Khubani Ka Meetha

Take the humble dahi (curd), hang it till all the whey drains away, mix in sugar and elaichi (cardamom) powder and kesar (saffron), and behold, rich and luxurious Shrikhand is ready. The Historical Dictionary of Indian Food by KT Achaya says that the earliest record of shrikhand was in 500 BCE in Gujarat, though Maharashtrians claim this creamy sweet treat was their creation. Aromatic saffron and a touch of sweetness from sugar, topped with nuts and rose petals, make for a visually delightful dessert that’s even more delicious on the taste buds. Like all good things, be sure to wipe it clean off the plate with puri, roti, or finger, as the day may direct.

This delicious dessert celebrates the banana’s natural sweetness enhanced with a touch of earthy jaggery and a pinch of cardamom. Kerala-style Banana Halwa takes ripe, mushy bananas and slowly cooks them to perfection, their sugars caramelising to create a deep, golden-brown treat. Ghee adds a luxurious richness and imparts a heavenly aroma. Satisfy your sweet cravings with its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. One spoonful, and you’ll know why they say, ‘Go bananas over it’!

Indulge your sweet tooth with Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, a celebration of decadence, comfort, and the sheer joy of hazelnut. The golden-brown crispy baked exterior, studded with generous chocolate chips, gives way to a molten Nutella core as you take a blissful bite. This irresistible union of rich, buttery dough and the luscious goodness of Nutella is bound to be a super hit with anyone who has a taste. Enjoy them warm out of the oven on a cold winter day, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the hot summer. Spark joy as you evoke the nostalgic comfort of childhood while satisfying the most refined meetha cravings.

When someone first said ‘Moong Dal Halwa’ to me, I raised my eyebrows, mumbled “weirdo,” and swiftly scuttled away. When I finally tasted it, I groaned as I lamented all the wasted opportunities where I had shunned this slurp-worthy treat. Now, I scramble for it whenever I see the golden-hued, melt-in-the-mouth dessert. The only words that come out of my mouth are, “Please, Sir, may I have some more!” The humble moong whips itself into a superstar, its nutty flavours harmonising with the sweetness of milk, cream and sugar. Gracing festive occasions and special celebrations, this aromatic halwa is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece that captivates the palate.