Discover the best Easy Dussehra Sweets recipes to celebrate the festival! Quick, delicious, and perfect for your festive menu. Impress your family with these effortless homemade treats.
Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is a significant Hindu festival that marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This vibrant festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, accompanied by various traditions, rituals, and, of course, mouthwatering sweets. In the spirit of Dussehra, many families prepare an array of delicious treats to share with loved ones, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the country.
Time Saving Easy Dussehra Sweets
If you’re looking to create a festive atmosphere this Dussehra, why not try your hand at making some traditional sweets? Here are eight easy dussehra sweets and delightful recipes that are sure to please your palate and make your celebrations even more special.
1. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian sweet made from soft, syrup-soaked balls made from khoya (reduced milk) and flavored with cardamom. These bite-sized treats are a staple at festivals and celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup khoya (mawa)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- Oil for frying
- A few drops of rose water
Instructions:
- In a pan, mix sugar, water, and crushed cardamom. Bring to a boil and let it simmer until it reaches a one-string consistency. Add rose water and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine khoya, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Knead into a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls, ensuring they are smooth and crack-free.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the balls on low heat until golden brown.
- Soak the fried balls in the warm sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Kheer
Kheer, a traditional rice pudding, is a comforting dessert that is often prepared during festivals. Made with rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts, it’s a must-have during Dussehra.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice (preferably basmati)
- 1 liter milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 cup mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Add the soaked rice and simmer on low heat.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens.
- Add sugar, cardamom powder, and nuts. Cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional nuts.
3. Ladoo
Ladoo is a versatile sweet that can be made from various ingredients. Besan (gram flour) ladoos are especially popular during Dussehra, combining sweetness and nuttiness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups besan (gram flour)
- 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat ghee in a pan and add besan. Roast on low flame until it turns golden and aromatic.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, add powdered sugar and cardamom powder.
- Mix well and shape the mixture into small balls or ladoos.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and let them cool before serving.
4. Barfi
Barfi is a popular Indian sweet made from condensed milk and sugar, often flavored with nuts and cardamom. Coconut barfi and kaju katli are especially loved during festivals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated coconut (or khoya for kaju katli)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts for garnishing
Instructions:
- In a pan, mix grated coconut, sugar, and milk. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
- Add cardamom powder and stir well. Remove from heat.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased plate and flatten it.
- Let it cool and set, then cut into square pieces and garnish with nuts.
5. Peda
Peda is a soft, milk-based sweet that is rich in flavor and texture. It is often made during festivals and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup khoya (mawa)
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pan, combine khoya and condensed milk. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well. Remove from heat.
- Once the mixture cools, shape it into small discs and garnish with nuts.
6. Soan Papdi
Soan Papdi is a flaky, sugary sweet that melts in your mouth. Its unique texture makes it a favorite during festive celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 1/2 cup water
- Chopped nuts for garnishing
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
- In a pan, heat ghee and add all-purpose flour. Roast until it turns golden.
- In another pan, prepare sugar syrup with sugar and water, cooking until it reaches a one-string consistency.
- Mix the roasted flour into the syrup, stirring continuously.
- Once the mixture cools, spread it on a greased surface and shape it into squares or diamonds. Garnish with nuts.
7. Rasgulla
Rasgulla is a spongy, syrupy sweet made from chhena (fresh cheese). Its light texture makes it a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter milk
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- A few drops of rose water
Instructions:
- Boil the milk and add lemon juice to curdle it. Drain the curds using a muslin cloth and rinse with cold water.
- Knead the chhena until smooth and form small balls.
- In a separate pan, prepare sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water. Once it reaches a boil, add the chhena balls.
- Cook until the balls double in size. Add rose water for flavor and serve chilled.
8. Churma Ladoo
Churma Ladoo is a unique sweet made from crushed wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery, often enjoyed during festivals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 1 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts for garnishing
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough with wheat flour and ghee, then shape it into small discs and bake until golden.
- Crush the baked discs into fine crumbs and mix with jaggery and cardamom powder.
- Shape the mixture into ladoos and garnish with nuts.
FAQ
-
Can I make gulab jamun without khoya?
Yes, gulab jamun can be made with milk powder or even ready-made gulab jamun mixes available in the market.
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Can I use alternatives to rice in Kheer?
Yes, you can substitute rice with vermicelli (Seviyan Kheer), tapioca pearls (Sabudana Kheer), broken wheat, or even quinoa for a modern twist.
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How long can Ladoos be stored?
Most ladoos can be stored at room temperature for 7-10 days in an airtight container. Refrigerating them can extend their shelf life further, but the texture might slightly change.
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What are the main ingredients in Barfi?
The main ingredients typically include milk khoya, sugar, ghee, and flavorings. Optional ingredients like pistachios, almonds, saffron, and coconut are also used.
Conclusion: 5-Minute Easy Dussehra Sweets
Dussehra is not just a celebration of victory but also a time to indulge in the sweetness of life with family and friends. These eight delicious easy dussehra sweets homemade sweets not only add to the festive spirit but also bring a sense of warmth and joy to your gatherings. Whether you choose to prepare Gulab Jamun, Kheer, or any of the other delightful treats, the effort you put into making these sweets will surely be appreciated by your loved ones.
As you prepare to celebrate this Dussehra, let the spirit of the festival shine through your cooking. Enjoy these delicious easy dussehra sweets and recipes, share them with your family, and create lasting memories filled with sweetness!