Sweets and Savouries are the Integral part of India
Sweets
Sweets, or mithai as they are more commonly known, are a staple of the Indian diet. They are enjoyed on all special occasions, from religious festivals to social gatherings to birthdays and anniversaries. Friends and family have shared Sugary treats during happy or auspicious times. We all have our favorite sweets, but since we can't all agree on which ones are the best, let's look at a few of the most well-known Indian desserts.
Motichoor Laddu
One of the most common holiday sweets is Motichoor Laddu. Chickpea flour, ghee or oil, and sugar syrup are formed into a sphere and then dipped in sugar syrup. Many people all over the world consider it to be one of their most beloved foods. It is the most well-known sweet and is traditionally made for celebrations like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. Motichur Laddu is a famous prasad in India (offerings to God). The words "Moti" and "Chur" have opposite meanings: "Moti" means pearls, and "Chur" means to crush. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan may be the birthplace.
Gulab Jamun
In India, Gulab Jamun is a popular and traditional dessert for any holiday or special event. Many of us believe that India is the birthplace of this tasty treat, but it was developed in Persia. The Persian origin of the word "Gulab" explains its meaning: a syrup flavored with rose water. To make this dish, you'll need to combine milk solids or soy khoya with flour to form a dough. This tasty treat is a staple at almost every Indian festival. Some people like their Gulab Jamun served hot, while others prefer to eat them cold.
Carrot Halwa
This delicious dessert has its roots in India, known by various names, including Gajrela, Gajar Pak, and Carrot Halwa. The Mughals are credited with introducing this delicious dessert to the world. Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Eid ul-Fitr, and Diwali are just a few of the many occasions in India where the sweet is served. This sweet is rich in calcium and vitamin A and is typically served hot in the winter. Among the primary components are milk, carrots, water, ghee, sugar, and khoya. Nuts like pistachios and almonds make excellent toppings.
Kheer
Kheer or Payasam is an Indian dessert prepared for nearly every festival and holiday. Traditional ingredients for this Indian dessert include jaggery or sugar milk, rice, and a pinch of salt. Sweet corn vermicelli, tapioca, millet, bulgur wheat, and daals are acceptable alternatives to rice. Nuts and dried fruits such as raisins are also incorporated. Almond and coconut milk, also called payasam, is a vegan diet staple because of its high nutritional value.
Rasagulla
Cottage cheese provides a wealth of nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, calcium, and vitamin D, in this deliciously sweet and healthy dish. These juicy little balls are made during celebrations and come in two varieties: the Bengali Rasagulla and the Odiya Rasagulla. When milk is curdled and the whey is drained off, a soft sweet called rasagulla is created. Balls of milk solids are formed for cooking in a sugar syrup bath.
Jalebi
One of India's most beloved dessert treats, Jalebi is made by deep-frying maida flour and then soaking it in sugar syrup. This popular dessert has its roots in Iran and can be enjoyed both cold and warm. Typically, rabri or curd is served alongside the crunchy, crisp, and juicy Jalebi. Breakfast of hot Jalebi and milk is a popular choice in some Indian cities like Indore and Haridwar. Khowa jalebi from Hyderabad, Jhangiri from Andhra Pradesh, and Jalebi from Indore are just a few of the many varieties of Jalebi found across India.
Savouries
Indians have been enjoying savoury snacks like namkeen for centuries. Numerous recipes for namkeens, which are commonly eaten in India, are mentioned in old books on the country's cuisine. These companies' impressive growth rate can be partially attributed to the fact that Indian consumers appear to have rediscovered a taste for traditional snacks like sev, bhujia, and namkeen/ mixtures.
There are a wide variety of flavours, shapes, sizes, bases, fillings, and textures represented in the roughly a thousand snack items sold in India. About 300 different kinds of savoury snacks, including namkeens, are available for purchase in our country right now. Around INR one hundred thousand crore is the size of India's namkeen and snack market. There has been a recent and ongoing exponential growth in this market. Branded namkeen is growing at a rate of about 15% annually, while the market as a whole is expanding at a rate of about 7-8%.
There are three main reasons why namkeen is recognized as a distinct food category:
- Appetizing 2. Durability 3. Choice
About 60–65% of the namkeen market is occupied by Indian and ethnic snacks, while the remaining 35–40% is held by western snacks like extruded snacks and chips.
The fried food market is currently being led by the traditional fried food category, which consists largely of Indian and ethnic snacks. The human touch is evident in the preparation of traditional snacks; for example, cooking and frying are often done by hand. As the most popular savory snacks in India, these products stand out among the competition for their superior taste and flavor.