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The monsoon season brings with it a refreshing change, offering respite from the scorching heat and rejuvenating the surroundings with lush greenery. Along with the pleasant showers, the monsoon season is the perfect time to enjoy a delightful array of sweets served fresh out of the pans, that perfectly complement the cosy ambience and uplift the spirits. From warm, aromatic flavours to delectable textures, these sweets are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and add a touch of indulgence to your rainy days.
Here are a few Indian sweets to enjoy on rainy days
1. Ghevar
While it is available all year long, ghevar is the sweet signifying monsoon, and the festival of Teej, in Rajasthan and the neighbouring North Indian states. Made with a batter of flour, ghee, and milk, ghevar is deep-fried to create a crispy, disc-shaped delicacy. It is then soaked in sugar syrup and garnished with almonds, pistachios, and saffron strands. It is often consumed warm, or cooled with a thick coat of mawa-malai on top. The unique texture of ghevar, with its crispy layers and syrup-soaked centre, makes it a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of hot tea during the monsoon season.
2. Jalebi
Jalebi is a beloved Indian sweet that is perfect for the monsoon season. Made from fermented batter, typically consisting of flour, yoghurt, and saffron, jalebis are deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup. These bright orange, spiral-shaped sweets are crispy on the outside and delightfully syrupy on the inside. The combination of the crunchy texture and the sweet syrup makes hot fresh jalebis an irresistible treat to savour during rainy days.
3. Malpua
Malpua is a traditional Indian pancake-like sweet that is popular across different regions of the country, especially during the monsoon season. Made with a batter of flour, milk, and mashed bananas or coconut, malpuas are deep-fried until golden brown. They are then dipped in fragrant sugar syrup and often garnished with nuts and saffron. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of hot malpuas, combined with the aromatic flavours, makes it a delightful monsoon indulgence.
4. Adhirasam
Adhirasam is a traditional South Indian sweet that is savoured during festivals and special occasions, including the monsoon season. Made with rice flour, jaggery, and a hint of cardamom, adhirasam is deep-fried to a golden brown colour. It has a crispy exterior and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The rich flavours and the warm aroma of adhirasam make it a cherished monsoon treat that pairs well with a cup of filter coffee.
5. Gulab jamun
Gulab jamun is a popular Indian sweet that is loved throughout the year, but it holds a special place during the monsoon season. These soft, golden-brown balls are made from milk solids, such as khoya or milk powder, and are fried until they achieve a caramelised exterior. They are then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup, infused with rose water and cardamom. Not just cold-biting winters, fresh, hot gulab jamuns are an absolute delight in breezy monsoon showers too. Should they get cold while you fetch them from your nearest sweet shop, we suggest very lightly heating them up.
6. Modak
Modak, a traditional Maharashtrian sweet, is synonymous with the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi and is often enjoyed during the monsoon season. These sweet dumplings are made with rice flour or wheat flour and filled with a sweet mixture of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. Modaks are steamed or fried and have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The unique shape and the delicious flavours of modak make it a popular monsoon delight in Maharashtra.
7. Mysore pak
Originating from the city of Mysuru in Karnataka, Mysore pak is a famous Indian sweet that is loved for its rich, buttery taste and crumbly texture. Made with a mixture of ghee, sugar, and gram flour, Mysore pak is cooked until it reaches a golden-brown colour. The set, fudgy texture of Mysore pak, combined with the flavours of caramelised sugar and ghee, make it an irresistible monsoon treat.
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