I have a major sweet tooth, and my affinity for desserts is only equaled by my liking for a hot cup of tea. Yes – I’m addicted to tea as well. Is there anyone who doesn't love desserts? - well, there could be a gazillion candidates for that. The point is...

The Backstory

Growing up in a house where both parents were capable of cooking lip-smacking dishes meant I was spoilt for choice. Having an older brother who like gazillion other people didn’t like sweets meant I was the sole kid being fed questionable amounts of something that is known to cause weight gain and inspire random bursts of awesomeness. But hey, it was all in the name of love, so I’m cool with it!

Desserts aren’t just the perfect way to end a meal, in India sweets are served at places of worship as well. Did you know India is home to over 2000 types of desserts? Thank god I was only served 1% of that!

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The Present

Unfortunately, now that I’ve started going to the gym to accomplish some impossible fitness goals I’ve set for myself this year, I’ve cut down on the ungodly amounts of sugar I was pumping into my body.

Worse, I’ve replaced it with a healthy diet that sadly doesn’t induce as much craziness. So to satisfy the sweet cravings that I feel oh so very often, I’ve compiled a list of top five Indian desserts that my Mom makes at home and which I absolute love (and miss).

Gajar Ka Halwa

Carrot Delight

A sweet dish made from grated carrots slow cooked in milk with sugar, it’s served with a garnish of cashews, almonds and pistachios.

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This surprisingly sweet and succulent dessert can be eaten either hot or cold. I personally love to have it with a few scoops of ice-cream. Yum!

Jalebi

The Roller-Coaster

A dessert that’s made by soaking deep fried wheat flour paste in sugar syrup, these juicy little suckers come in pretzel or circular shapes.

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Chewy and crusty, they are served at weddings and festivals with generous drippings of sweetened condensed milk (as if the existing calories weren’t enough). They can be eaten either warm or cold.

Kheer

River of Desire

A rice pudding that is made by boiling rice with milk and sugar, it’s creamy and delicious, flavored with raisins, cashew nuts and saffron.

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Mesmerizing and delicious, this popular dish is simple to prepare.

Coconut Burfi

Surf the Nut

Lusciously chewy, this sweet delicacy is made with coconut that’s been cooked in milk and garnished with dry fruits.

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Round or diamond shaped with a distinct melt in the mouth coconut flavor, they are tasty and refreshing.

Gulab Jamuns

Balls of Heaven

Similar to a dumpling, this dessert is made from milk-solids. The resultant dough from reduction of milk is shaped into small balls, then deep fried and soaked into a sugar flavored syrup.

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Popular during gatherings and functions, this is my all time favorite. I have probably consumed several thousands of these since childhood.

Yes, I'm aware the ample topping of dry fruits and nuts in every goddamn dessert is a hidden conspiracy to pack on the pounds. Isn’t that just perfect!

If only my body was magically blessed with accelerated metabolism, I could eat these all day. For now I'll just have to live with staring at these pictures and of course there's Cheat Day Sunday. Ever tried an Indian dessert? If not go nourish your taste buds with something new, sweet and exciting. Love! Peace!

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