Delicious Indian Desserts With Honey
There is a strong tradition of using honey in dishes in India, but you might not know is that it’s used for medicinal purposes and spiritual ceremonies as well. In ancient India, more than 2,000 years ago, honey was used as part of the Hindu marriage ceremony to ward away any evil spirits, so that a couple could start a happy married life together. A man would also eat honey for good luck before he met his future bride. Honey is a versatile ingredient in food, and particularly good in puddings and desserts, due to its natural sweetness. It is also better for you than refined white sugar, and far more delicious.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dish that is eaten after a main meal or as part of a celebrational feast. It consists of small, sweet donuts made using powdered milk. The donuts are then soaked in a sugar syrup containing rose water or in honey. Different types of bee species will make different types of honey. They are extremely hard-working insects, essential for pollination, without which the population of the planet simply wouldn’t survive. The type of honey used in Gulab Jamun is of a runny consistency, so it soaks into the tasty donuts.
Rice Kheer
Kheer is a delicious rice pudding that is cooked very slowly with milk, nuts, sugar, honey and aromatic spices. It is very popular to eat during Diwali. The Little India kheer is made with basmati rice as it has a fragrant aroma. Almonds and pistachio nuts are then used to garnish the kheer, and an extra drizzle of honey added for natural sweetness.
Honey Kulfi
Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream that originates from the 16th century during the Mughal period. They made their kulfi using saffron and froze the mixture by placing it in metal cones immersed in slurry ice. Kulfi is creamier and denser than ordinary ice-cream, as it is not whipped, making it similar in consistency to a frozen custard. It comes in a variety of flavors, including mango and pistachio. Kulfi can also be made with honey, giving it a beautiful, luxurious texture.
Indian desserts are sweet, aromatic and use the best natural ingredients. They are perfect to eat after a delicious meal that is spiced and full of flavor.