Simple and Classic Indian Sweets: A blog about the most delicious desserts in India

India and Indians are very well known for their food across the world. If nothing else, India could easily rank on the top charts of being the food crazy capital of the world. We are as passionate about our food as we are creative about our food. With the abundance of cuisines and the wide variety of dishes in each cuisine, India has emerged as one of the most popular cuisines even in the western and European parts of the globe. 

Indian cuisine may be known for its spice but it is out desserts that really take the cake. When it comes to Indian cuisine, there is no dearth of delectable desserts that leave a lasting impression on our taste buds. From rich, creamy Kheer to the iconic Gulab Jamun, there are endless options to choose from. Indian sweets or desserts are famous around the world for their rich flavour, aroma, and texture. Sweets are an essential part of Indian cuisine and culture. No festival or celebration is complete without the exchange of sweets. The varieties of sweets available in India are endless, and every region has its own unique and special sweets.

In this blog, let’s explore the most popular and classic Indian sweets from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, and Karnataka that are sure to make your mouth water. These states are known for their distinct and flavourful cuisines and are home to some of the most delectable sweets in India. 

Let's begin with Maharashtra. Maharashtra is known for its unique and spicy cuisine, but it also has some mouth-watering sweets to offer. The most famous sweet from Maharashtra is Puran Poli. Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread made with chana dal, jaggery, and cardamom. The dough is stuffed with the chana dal and jaggery mixture and then rolled out and cooked on a tava (flat Pan). It is usually served hot with a dollop of ghee and some milk.

Moving on to Gujarat, this state is famous for its vegetarian cuisine and delicious sweets. The most popular sweet from Gujarat is Mohanthal. The Mohanthal is a fudgy, nutty sweet made with besan, ghee, sugar, and nuts. The besan is roasted in ghee until it turns golden brown and then mixed with sugar syrup and nuts. It is then cut into diamond-shaped pieces and garnished with sliced almonds and pistachios. 

Andhra Pradesh is famous for its spicy and tangy cuisine, but it also has some unique sweets to offer. Pootharekulu is a famous sweet from Andhra Pradesh made with rice starch and jaggery. The rice starch is spread out into thin sheets, and jaggery syrup is added in between each layer. It is then rolled up like a cigar and left to cool. This sweet has a crispy texture and a rich, caramel-like flavour.

Bengal is known for its rich culture and delicious cuisine. The most famous sweet from Bengal is Rasgulla also known as Rosogolla. The Rasgulla is a spongy and juicy sweet made with chenna and sugar syrup. In some parts of India, particularly in North India, the term "Gulab Jamun" is sometimes used to refer to Rasgulla. This is because both the desserts are round, soft, and soaked in syrup, giving them a similar appearance. Chenna is the primary ingredient of the Rasgulla. Chenna is made by curdling milk and then draining the whey. The chenna is then kneaded and rolled into small balls, which are then cooked in sugar syrup. This sweet is loved by all and is one of the most popular sweets in India.

Lastly, let's talk about Karnataka, the state that gave us India’s first IT and Start Up hub, Bangalore. Karnataka is known for its rich and diverse cuisine. The most famous sweet from Karnataka is The Mysore Pak. Mysore Pak is a soft and buttery sweet made with besan, sugar, and ghee. It was created by the royal chefs of the Mysore Palace and has become a popular dessert all over the country. The besan is roasted in ghee until it turns golden brown and then mixed with sugar syrup and more ghee. It has a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, buttery flavour.

In conclusion, India is a land of diverse cultures and cuisines, and this diversity is reflected in its sweets as well. Each region has its own unique and delicious sweets that are an integral part of their culinary heritage. From the fudgy Mohanthal of Gujarat to the crispy Pootharekulu of Andhra Pradesh and the silky Mysore Pak from Karnataka, there is something for everyone. So, the next time you visit any of these states, don't forget to try their famous sweets and experience the taste of their rich culture.

For the best Mysore Pak in India visit Shree Mahalakshmi Sweets. Shree Mahalakshmi Sweets has a history spanning over three decades of serving the best and authentic Mysore Pak in India. With over 30 outlets spread across Bangalore and Mysore, Shree Mahalakshmi Sweets is a household name when it comes to traditional sweets in Karnataka. Visit https://www.shreemahalakshmisweets.com/ to order the Authentic Taste of Mysore.