Traditional Indian Mithai recipes, Indian Desserts, Indian Sweets

The Magic of Indian Mithai– All about Traditional Indian Sweets

In India, mithai or traditional sweets are something special, not merely an aspect of our cuisine. Traditional Indian sweets are more than just desserts served at the end of a meal; they are part and parcel of our culture. Weddings, celebrations, pujas, temple rituals, everything requires a mithai for fulfillment. 

Quick Cashew Barfi

Traditional Indian Sweets from North, South, East and West

Although nowadays menus are turning cosmopolitan, and we often find a mix of sweets from across the country – and even the world – being served, everyone has a soft corner for the special mithai of their region or community.

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So, from the sweets served and gifted at a wedding or other celebration, you can easily find out which region the host is from!

Mysore Pak

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If you spot Mysore Pak, Coconut Laddoo and Athirasam, you are probably at a South Indian sweets at a  wedding. If the table is filled with sweets, especially Rasagolla, Rasmalai and Sandesh, you are probably in the East. And, if there is a predominance of jaggery, til, coconut and groundnut based sweets like Puran Poli and Kopra Pak, you might be in the West. If the sweets resonate with milky and nutty opulence, like Rabdi or Chenna Malpua, you are undoubtedly in the North. 

Rasmalai, Bengali Rasmalai Recipe

There are some common notes too. For e.g., the Paal Payasam of South India and the Phirni of North have striking similarities as do the Rava Kesari and Rava Sheera.

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Some sweets like Puran Poli, Cashew Burfi, Halwa, Laddoo, etc. are popular all over the country, often known by different names and prepared with mild variations.

Paal Payasam, South Indian Rice Kheer

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When we think of sweets, another option that instantly comes to mind is our own indigenous and ingenious dessert… the king of ice-creams, Malai Kulfi! The rich milky taste of this ice-cream with its enchanting spice notes has become a great hit in Indian food outlets across the world, not just in India.

Malai Kulfi

Traditional Indian Mithai for Different Festivals 

Interestingly, we also have special sweets associated with different festivals. Modak, for example, is prepared during Ganesh Chathurthi. Modaks with different fillings, ranging from milk-based to coconut-based sweet fillings and savory fillings too are made across the country during Ganesha festival.

Modak, Steamed Modak, Ukadiche Modak for Ganesh Chaturthi

Likewise, jaggery, coconut, til and peanuts come to the fore during Sankaranthi, and you find a range of sweets made using these ingredients.

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While Sweet Pongal is prepared down South, Maharashtrian Puran Poli and Peanut Chikki are prepared in the West.

Peanut Chikki

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During Navratri, a variety of traditional Indian sweets are made to please Devi Shakthi. Sheera, Boondi Payas, Coconut and Rava Laddoo, Mohanthal,  Gujarati Basundi… the list is endless and you can go for a sweet splash during the festival season!

Mohanthal, Traditional Gujarati Mohanthal Mithai

Diwali is the time for plenty of variety. It is the time to experiment, come up with exotic diwali sweets to notch up your reputation with friends and family!

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From the Cored Apples with Kesar and Rabdi to the Paan Shots, you can try delightfully innovative sweets, to share with your loved ones when you visit each other.

Cored Apples with Kesar and Rabdi

Traditional Indian Sweets for Parties

In a party, people look for novel desserts and plenty of variety too. Yet, it is the traditional formats that instantly strike a rapport with the taste buds. So, it is wise to find a balance between the two. You can go for sweets like the Apple Jalebi or Gulab Jamun Cutlet, which are traditional with an innovative twist.

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Go for sweets that appeal to all age groups and also easy to serve. If it is dripping with syrup or drowned in milky sauces, it might be difficult to hand around at parties and turn out to be a bit messy too. So, try stuff like the Malai Peda or the Mini Anjeer Paratha! Messy or not, never omit the Kulfi though. 

Malai Peda

The Indian palate is so fond of the rich and spicy notes of our mithai that we are always looking for reasons to celebrate, pretexts to enjoy more sweets! Even if you are short of time or on a special diet, you can still enjoy traditional Indian sweets once in a while.

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Not all sweets are time consuming or unhealthy – we have come up with numerous quick recipes too, such as the Quick Apple Cinnamon Rabdi, Atta Ka Sheera and Quick Churma Ladoos. 

Quick Churma Ladoos ( Churma Laddu)

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Whatever be the occasion, celebrate it with a traditional Indian sweet. Best of all, make it at home! Pick from our 500+ recipes the sweet that catches your fancy, fits the occasion, matches your time availability and diet constraints too. We are sure we have a best fit for every sweet tooth

Try our other Desserts Recipes below.

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65 Barfi Recipes
139 Basic Desserts Recipes
417 Fruit Based Desserts Recipes
243 Desserts Dry Fruit Flavours Recipes
111 Halwa Recipes
138 Ice-Cream Recipes
111 Kheer Recipes
60 Mousse Recipes
107 Peda Laddoo Recipes
137 Puddings Recipes

Happy Cooking!