How to Make Indian Butter-Based Sweets

Indian sweets are renowned for their rich flavors and unique textures, and butter-based sweets are among the most beloved. These delicacies are not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare at home. Below are some of the top methods to make delightful Indian butter-based sweets.

1. Besan Ladoo

Besan ladoos are a favorite in many Indian households. They are made from gram flour (besan) and ghee (clarified butter), which gives them a rich flavor and smooth texture.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups besan, 1 cup ghee, 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ cup chopped nuts, and cardamom powder to taste.
  • Instructions:
  • In a pan, heat ghee on low flame. Add the gram flour and roast until golden brown and aromatic.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool a bit before adding powdered sugar, nuts, and cardamom.
  • Mix thoroughly and shape into small round balls.
  • Allow them to cool completely before serving.

2. Kaju Katli

Kaju katli, or cashew fudge, is a luxurious sweet that is smooth and melts in your mouth.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups cashew nuts, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, and 2 tablespoons ghee.
  • Instructions:
  • Grind cashew nuts into a fine powder. Set aside.
  • In a pan, combine sugar and water, cooking until it forms a one-string consistency syrup.
  • Add the cashew powder and ghee into the syrup, stirring continuously until it thickens.
  • Transfer onto a greased surface, roll, and cut into diamond-shaped pieces.

3. Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun, although typically deep-fried, can be enriched with butter to enhance its flavor.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup khoya (milk solids), ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups water, and ghee for frying.
  • Instructions:
  • In a bowl, mix khoya, flour, and baking powder to form a dough. Adjust the consistency with a little milk if necessary.
  • Shape the dough into small balls. In a pan, heat ghee and fry the balls until golden brown.
  • In another pan, make a sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water together. Once the gulab jamuns are fried, soak them in the warm syrup for at least an hour.

4. Peda

Peda is another delightful sweet made with milk and flavored with cardamom.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup khoya, ½ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon cardamom powder, and 1 tablespoon ghee.
  • Instructions:
  • Heat ghee in a pan, add khoya, and cook for a few minutes.
  • Add sugar and cardamom powder and mix until well combined.
  • Allow to cool slightly, then shape into small discs or balls.
  • Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.

5. Coconut Barfi

Coconut barfi is a chewy and sweet dessert that is incredibly popular in Indian cuisine.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups grated fresh coconut, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons ghee.
  • Instructions:
  • In a pan, melt ghee, add grated coconut and sugar, cooking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
  • Add condensed milk and mix well, cooking until it comes together.
  • Spread on a greased plate, let it cool, and then cut into squares or diamonds.

These Indian butter-based sweets are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try making them at home for festivals, celebrations,