan is also important as you might end up with a dry or very soft besan ladoo if it is not done right. Once you have the mix ready, take some in your palm, shape it into a round and keep rolling it in your hand till you get a smooth, lustrous, ghee-tinted texture on the surface. besan ladoo will look so irresistible at this stage that you would just want to pop it into your mouth! That’s when the laddoo is ready. If you liked this, you are sure to also enjoy other Traditional Indian Mithai recipes made from besan like Mysore Pak, Sweet Boondi and Mohanthal. Enjoy besan ladoo recipe | besan ke ladoo | besan ladoo with step by step photos | with detailed step by step photos and video below.

5.

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microwave carrot halwa recipe | microwave gajar ka halwa | how to make carrot halwa in a microwave | gajar ka halwa microwave recipe | with 13 amazing images. microwave carrot halwa recipe | microwave gajar ka halwa | how to make carrot halwa in a microwave | gajar ka halwa microwave recipe is a quick famous Indian mithai ready in 15 minutes. Learn how to make microwave gajar ka halwa. To make microwave carrot halwa, heat the ghee in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 15 seconds. Add the carrot, mix well and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Add the milk, sugar and khoya, mix well and microwave on high for 12 minutes, while stirring every 2 minutes. Add the cardamom powder and mix well. Serve warm. A cup of hot carrot halwa served at the end of a meal is so heavenly that it makes you forget the meal itself. The unique texture and rich flavour of this microwave gajar ka halwa will linger in your palate and memory for a long time thereafter, overshadowing the glory of even the best main course! Go smart with the gadgets and equipments you have. We show you how to use a wise combination of ingredients in the right proportions to make carrot halwa in a microwave within minutes using the microwave oven. You no longer need to sweat in the kitchen for a long time, to make your favourite mithai... Gajar ka halwa microwave recipe is a delicious dessert which has just the perfect sweetness, tinge of cardamom as flavour enhancer and khoya to add to its creamy texture. You can serve it warm as it is or with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream as enjoyed by many. Tips for microwave carrot halwa. 1. Prefer to grate the carrots thick than thin as they shrink in size on cooking. 2. Always crumble or grate the khoya before adding so it gets mixed easily. 3. After adding all the ingredients stir after every 2 minutes as mentioned in the recipe so the carrots cook uniformly. Enjoy microwave carrot halwa recipe | microwave gajar ka halwa | how to make carrot halwa in a microwave | gajar ka halwa microwave recipe | with step by step photos.

6.

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gulab jamun recipe | gulab jamun with khoya | Indian mithai | how to make gulab jamun | gulab jamun is a Punjabi sweet served not only at restaurants but also on the streets in North India. Learn how to make gulab jamun. There are umpteen ready mixes available in the market for making gulab jamun, but none can beat the traditional recipe made with homemade khoya. While it is slightly time consuming, making them is not very difficult. Though famous from North India, this sweet is famous across India, especially in the west of India. Make and relish gulab jamun with khoya with family and friends on occasions like Diwali Raksha - Bandhan and Dussehra. To make gulab jamun, make the sugar syrup first. Combine the sugar and 3 cups of water in a deep non-stick pan, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 8 to 10 minutes minutes, while stirring occasionally. Simmer on a medium flame for 4 to 5 minutes or till the syrup is of one string consistency. Remove any impurities which float on top of the syrup using a slotted spoon. Add the saffron and cardamom powder and mix well. Keep the sugar syrup warm. Then combine all the ingredients in a deep bowl and knead well into a very smooth dough. Divide this mixture into 30 equal portions and roll each into round balls. Keep aside. Heat the ghee in a deep non-stick kadhai and deep-fry few gulab jamuns at a time, on a slow flame till they turn brown in colour from all the sides. Drain well and immediately immerse in the warm sugar syrup. Soak the gulab jamuns in the sugar syrup for at least 1 hour. Serve gulab jamun warm. Authentic gulab jamun with khoya made with hariyali mava has a very rich mouth-feel that gels well with festivity. In a bygone era, when everything was made at home, khoya would be made in winter and used in summer, by which time it would have acquired a mild green colour (hence the name hariyali) and grainy texture perfect for making Gulab Jamun! If you are not unable to achieve this feat, you can buy some soft khoya and get started. Milk powder and arrowroot flour have been added in this Indian mithai for binding the dough. Ensure that your dough is smooth to get soft gulab jamuns. Tips for gulab jamun. 1. Keep stirring the sugar syrup continuously and ensure you do not miss the one string consistency. 2. While making the gulab jamun balls ensure that there are no cracks on the surface as otherwise the gulab jamuns will crack while deep-frying. 3. As you deep-fry keep adding the fried jamuns in sugar syrup. 4. You can store them refrigerated in an air-tight container with the sugar syrup. They stay fresh for upto 3 days. Enjoy gulab jamun recipe | gulab jamun with khoya | Indian mithai | how to make gulab jamun | with step by step photos and video below.

7.

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rabdi recipe | authentic rabri recipe | lachhedar rabdi recipe | easy rabri recipe | with 14 amazing images. rabdi recipe | authentic rabri recipe | lachhedar rabdi recipe | easy rabri recipe | is a North Indian traditional sweet dish. Learn how to make rabdi. Rabdi recipe also known as rabri is a perfectly proportioned combination of milk and sugar, thickened traditionally in a broad-bottomed vessel. When making rabdi, it is very important to stick the cream (malai) to the side of the pan to make lachhedar rabri recipe. Moreover, if you forget to scrape the sides, the rabdi will also not become thick as the scraping of sides is what thickens the rabdi and give the wonderful mouthfeel of the malai. This authentic luscious and creamy rabdi recipe is just made in 30 minutes. Many Traditional Indian Favourites like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi and Malpuas taste awesome when eaten topped with rabri. Tips for making rabdi: 1. You can add a pinch of cardamom powder to enhance the taste. 2. Sticking cream (malai) to the sides of the pan its very important to have lacchedar malai rabdi. 3. Instead of sugar you can also use condensed milk. 4.Make sure you stir it ocassionally or else the rabdi might burn. Enjoy how to make rabdi recipe | authentic rabri recipe | lachhedar rabdi recipe | easy rabri recipe | with detailed step by step images.

8.

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anjeer halwa recipe | dry figs halwa | anjeer badam halwa | with 28 amazing images. anjeer halwa, also known as dry figs halwa is an amazing Indian dessert recipe that can be made on special occasions. Learn how to make anjeer halwa recipe | dry figs halwa | anjeer badam halwa | anjeer halwa is a must-try for people who are fond of desserts or halwa in general. Halwa is a classic Indian mithai that is usually prepared for festivals and special occasions. You can impress your guests and family by making this tasty anjeer halwa recipe. The anjeer badam halwa is a delicious dessert made of puréed figs, powdered almonds and nuts, cooked with ghee and a little bit of sugar to add to the natural sweetness of figs. The almonds and figs complement each other beautifully in flavour and texture, while the milk powder and ghee give a very luxuriant mouth-feel and flavour to this halwa. Tips to make anjeer halwa: 1. You can use jaggery instead of sugar to make this halwa more healthier. 2. You can add little more water if you want the figs paste to be smooth and not grainy. 3. You can top the halwa with your favourite nuts or have as it is. 4. While re-heating the halwa you add adjust the consistency by adding little water. Enjoy anjeer halwa recipe | dry figs halwa | anjeer badam halwa | with detailed step by step photos.

9.

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jalebi recipe | crispy homemade jalebi | halwai style Indian jalebi | instant jalebi (without fermentation) | with 28 amazing images. jalebi recipe | crispy homemade jalebi | halwai style Indian jalebi | instant jalebi (without fermentation) is a traditional Indian mithai made and served during festivals and weddings. Learn how to make crispy homemade jalebi. This famous crispy homemade jalebi features on a Gujarati breakfast, especially on Sunday morning. The combo of Jalebi with ganthias and Masala Chai Or Masala Tea is a meal to be devoured with family and friends. Also served as a dessert jalebi is often served topped with Rabdi. This is irresistible too! To make jalebi, first make the batter. Combine the yeast with 2 tbsp of warm water in a bowl and keep aside for 5 to 7 minutes. Combine this yeast mixture with the plain flour in a bowl and mix well. Add 5 tbsp of water if required to make a thick batter and cover and keep aside for 10 to 15 minutes. Next make sugar syrup. Combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a broad non-stick pan, mix well and cook on a high flame for 10 to 12 minutes or till the sugar syrup is of 1 thread consistency. Combine the saffron strands, saffron colour and 2 tsp of sugar syrup in a bowl and add to the sugar syrup and mix well. Keep aside. Then select a plastic bottle with a small hole in the lid and fill with the batter. Heat the ghee in a broad non-stick pan and press the bottle to form a coil shaped jalebi, starting from the inside to the outside. Deep-fry till the jalebis turn golden brown in colour from both the sides. Place the fried jalebis into the warm syrup. Leave for 2 minutes or till they soak the sugar syrup well and then remove from the sugar syrup. Serve immediately garnished with cardamom powder, almond slivers and pistachio slivers. Who can resist the temptation of fresh, deep-fried jalebis garnished with aromatic saffron strands? For all of you halwai style Indian jalebi fans, here is a quick and tasty version that can be prepared without long hours of fermentation. This instant jalebi (without fermentation) is made in very less time as compared to the authentic recipe which needs overnight fermentation. This is a boon for those who want to try traditional mithais without sweating too much in the kitchen. A few tips to be kept in mind and you will be all set for a presentable Indian sweet and to gather all the applause. Tips for jalebi. 1. To make the batter add water gradually. The amount of water usually depends on the quality of the flour. The batter has to be thick. 2. Keep a close watch while making sugar syrup. It should be 1 thread consistency. Even a little extra cooking of the syrup might make it hard. 3. Do not leave the jalebi in the sugar syrup for too long to avoid it from becoming over sweet and soggy. Learn to make jalebi recipe | crispy homemade jalebi | halwai style Indian jalebi | instant jalebi (without fermentation) | with step by step photos and video below.

Reviews

10 Indian Sweets to Brighten the Festive Spirit
 on 16 Jun 17 04:03 AM
5

Tarla Dalal
16 Jun 17 09:34 AM
   Hi Geeta, thanks for the feedback.
10 Indian Sweets to Brighten the Festive Spirit
 on 08 Jun 17 07:31 PM
5

Tarla Dalal
09 Jun 17 10:05 AM
   Hi Sisca , we are delighted you loved the Indian Sweet article. Please keep posting your thoughts and feedback and review the articles you have loved. Happy Cooking.
10 Indian Sweets to Brighten the Festive Spirit
 on 24 Dec 16 02:04 PM
5

Love you collection of Indian sweets and am particularly fond of Jalebi and Rabri.