Diwali is incomplete without traditional sweets. Each recipe brings a unique flavor to your festive table and carries the warmth of tradition and family. In this article, we’re going to explore some must-have Diwali Traditional Sweets with detailed recipes to help you prepare these delightful delicacies at home.
1. Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun is the quintessential dessert of Diwali. This soft, spongy ball, dipped in sugar syrup is something you just cannot limit yourself from having. Just as it is mandatory to have Modak (or if you prefer Chocolate Modak) in Ganesh Chaturthi, Gulab Jamun is essential for Diwali celebrations. Let’s see how to make it.
Ingredients:
- 250 gm Khoya (dried milk)
- 25 gm All-purpose flour
- 1 gm Baking soda
- 30 ml Milk
- 300 gm Ghee (for frying)
- 300 gm Sugar
- 300 ml Water
- 5 gm Cardamom powder
- 10 ml Rose water
Procedure:
Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add cardamom powder and rose water, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Make the Dough:
- Crumble the khoya in a bowl. Add all-purpose flour and baking soda. Mix well.
- Gradually add milk to form a soft dough. Rest the dough for 15-20 minutes.
Shape the Jamuns:
- Grease your palms with ghee. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls (about the size of a marble).
Fry:
- Heat ghee in a pan over low heat. Fry the balls until they turn golden brown. Make sure to fry them slowly to ensure they cook through.
Soak:
- Once fried, transfer the balls to the warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for at least 2 hours before serving.
2. Kaju Katli
Kaju Katli is the type of mithai that perfectly blends the nutty taste of cashews with the sweetness of sugar with an added richness of ghee. This is one of those Diwali Sweet Recipes that are super easy to make, besides tasting divine. You can also serve Chocolate Burfi with other sweets but the presence of this sweet is a must.
Ingredients:
- 250 gm Cashew nuts
- 200 gm Sugar
- 100 ml Water
- 10 gm Ghee
- Silver leaf for garnishing (optional)
Procedure:
Prepare Cashew Powder:
- Soak cashews in water for 2 hours. Drain and dry them thoroughly.
- Grind them into a fine powder, ensuring it doesn’t turn into a paste.
Make Sugar Syrup:
- In a pan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then cook until it reaches a one-string consistency (around 110°C).
Combine:
- Add the cashew powder to the sugar syrup, stirring continuously. Cook on low flame until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Shape:
- Grease a flat surface with ghee. Transfer the mixture and flatten it with a rolling pin to about 5 mm thickness.
- If using, place silver leaf on top and cut into diamond shapes.
3. Laddoo
The discussion about Diwali Mithai Recipes is incomplete without the mention of Laddoo. These easy-to-make balls of sweetness with a hint of warm spices hold nostalgia and happiness for Diwali festivities.
Ingredients:
- 250 gm Gram flour (besan)
- 100 gm Ghee
- 200 gm Powdered sugar
- 5 gm Cardamom powder
- 50 gm Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
Procedure:
Roast the Flour:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee. Add gram flour and roast on low flame until golden brown and aromatic (around 15-20 minutes).
Add Flavors:
- Once roasted, let it cool slightly. Then mix in powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts.
Shape the Ladoos:
- Grease your hands with ghee, take small portions of the mixture, and roll them into round balls like a Chocolate Bomb.
4. Barfi
We cannot discuss Diwali traditional Sweets and forget about Barfi. The flavor of toasted coconut mixed with the creamy, sweet condensed milk, with a hint of cardamom to enhance the flavor will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredients:
- 200 gm Grated fresh coconut
- 200 ml Condensed milk
- 5 gm Cardamom powder
- 15 gm Ghee
- 25 gm Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Procedure:
Cook the Coconut:
- In a non-stick pan, heat ghee. Add grated coconut and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Add Condensed Milk:
- Pour in the condensed milk and mix well. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Flavor:
- Stir in cardamom powder and mix thoroughly.
Set:
- Pour the mixture onto a greased tray, spread evenly, and garnish with chopped pistachios. Allow it to cool and cut it into square pieces.