Beyond The Classics: 6 Lesser-Known Indian Desserts That You Must Try

Desserts are an integral part of Indian culture. Since time immemorial, they have been a part of festivals and special occasions in our lives. And it’s not just in India that we enjoy them so much, they’ve also gained immense popularity all around the globe. Some of these classic desserts include gulab jamun, jalebi, motichoor ladoo, kaju katli, etc. Now, we can’t deny that these desi desserts taste incredible, but there are so many other desserts that often do not get enough credit. And it’s high time that we give them the same love and appreciation that we give to the popular desserts. So, why not explore a little and offer your taste buds some new, interesting flavours? Check out these lesser-known desserts below and add them to your dessert bucket list.
Also Read: 5 Lesser-Known Indian Cuisines Every Foodie Must Try

Here Are 6 Lesser-Known Indian Desserts You Must Try:

1. Kharwas – Maharashtra

This delicious dessert is from the state of Maharashtra. It is basically a desi milk pudding that is made from the first milk after a cow gives birth. Kharwas are steamed to perfection and have a super soft texture. The addition of cardamom and saffron further adds to its flavour and richness.

2. Mawa Bati – Rajasthan

We’re all well aware of the famous batis from Rajasthan. But did you know a sweeter version of them also exists? Mawa bati is quite similar to our beloved gulab jamuns and is definitely worth a try. These sweet delights are made with mawa dough, which is then stuffed with nuts and some more mawa. They are then deep-fried and coated in sugar syrup.

3. Parwal Ki Mithai – Bihar

Want to go one step ahead and try something entirely different? Then we suggest you try this delicious parwal ki mithai from Bihar. This dessert is made using the vegetable parwal, which is boiled and then stuffed with a yummy khoya filling. It has a unique green colour and is often served during festivals.

4. Shor Bhaja – West Bengal

What comes to mind when someone mentions Bengali desserts? Your answer would probably be rasgulla or sandesh, isn’t it? But there are so many other delicious desserts from the state that deserve equal credit, one of them being shor bhaja. Made with layers of milk cream that are stuffed with khoya and then deep-fried, this dessert promises indulgence in every bite.
Also Read: Craving Something Sweet? 5 Delectable Hyderabadi Desserts You Must Try

5. Pootharekulu – Andhra Pradesh

Another lesser-known Indian dessert that should be on your must-try list is pootharekulu from Andhra Pradesh. To make this dessert, rice paper sheets are stuffed with gur (jaggery) and nuts and then rolled in a mixture of ghee and sugar. Pootharekulu has a rich and decadent taste to it that is quite hard to resist indulging in.

6. Adhirasam – Tamil Nadu

Adhirasam is like the Indian version of doughnuts. It is known by different names all across South India. For example, it is known as sirsa in Chhattisgarh and anarasa in Maharashtra. It is made out of rice, ghee, and jaggery and flavoured with elaichi or saffron. Once you try this dessert, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it! 

Now that you know about these mouth-watering desserts, go ahead and try them! Do share your experience with us in the comments section below.