Sweeten Your Diwali: Must-Try Festive Desserts for a Delicious Celebration

Diwali isn't just about fireworks and lamps; it is about celebration and spending time with family and friends by sharing mouthwatering treats. Whether you're hosting a party or indulging in a private get-together with family, festive desserts are mandatory. This Diwali, get ready to transform your home into a festival of flavors with these simple yet scrumptious recipes.

1. Besan Ladoo: Tiny Balls of Happiness

Besan ladoos are the mandatory Diwali sweets. They’re buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious; with a texture similar to a Mysore Pak.

Ingredients:

• 250 gm besan (gram flour)
• 150 gm ghee (clarified butter)
• 5 gm cardamom powder
• 30 gm chopped almonds/pistachios

Procedure:

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the ghee (like liquid gold, honestly), and add the besan to it. Now, here’s where patience comes into play. You’ll need to roast the besan on low heat until it turns a lovely golden color. The nutty aroma will tell you when it’s ready.
2. Once the besan is roasted and cooled a bit, add powdered sugar and cardamom powder. Stir it until it's all evenly mixed and your kitchen smells like dessert heaven.
3. Grease your palms with a little ghee, grab a handful of the mixture, and shape them into small balls. Garnish with chopped almonds or pistachios on top for that "I totally went to culinary school" touch.

2. Gulab Jamun: Fried Clouds of Joy

No one can really imagine Diwali without the scrumptious, fluffy, Gulab Jamun soaked in sugar syrup. One bite into this gem will make you forget about all other desserts.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 200 gm khoya (milk solids)
• 50 gm maida (all-purpose flour)
• a pinch of baking soda
• 15-30 ml milk (as needed)
• ghee (for deep frying)

For the syrup:

• 300 gm sugar
• 500 ml water
• 4-5, crushed cardamom pods
• 5 ml rose water (optional)

Procedure:

1. First, let’s get that syrup going. In a saucepan, mix water and sugar, and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add crushed cardamom pods and simmer for 10 minutes. Add a splash of rose water if you’re feeling extra fancy. Turn off the heat and set the syrup aside.
2. Mash the khoya until it’s smooth. Add maida and a pinch of baking soda, and mix everything into a soft dough using just enough milk to bring it all together. Don’t overwork it, though - gulab jamun is supposed to be tender, not very chewy. .
3. Roll the dough into small, smooth balls. Heat ghee in a pan, and once it's moderately hot, fry the balls on medium heat. Make sure they turn a rich, deep brown; anything lighter, and they won’t absorb the syrup properly.
4. Once your fried beauties are done, let them cool for a minute, and then dunk them in the warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for at least an hour before serving. Trust me, they need their spa time.

3. Kesar Peda: The Royal Treat

For the moments you want to feel like royalty during Diwali, Kesar peda is your go-to. Rich, fragrant, and dotted with saffron, these sweets scream indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 250 gm khoya (milk solids)
• 100 gm sugar
• 10-15 saffron strands (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
• 5 gm cardamom powder
• 15 gm chopped pistachios (for garnish)

Procedure:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the khoya on low flame. Stir continuously because nobody wants burnt khoya. After about 8-10 minutes, it should become soft and gooey.
2. Add the sugar, saffron milk, and cardamom powder. Mix everything well and continue cooking for another five to seven minutes until it thickens. The aroma of saffron will hit you like a royal breeze.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly, and then divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, flatten it gently, and top with chopped pistachios. You can customize this dessert however you like.

Sweets are an essential part of Indian festivities, symbolizing joy and togetherness. From the creamy Sandesh of Bengal to the modern twist of chocolate barfi, desserts bring a unique charm to every celebration. Whether traditional or with a contemporary spin, these sweets capture the essence of Indian culture and elevate the festive spirit. No celebration feels complete without their irresistible presence.