Over the years, dahi has been a most sought-after ingredient in Indian cuisine. Its cooling properties and rich flavor profile makes it a perfect choice for sweet indulgences. Due to its tangy flavor, creamy texture, and nutritional value, dahi has become a staple in many households.
You can use dahi in everything from classic sweet desserts to savory evening snacks like dahi vada and dahi puri. It adds a unique depth and complexity to a variety of sweet preparations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many ways Nova dahi can be incorporated into delicious desserts, satisfying your cravings for both taste and health.
Dahi: A Nutrient-Rich Ingredient
Nova Dahi is not only a delicious ingredient but also a powerhouse of nutrients. It is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and probiotics, which aid digestion and gut health. The lactic acid in dahi helps to balance the pH of the stomach, promoting better absorption of nutrients. Moreover, dahi’s tanginess and creaminess make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor and texture of various desserts.
5 Authentic Indian Sweets: Easy Recipes for your Sweet Tooth
Indian sweets, or mithai, are a delightful blend of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for celebrations, festivals, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. In this post, we’ll explore five authentic Indian sweets that are surprisingly easy to make at home. From rich and creamy to light and refreshing, there’s something for everyone. Here are 5 delightful Indian sweet recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings:
1. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun offers a unique blend of soft, milky dumplings soaked in fragrant rose syrup, melting in your mouth with every bite. Its warmth, delicate texture, and mildly spiced sweetness create a deeply comforting dessert, perfect for indulging in a classic Indian treat. Nova Dahi to enhance the softness and bring an extra layer of richness.
Ingredients
- Nova Dahi (Yogurt): 2 tbsp (for softness)
- Khoya (dried milk solids): 1 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1 tbsp
- Baking powder: 1/4 tsp
- Ghee or oil for frying
For Sugar Syrup:
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Water: 1 cup
- Rose water: 1 tbsp
- Cardamom pods: 3-4, crushed
Instructions
Boil water and sugar together until sugar dissolves completely. Add crushed cardamom and rose water, then set aside. In a bowl, mix khoya, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Add Nova Dahi to create a soft, smooth dough, which helps give gulab jamun a softer texture. Divide dough into small balls and deep-fry on medium heat until golden brown. Place fried balls in warm sugar syrup and let them soak for 1-2 hours.
2. Jalebi
Jalebi’s crispy, golden spirals soaked in sugar syrup provide an addictive contrast of textures. Sweet and crispy on the outside with a juicy center, each bite delivers an intense, syrupy sweetness, making it an ideal choice for those who love crunchy, sugary indulgences. Using Nova Dahi helps ferment the batter, enhancing the light, crispy texture and tangy flavor typical of authentic jalebis.
Ingredients
- Nova Dahi (Yogurt): 1/4 cup (for fermentation)
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Cornflower: 2 tbsp
- Baking powder: 1/4 tsp
- Turmeric or yellow food coloring: a pinch
- Ghee or oil for frying
For Sugar Syrup:
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Saffron strands (optional): a pinch
- Lemon juice: 1/2 tsp
Instructions
3. Rasmalai
Rasmalai features soft cheese soaked in saffron and cardamom-infused milk, creating a refreshing dessert. Its delicate flavors and creamy base make it an ideal chilled treat, with an addition of exotic spice.
Ingredients
- Nova Dahi (Yogurt): 1/4 cup (optional, for garnishing)
- Milk: 1 liter
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (for curdling)
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
- Saffron strands: a pinch
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios): 2 tbsp
Instructions
Boil milk, then add lemon juice to curdle it. Strain and form a dough from the curds. Shape into small balls and cook in a sugar syrup until soft.Boil milk, add sugar, cardamom, saffron, and reduce to half. Add the cooked paneer balls to the reduced milk and chill before serving. Top with Nova Dahi for added creaminess.
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Kalakand
Kalakand combines the richness of milk and the sweetness of condensed sugar into a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Its grainy texture and mild flavors enhanced by cardamom make it a satisfying yet lighter sweet, ideal for a quick, creamy treat packed with dairy goodness.
Ingredients
- Nova Dahi (Yogurt): 1/4 cup (optional, for extra moisture)
- Milk: 1 liter
- Condensed milk: 1/2 cup
- Sugar: 1/4 cup (optional, to taste)
- Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
- Chopped nuts (for garnish): 2 tbsp
Instructions
Boil milk until it thickens, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Mix in condensed milk and sugar, then cook until mixture becomes a soft mass. Spread on a greased plate, add Nova Dahi for extra moisture, and garnish with chopped nuts. Let it set and cut into squares.
5. Shrikhand
Shrikhand is a creamy, cool dessert made from strained yogurt, flavored with cardamom and saffron, and garnished with nuts. It’s rich yet light, offering a refreshing sweetness that balances creamy texture with tanginess, making it an ideal option for a satisfying, guilt-free treat. Try Nova Dahi to bring a smooth, authentic base to your shrikhand for that perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
Ingredients
- Nova Dahi (Yogurt): 2 cups
- Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup (adjust to taste)
- Saffron strands: a pinch (soaked in warm milk)
- Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
- Chopped nuts: 2 tbsp
Instructions
Strain Nova Dahi using a muslin cloth for 4-6 hours. Mix powdered sugar, saffron milk, cardamom powder, and nuts into the strained dahi. Chill the shrikhand and garnish with more nuts.These are just a few of the many delicious Indian sweets you can try. With a variety of flavors and textures, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth!
Tips for Making Perfect Dahi Desserts
- Choosing the right type of dahi: Opt for a thick and creamy Nova dahi for the best results.
- Balancing sweetness and tanginess: Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener to achieve your desired balance of flavors. Consider adding a splash of citrus juice or vinegar to enhance the tanginess without overpowering the sweetness. Experiment with different ratios until you find the perfect combination for your taste preferences.
- Thickening techniques: Straining the dahi through a cheesecloth or paper towel will help remove excess liquid, resulting in a thicker texture. Alternatively, simmering the dahi on low heat will evaporate some of the liquid and create a thicker consistency.
- Garnishing and plating ideas: Enhance the visual appeal of your dahi desserts with colorful garnishes and creative plating. Such as add some saffron, dry fruits of your choice.
See Also: Relax your Body and Mind with the Benefits of Nova Dahi
Conclusion
Dahi, a versatile ingredient, can transform your desserts into delightful treats. From classic Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun and Jalebi to refreshing desserts like Rasmalai and Shrikhand, the possibilities are endless. So, why wait? Grab Nova Dahi and start experimenting with these delicious recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings.