Keeping the body cool in the summer is the most important thing. As the body sweats, it loses its water content, which might lead to dehydration. Which is why it is necessary to consume hydrating foods and beverages that help you keep your body temperature cool and your body hydrated. Indian cuisine offers a variety of desserts that satisfy sweet tooth cravings and, at the same time, help with the hot weather.
With so many options, Indian desserts truly have something for everyone’s taste. This summer, escape the heat and satisfy your cravings with these eight incredible Indian dessert recipes.
Phirni
Phirni is a chilled Indian dessert made by slowly cooking rice and milk together until thickened. Phirni is flavoured with spices like cardamom, saffron, or rose water. It is garnished with chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds and served chilled in small clay pots.
Image credit: Freepik
Kulfi
Kulfi is a frozen Indian dessert. Unlike ice cream that is churned, kulfi has a denser, smoother texture. To make kulfi, combine milk with condensed milk, milk powder, and sugar. Add cardamom and saffron. Once cooled, the mixture is poured into moulds and frozen. Each kulfi is decorated with chopped pistachios before serving.
Image credit: Freepik
Aamras
Aamras is a sweet and refreshing mango puree that is loved in the hot summer months. To make it, simply blend together ripe, juicy mangoes, a splash of milk, a few ice cubes, and a sprinkle of sugar until smooth. Though Alphonso and Kesar mangoes make divine aamras, any ripe, sweet mango variety will do.
Image credit: Freepik
Kulfi Falooda
It starts with a scoop of Kulfi, topped with vermicelli and basil seeds that have been soaked in rose syrup. Cold milk is poured over it, followed by soda water. It is finished off with a scoop of cream and chopped pistachios. Kulfi Falooda offers a refreshing cooldown on a hot day.
Image credit: Freepik
Strawberry Kheer
Strawberry kheer is a mouthwatering Indian dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. This chilled dish features the refreshing taste of strawberries. When served chilled, the strawberry kheer is cool and soothing and delivers a juicy berry flavour. This dessert satisfies on hot summer days but is also easy to make using simple ingredients.
Image credit: Freepik
Shrikhand
To make Shrikhand, yoghurt is hung in a cloth overnight to drain out the watery whey. Sugar is added to the yoghurt, along with saffron and cardamom, which give Shrikhand its yellow colour and fragrance. It is served cold, with dry fruits garnished on top. Shrikhand is a refreshing treat, especially enjoyed in summer in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Image credit: Freepik
Rasmalai
Rasmalai is an Indian dessert made with soft dumplings soaked in creamy milk. The dumplings, called rasgullas, are made from chenna or paneer cheese. To make rasmalai, the rasgullas are gently soaked in a pan of milk infused with saffron and cardamom.
Image credit: Freepik
With little effort, rasmalai delivers a wonderful mixture of flavours that makes it one of the most loved Indian desserts.
Also read: 7 Delectable Indian Desserts Loved Worldwide
Basundi
Basundi is a sweet Indian dessert that is made with whole milk. To make basundi, milk is slowly boiled down until it becomes thick and creamy, flavoured with cardamom, saffron, pistachios and almonds.
Image credit: Freepik
Basundi has a smooth, pudding-like texture and is served chilled.
