The most awaited and joyous part of the year has arrived. Diwali is not only about home cleaning and shopping, but also about ‘mithais’ or Indian sweets. Rajasthan is famous for its extensive cuisine and desserts are no doubt integral to it. There is an unmatched variety of mithais one can find in Rajasthan.
The hustle and bustle of the ‘halwai’ (sweet) shops are at its peak during Diwali. Finding people line up in front of it in long queues is a common sight, such is the popularity of mithais in Rajasthan.
Here are some of the sweetmeats from Rajasthan, which are especially popular during the Diwali season.
Balushahi
It looks like an Indian version of the doughnut and is a popular sweet in Rajasthan. Balushahi is made from ‘maida’ (refined flour), sugar, and milk products. It is first deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. This process leads to its trademark glazed look.
Rajbhog Mithais
The name ‘rajbhog’ means an offering to the Royals. This delicacy is, therefore, bigger in size as it was a royal dish in old times. Milk solids and saffron are the main ingredients. It has a texture similar to another Bengali sweet dish called ‘rasgulla’. But the difference lies in its size and stuffing of dry fruits. Even though it is Bengali in origin, this dish is extremely popular during Diwali in Rajasthan.
Mawa Kachori
Rajasthan is synonymous with kachoris. It is not surprising therefore that not only are there savory kachoris, but also sweet ones. ‘Mawa’ (reduced milk) is the star ingredient in this one. Dry fruits and nuts are graciously added to this rich recipe. No dessert is complete without ‘ghee’ (clarified butter) in Rajasthan and there is no exception for this one too. Dipped in sugar syrup and topped with cardamom powder, this one is irresistible.
Chhena Malpua
The texture of this sweet is extremely unique. ‘Chhena’ or cheese curds is the main ingredient. A range of other ingredients like nutmeg powder, saffron, almonds, pistachio, and of course ghee also goes into it. If waffles can’t go without maple syrup, then these malpuas are also incomplete without its famous accompaniment – ‘rabdi’ (thickened milk)
Moong Dal Halwa
A Rajasthani classic, this simple and soulful dessert is a must for Diwali. The bright yellow sweet is also a winter favorite because of its high energy value. ‘Moong dal’ and ‘Gud’ that is- yellow lentils and jaggery are the staple ingredients. Other milk products and ghee also go into preparing it.
Gulaab Sakri
It is a modern version of another Rajasthani favorite – ‘Thaal Barfi’. Gulab Sakri has condensed milk, saffron, mawa, and ‘gullab jal’ (rose water) in it. It is a quick and easy recipe and can therefore be easily made for this hectic festival season.
Doodh Ke Laddoo Mithais
The name of this sweet dish literally means a dessert made from milk. Thus the main ingredients are dairy products like milk powder and condensed milk. The other major ingredient is ‘boondi’. This mixture once formed into ‘laddoos’ or round balls become perfectly melt-in-your-mouth.
Badam Katli
‘Badam’ means almonds in Hindi. This dessert’s main ingredient is therefore almonds. The process starts by soaking, peeling, and grinding the almonds into a fine powder. Next, milk gets added to make a buttery smooth paste. Finally, ‘barfis’ or cubes are made out of it. It is then ready for devouring.
So what are you waiting for? With so many sinful options to choose from, Rajasthan has no dearth of sweet goodies to fulfill your Diwali dessert cravings! Also, see our Instagram post here.
Follow Rajasthan Studio on Instagram for more amazing art and travel content. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]rajasthanstudio[dot]com. This blog is curated by Rajasthan Studio and written by Aakriti Jaswant.
