Rosogolla to Mihidana: 10 iconic Bengali sweets
By Team Newsable | First Published Jul 8, 2023, 2:20 PM ISTBengal's rich culinary heritage shines through its intricate flavors, textures, and artistic presentation of sweets. From soft and spongy cottage cheese balls immersed in syrup to creamy desserts and deep-fried delights, Bengali sweets captivate with their craftsmanship and irresistible taste. These treats, cherished for generations, showcase the region's culinary prowess and offer a delightful journey into the realm of indulgence
Bengal, the eastern region of India, boasts a rich culinary heritage, and its delectable sweets hold a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. Bengali sweets are known for their intricate flavors, textures, and artistic presentation. These mouthwatering treats are crafted with care, using traditional techniques passed down through generations, and are a true delight for those with a sweet tooth.
Rosogolla
Rosogolla, the iconic Bengali sweet, is a soft and spongy cottage cheese ball immersed in delicate sugar syrup. This delectable dessert is crafted by curdling milk and kneading the resulting chhana with a small amount of semolina. The chhana is then shaped into small balls, which are cooked in a light sugar syrup infused with fragrant flavors like cardamom or rose water. The cooking process allows the balls to absorb the syrup, resulting in a juicy and sweet treat that melts in the mouth. Rosogolla's simplicity, combined with its divine taste and texture, has made it a beloved sweet not just in Bengal but across the country.
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Sandesh
Sandesh, an iconic Bengali sweet, showcases the artistry of chhana (cottage cheese) and sugar. This delicate confection comes in various flavors like mango, strawberry, or traditional plain, adorned with intricate designs and embellishments. With its velvety texture and luscious taste, Sandesh captivates both the eyes and the palate.
Mishti Doi
Mishti Doi, meaning "sweet yogurt," is a creamy dessert made by fermenting sweetened milk. Its velvety texture, caramelized flavor, and subtle tang make it an irresistible Bengali classic. Served chilled in earthen pots, Mishti Doi is a refreshing treat that offers a delightful contrast to other traditional sweets.
Chomchom
Chomchom, also known as Cham Cham, is a cylindrical-shaped sweet made from chhana and flour. These succulent treats are soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, rolled in grated coconut, and garnished with pistachios. Chomchom's juicy texture, combined with its mild sweetness, creates an indulgent experience for dessert enthusiasts.
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Pantua
Pantua, resembling its cousin Gulab Jamun, is a deep-fried delight made from khoya (reduced milk solids) and flour. These golden brown balls are dipped in fragrant sugar syrup, resulting in a sumptuous, syrupy dessert that leaves a lasting impression with its rich flavor and indulgent texture.
Langcha
Langcha, akin to Pantua, features elongated cylindrical rolls made from khoya, flour, and sugar. Deep-fried until golden brown and immersed in sugar syrup, Langcha offers a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and soft, syrup-soaked interior. The amalgamation of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible treat.
Baked Rosogolla
Baked Rosogolla presents a delightful twist to the classic favorite. Instead of boiling, the cottage cheese balls are skillfully baked, resulting in a caramelized exterior and a soft, spongy center. The unique preparation method adds a distinct flavor profile, making Baked Rosogolla a captivating variation of the beloved sweet.
Kheer Kadam
Kheer Kadam entices taste buds with its delightful combination of sweetened khoya balls enveloped in a chocolate coating. With each bite, one experiences the creamy richness of the khoya and the sweetness of chocolate, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Malpua
Malpua is a deep-fried pancake-like dessert made from a batter of flour, milk, and sugar. These golden treats are soaked in fragrant sugar syrup and often flavored with cardamom or saffron. Served warm, garnished with nuts or drizzled with sweetened condensed milk, Malpua is a delightful indulgence that leaves a lasting impression.
Mihidana
Mihidana is a unique and delightful sweet originating from the city of Burdwan in West Bengal. These tiny, golden-yellow, bead-like sweets are made from a batter of besan (gram flour), ghee, and sugar syrup. The batter is skillfully piped into hot ghee, forming tiny droplets that fry until crisp and golden. Once cooked, the mihidana is removed from the ghee and soaked in a sugar syrup, which imparts a sweet and syrupy texture. Mihidana is often enjoyed as a standalone dessert or used as a topping for other sweets like Rasgulla or Sandesh, adding a crunchy and flavorful element to the overall dish.
Bengali sweets represent the artistry, heritage, and refined palates of the region. From the iconic Rasgulla and Sandesh to the unique Baked Rosogolla and Kheer Kadam, each delicacy offers an unforgettable experience. Exploring the diverse range of Bengali sweets allows one to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and rich flavors that define this culinary tradition
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