You might consider a dental checkup after reading this piece!
Bengalis sure know how to satisfy their sweet cravings, and the array of desserts in the region is nothing short of amazing. While some Bengali classics have become national favourites, there's a bunch of hidden gems that haven't quite hit the big leagues yet. So, let's dive into a list of these insanely delicious Bengali sweets that definitely need more love from all you dessert enthusiasts out there! Trust us, you're in for a treat.
Over a century old, this sweet has a fascinating history that dates back to Lord Curzon's visit to the kingdom of Burdwan in the early 20th century. When the king of Burdwan wanted a special treat in honour of Mr. Curzon, he turned to the renowned sweet maker, Bhairav Ch. Nag. And that's how Mihidana came into existence.
Mihidana is basically Boondi's tiny, flavorful cousin! It's a mesmerising blend of powdered rice, flour, and saffron, all mixed with water. Now, this magical potion turns into these golden, bite-sized nuggets as it waltzes through a sieve-like ladle straight into hot, bubbling oil. After a perfect fry, these little gems take a sweet dive into sugary syrup, soaking up all that deliciousness before being expertly drained. When you're on a quest for the sweet soul of Bengal, Mihidana is a must-try that deserves a top spot on your sweet exploration list!
Meet the culinary wonder named after Lady Charlotte Canning – Ledikeni. At first glance, it might remind you of the classic gulab jamun, but here's the twist. This sweet sensation is crafted from cottage cheese and generously filled with raisins, cardamom, and a delightful mix of nuts. After a quick coat of castor sugar, it takes a dive into the deep fryer. Then the final soak in the sugar syrup, and it's ready to dazzle your taste buds!
Kheer Kadam is not just awesome to taste; it's a looker too! Think of it as savouring a mini Roshogolla snugly wrapped in a Sandesh, and you'll catch a glimpse of the fantastic flavour it offers! This Bengali sweet, also known as Ras Kadam, features small chhena spheres enveloped in khoya and a dusting of powdered sugar. It's a double dose of flavour that's definitely worth a try!
This scrumptious dessert is crafted from deep-fried milk cream, and though the recipe demands some time and effort, the final results are absolutely worthwhile. While sarbhaja might not be widely recognised beyond the Bengali community, it undoubtedly ranks among the finest Bengali sweets. Sarbhaja isn't just a sweet; it's an emotion for Bengalis, and you can sense that sentiment with every bite of these golden beauties!
This traditional Bengali sweet dish is often considered auspicious to enjoy before significant events. Payesh is made from rice, milk, sugar, and a touch of ghee; this delicacy comes alive with an array of spices and nuts, including cardamom, cinnamon, clove, and cashews. It's like your regular kheer, but with a twist—a luxurious, thick, creamy consistency that sets it apart.
Now, in the winter, Payesh gets even better. With seasonal patali gur or nolen gur, it becomes extra creamy and tastes absolutely heavenly!
If you've never tried this Bengali treat, you're seriously missing out on life! Nikuti, a scrumptious blend of chhena, flour, and cardamom, takes dessert to a whole new level. These deep-fried oblong treats are then dunked in sugar syrup and given a delightful dip in a mixture of condensed milk before being chilled to perfection. It's a sweet symphony, chilled, thick, and creamy, just waiting to melt in your mouth! Do you really want to miss it?
While roshogolla and mishti doi usually hog the spotlight as the most famous sweets from Bengal, these lesser-known treats are also worth a try. Give them a shot, and you'll be completely surprised by their deliciousness!
