Sweet treats, or mithais, are one of the most popular Indian cuisines. After you have enjoyed a hearty meal, eating sweets and desserts are central to Indian traditions. A few of these sweets originated in ancient India like ladoo and some of them were introduced by the Mughal rulers. You can find most of them at the best Indian restaurant London.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Indian desserts:
Table of Contents
1. Laddu
When it comes to festive treats, nothing beats laddu. Available in a wide range of versions, this is one of the most popular and favourite sweets for many. One of the tastiest laddus has to be the motichoor laddu that is believed to have been invented by Sushrutra, an ancient Indian physician who used sesame laddus for treating his surgical patients. It is also a sweet that is made as an offering to God.
2. Kheer
Kheer is one of the most-loved milk-based puddings in India. Made by boiling rice with sugar and milk, kheer can be garnished with cardamom, saffron, nuts, and dry fruits. Other variants of milk puddings from India include payasam and phirni.
3. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jaumin is a desert from erstwhile Persia which arrived in India when Muslim rulers established their dynasties in the country. Made of khoya, it is a ball-shaped sweet that is deep-fried and then dipped in sugar serum flavoured with rose water and saffron.
4. Gajar Ka Halwa
This is a popular Indian dessert that is made from grated carrots simmered in cardamom and milk. Then, it is fried in clarified butter and sugar and garnished with dried fruits. It became popular during the Muhgal period and is not served during Hindu as well as Muslim festivals in the country.
5. Jalebi
Jalebi has to be one of the most popular Indian desserts. This hoop-shaped sweet is made by deep-frying flour and soaking it in sugar syrup. There are different jalebi versions found in Turkey and Iran. You can find recipes for this dish in ancient Indian cookbooks that date back to the 15th century.
6. Kulfi
Kulfi can be considered as the Indian ice cream. Borrowed from Persian cuisine, this dish became popular after the Mughals settled in the country. The flavour of this dessert is often enhanced with saffron and pistachios.
India is known for its food. It is home to a wide range of desserts. If you eat a new dish every day, it will take you years and you still won’t be able to try everything. Start out with these popular and loved Indian desserts at an Indian restaurant London and give your taste buds a treat.