Chocolate Meets Tradition: The Sweet Fusion of Indian Desserts

Indian cuisines have always accommodated diverse elements from other cultures all over. And chocolate in Indian sweets is a bright testament to the scope for innovation in our desserts while still respecting the traditional practices. Chefs and home bakers alike are experimenting with flavors and ingredients. And as they fuse chocolate and Indian sweets, they expand their appeal to the palates of more people. Break your boundaries and experience familiar tastes in refreshing ways.The fusion sweets like the two listed in this article preserve the essence of the traditional and also add a contemporary flair.

Chocolate Sandesh Recipe

The classic Bengali Sandesh is the epitome of culinary finesse. Cadbury chocolate gives a global spin to the authentic and indigenous dessert tradition of Eastern India.

Ingredients:

• 500 gm fresh paneer.
• 100 gm finely chopped Cadbury Bournville chocolate
• 100 gm powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional).
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the fresh paneer until it’s smooth and creamy. Mix in the powdered sugar and cardamom powder until well combined.
2. Melt the chopped dark chocolate in a microwave or over a double boiler, ensuring it’s smooth and glossy.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a non-stick pan over low heat. Add the mashed paneer mixture and stir continuously for about four to five minutes until it starts to thicken. Be careful not to overcook it, as this will make the sandesh hard.
4. Pour in the melted chocolate and stir gently for another couple of minutes. Once the mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the pan and forms a soft dough, it’s ready to go.
5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Apply very little oil on your palms. Then shape the sandesh into small round discs or squares. If you want to get creative, use molds for fun shapes.
6. Garnish each piece with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Chill the chocolate sandesh in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving for the best flavor.

Chocolate Kheer Recipe

A kheer speaks about joy, celebrations and festivities. Add chocolate to it and make your celebrations more joyful. Share a bowl with your friends and family and make your celebrations more special and memorable. Dive into this delightful fusion of traditional Indian sweetness with a decadent chocolate twist! It’s the kind of dessert that warms your heart and makes your taste buds dance.

Ingredients:

• 200 gm basmati rice
• 1000 ml rich, full-fat milk
• 100 gm dark chocolate, chopped
• 100 gm sugar
• 60 gm khoya (mawa), crumbled
• 2 gm cardamom powder
• A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, or whatever tickles your fancy)
• A pinch of salt to elevate all those delightful flavors.

Instructions:

1. Grab a heavy-bottomed pan and bring the milk to a gentle simmer. Toss in the soaked basmati rice and sprinkle a pinch of salt like it’s magic. Give it a good stir.
2. Let the rice soak up that creamy goodness on low heat, stirring occasionally. After about 20-25 minutes, you want it tender, swimming in a luscious, thick embrace.
3. When the rice reaches its dreamy state, sprinkle in the sugar. Stir until it disappears into the milky goodness.
4. Here comes the fun part—add in those dark chocolate chunks. Stir away until they melt, enveloping the kheer in a chocolaty embrace.
5. If you’re in the mood for extravagance, crumble in some khoya. Mix it well and let it simmer for another five minutes. This step is pure indulgence.
6. Dust in the cardamom powder, give it a swirl, and turn off the heat.
7. Let the kheer cool down a bit before pouring it into bowls.
8. Top it off with those chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
9. Serve it warm or chilled—each bite will be a little hug for your taste buds!

Or you can also make chocolate barfi. It tastes delicious and is a true testament of Indian sweets embracing a global touch!