The world-famous Indian cuisine needs no introduction. As a country with diverse religions and over 100 languages and traditions, India is home to one of the richest cuisines in the world – and its desserts are no exception.
On the occasion of World Food Day, we highlight the Right to food for a better life and a better future. Even though there’s more than enough food to feed everyone, millions of people don’t know when they will have their next meal. In fact, 733 million people (1 in 11) go hungry every day.
Indian sweets, however, use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to ensure food security and preserve the diverse cultural heritage in each part of the country. A recent WWF report even highlighted the Indian diet as being the least harmful to the environment. By raising awareness about food insecurity and supporting practices that promote sustainable agriculture and equitable food distribution, we can work towards a world where everyone has the right to a better life and a better future.
Now let’s take a moment to appreciate the endless list of sweet treats from India!
10 Famous Indian Sweets You Have to Try!
From the rich and indulgent sweets of the North to the light and refreshing delicacies of the South, Indian cuisine offers a variety of mouth-watering flavours and textures. With the festive season around the corner, we can’t wait to stuff our faces at all the parties and family get-togethers. So, here’s a list of some of the most iconic Indian sweets from all over the country that you can’t miss:
#1 – Bebinca (Goa)
Bebinca is a layered cake/pudding and a beloved dessert from Goa. Each layer is cooked separately in a slow baking process to give it a unique flavour and aroma. The traditional recipe involves 7 layers of a batter made with wheat flour, nutmeg, egg yolk, coconut, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bebinca is best enjoyed with a generous dollop of ice cream. Making bebinca is a labour-intensive task that requires a lot of patience and skill.
#2 – Roshagulla (West Bengal)
Roshagulla, also known as Rasgulla is a soft and spongy ball-shaped dessert served in syrupy, synonymous with West Bengal. Although it originated from Odisha, it was Kolkata that put the Ragulla on the world map. The round, white dumplings are made of chhena (cottage cheese) and semolina dough, cooked in a sugary syrup until the syrup coats the Rasgulla… yes, our mouths are watering too. The delicate texture and sweet flavour make Rasgulla a beloved dessert across India. It’s a popular street food in West Bengal and is often enjoyed chilled for a refreshing treat.
#3 – Gajar Ka Halwa (Punjab)
Gajar Ka Halwa, a sweet made from carrots, milk, sugar, and nuts, is a popular winter delicacy in North India. Originating in Punjab, this dessert is cooked on a slow burner until the milk dries out, leaving a rich and creamy texture. The sweetness of the carrots combined with the richness of the milk and the crunch of nuts makes Gajar Ka Halwa a truly indulgent treat. There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Gajar Ka Halwa in the winter season in North India.
#4 – Mysore Pak (Karnataka)
Mysore Pak, a popular South Indian sweet, is known for its soft, crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich, caramel-like flavour. It’s made with chickpea flour, ghee, and sugar, and is often served in bite-sized pieces, but we wouldn’t blame you if you couldn’t stop after one. Mysore Pak is believed to have originated in the royal kitchens of Mysore Palace and is now enjoyed all over India.
#5 – Basundi (Gujarat)
Basundi is a thick, creamy dessert made from milk, sugar, and dry fruits, and is a popular sweet dish in Gujarat. The rich and creamy texture, combined with the sweetness of the milk and the crunch of the dry fruits, makes Basundi a satisfying dessert. It’s often enjoyed as a refreshing snack or after a meal.
#6 – Sel Roti (Sikkim)
Sel Roti is a ring-shaped doughnut of sorts that looks a bit like a Pretzel. It’s a traditional sweet bread made from flour, sugar, butter, and milk, and a popular street food in Sikkim. It has a crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy interior thanks to the special technique required to flip it over while frying. It has a subtle sweetness that pairs best with a hot beverage.
Each region in India reflects the local culture, ingredients, and traditions in its desserts and cuisine. Whether you prefer the rich and indulgent sweets of the North or the light and refreshing desserts of the South, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth in India.
Honey and India: An Age-Old Love Story
Indian sweet dishes have been using honey as a natural sweetener for centuries. Its unique flavour, aroma, and medicinal properties have made it a beloved ingredient in various desserts from all over the country. Honey has also played a significant role in Indian religion, spirituality, and folklore. In Ayurveda, honey is believed to have purifying effects on the mind and body.
Unlike traditional multifloral honey, Nutriplus Monofloral Honey is produced from the nectar of a single species of flower to give it a distinct taste, colour, and thickness. Monofloral Honey is packed with nutrients and is known for its natural soothing and antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for skin health and respiratory issues. Additionally, Monofloral Honey has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and support weight management.
Read More: Surprising Health Benefits of NMR-Tested Nutriplus Monofloral Honey
Looking for something other than honey? Look no further than Nutriplus Natose Stevia!
Stevia is a natural sweetener that’s way sweeter than sugar but has zero calories. It’s a game-changer for people watching their weight or managing diabetes and has also been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
Read More: Make Stevia Your New Sugar
If you’re tired of using unhealthy, refined sugar to make your favourite Indian sweets, Nutriplus Monofloral Honey and Natose Stevia are the perfect substitutes before you get cooking this festive season!