10 Best Traditional Mithai Recipes for This Diwali

I know each and every person is currently googling about Diwali mithai recipes.
So, here I am, all set to make your life and search easy. Because for me too, Diwali has always been associated with lights, colours, indulgences, and the best foods available. It is a festival which is celebrated with joy and pomp. On this occasion, people enjoy making Mithais (traditional sweets), which are popular among both children and adults. Even though methods and trends have changed over the years, and the generation has advanced, some things remain constant. Especially when it comes to traditional mithai, the fare remains unchanged as many recipes are made year after year, their presence now becoming a part of the festive akin to second nature. Be it Besan Barfi or Gulab Jamun, Shakarpara or Anjeer Barfi, you can enjoy these traditional mithai recipes while reminiscing about the good old days or in the festive mood of Diwali.

Also known as Deepavali, this Hindu festival of lights is celebrated on the no-moon day (Amavasya) that falls in the month of Karthik. Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity, wealth and well-being is worshipped with great gusto and devotion. A day of light, joy and pure happiness celebrations which include cleaning and decorating homes, wearing new clothes, bursting firecrackers as well as cooking wholesome sweets and savouries.

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TBH, since childhood for me (and I am sure you will agree with the majority of you) along with bursting crackers, the best thing about Diwali has always been the multiple varieties of sweets and savouries we get to eat during the festivities. When I was young, I fondly remember my mom preparing huge batches of savouries and traditional mithai to not only eat at our place but also to distribute to the family as well as friends and all those near and dear ones who form a part of our lives not only in Diwali but always. So, today I thought, just as an ode to that innocent, simple childhood, that gentle, humble caring little gesture we have been harbouring for ages, I assimilate and get you a list of the 10 best traditional Diwali mithai recipes to indulge in this festive season:

Besan Barfi

One of the highly popular ones, this is a traditional mithai made with gram flour, sugar and cardamoms. Albeit yummy and melt in the mouth, this one is a little time-consuming and hence, pure labour of love. I believe Besan ladoos too are a rage but am attaching the recipe for the best Besan barfi here:

Gulab Jamun

Again, a melt-in-the-mouth hot favourite, imagine these delectable soft little balls that are one of the most universal ones available, made as well as eaten throughout. Psst, a secret tip. Am sharing a fast-track version of the recipe here where you can use milk powder instead of Khoya/Mawa which will not only ease the process but also make it simpler, especially for beginners.

Kaju Katli

A thin Indian fudge of sorts, this one is made of cashews and is perhaps a staple for many during Diwali. Simple and easy to make, you can make it in barely under an hour with simply 4 basic ingredients -sugar, cashews, ghee and a flavouring ingredient. Click the link to know a hassle-free method for this traditional Diwali mithai.

Kalakand

A mithai recipe consisting of condensed milk and paneer, this one is made in barely 15 minutes. Traditionally this one used to be cooked for hours, simmering milk until a thick texture full of grains was achieved. Albeit I am sharing a quick fix, a shortcut to this longer method.

Phirni

One of my personal favourite mithai recipes, this North Indian favourite is made with ground rice, milk, cardamom and saffron. An easy-to-fix, one-pot dessert, this one is a sure win-win for all alike. And that texture! Superb, out of this world ya.

Moong Dal Halwa

A labour of love, this mithai recipe surely takes up a lot of time but the result is worth the effort and wait. A confluence of time, patience and energy this one is made using lentils, ghee and dry fruits. This is one of my favourite mithai recipes and is always high up on the list of to-dos everywhere.

Shankarpali/Shakarpara

Sweet diamond cuts traditionally made with flour, cardamom, ghee and sugar, have always been my favourite. In fact, I believe mothers used to make a big batch of these during the Diwali holidays to keep the kids happy. 

Karanji

A sweet stuffed snack, this one is made by deep frying and is a universal fav mithai recipe again. A must-have to be prepared especially during Diwali and the kids’ holidays.

Jalebi

Round sweet spirals oozing away sweetness, can life get better? Not at all. jalebi is a staple in every house, for almost every occasion. The variations in this one differ from state to state throughout the country. A must-have mithai for everyone during the festive season.

Anjeer Barfi

This a super quick mithai recipe, one that can be pulled off barely in 20 minutes. The figs and dates used in this one, make it naturally sweet, healthy and delicious too.

So, these were some of the best traditional Diwali Mithai recipes to indulge in this festive season.

Stay tuned for a lot more exciting stuff coming especially for you all this festive season. Only here at Booxoul, India’s best book review and lifestyle website where you get your daily dose of entertainment, fun, finance, fashion, food, lifestyle, tech and gadgets as well as all things bookish.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Baked Happily Ever After.

Adios!