Celebrate This Valentine's Day Unwrapping the Unique Love Story of Indians and Sweets

This Valentine's Day, here's a sweet story of how every desi fell head over heels in love with 'mithai.' 

Every celebration, big or small, is incomplete without the sweet taste of Indian confections. Everyone knows that the love for Indian sweets is honest and timeless for every desi. Rooted in ancient history and royal traditions, this love affair has stood the test of time, evolving into a cultural music that plays across kitchens and hearts.

India loves sweets, and it's not just about the delicious taste – it's like a favorite family story passed down over the years. These "mithai" or  Indian sweets online are more than just treats; they're like a warm hug, always there to celebrate with us and make our homes feel cozy.

Long, Long Ago: Sweet Beginnings

In the Vedic period, around 1500-500 BCE, around 1500-500 BCE, sweetness was as simple as honey and fruits. Honey was like a special treat, a pure and sweet gift. Our ancestors, following the words of the Rigveda, mixed honey with milk to create something special called "madhuparka." It wasn't just a snack; it was a sweet start, marking the beginning of sweets playing an important role in our cultural and religious events.

As time moved on, our sweet story continued. Sugarcane made its way from Southeast Asia to India around 510 BCE. Growing sugarcane and making sugar from it set the scene for delicious recipes that are relished today! 

Ghee (clarified butter) and milk also joined the sweet party to make "kheer," a comforting rice pudding cooked in milk and sweetened with jaggery (unrefined cane sugar). This humble yet satisfying dish became a household favorite, standing the test of time in Indian desserts.

Royal Courts and Mughal Magic

Fast forward to the Mughal Empire's rule in India (16th to 19th centuries), and the world of Indian sweets underwent a grand makeover. The Mughals, with their Persian background, brought exotic ingredients like saffron, rosewater, and dry fruits.

One of the crown jewels of Mughal-inspired sweets is "shahi tukda," a royal dessert made by frying bread slices in ghee and topping them with a generous layer of thickened sweetened milk, saffron, and pistachios. This dish is decadent and luxurious and still holds a special place in our hearts today.

The Sweet Diversity of India: Regional Confections

India is home to vibrant and diverse cultures and flavors, so it's no surprise that each region has its unique take on sweets. West Bengal's "rosogolla" is spongy cheese in sugar syrup. Down South, enjoy "mysore pak," a crumbly delight of ghee, gram flour, and sugar. In Gujarat, "mohanthal" fuses chickpea flour, ghee, and sugar into a sweet fudge. Rajasthan's "ghevar" is a saffron-infused lattice fried in ghee, a nutty delight.

Here's a sweet history of popular Indian sweets that will make you love them more!

1. Gulab Jamun: Soft and succulent, Gulab Jamun's tale is as sweet as its taste. Originating from Persian roots, this delectable dessert danced into our hearts from an Arabic delight - Luqmat al-qaadhi, meaning 'The Judge's Bite.' Breaking it down, it's Persian sweetness with 'gul' (flower), 'ab' (water), and a nod to our own jamun fruit's shape and size. 

2. Rasgulla: Originating as Khira Mohana in Odisha, the sweet legend of Rasgulla legend traces back centuries. During Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath offered Rasgulla to appease upset consort Lakshmi, establishing a tradition. On the ninth day, before the divine trio can enter the temple, Rasgulla is presented to Goddess Lakshmi, ensuring her sweet approval. This dessert, popular in Kolkata, transcends boundaries, captivating hearts worldwide with its heavenly taste.

3. Laddoo: Motichoor Laddoo, Boondi Laddoo, Besan Laddoo - all homemade wonders. Would you believe Laddoos were once a hormonal balance secret for growing girls? That's right! Gond Laddoo, Sonth Ke Laddoo, and Panjiri Laddoo, now recommended during pregnancy, puberty, and winter, have a rich tradition rooted in the past. Every bite narrates a tale of tradition, easily recreated in the comfort of your home.

4. Sandesh: Sandesh, a Bengali favorite, uses chhena, introduced by the Portuguese. Interestingly, Sandesh predates Rasgulla. In early Calcutta, chhena mixed with sugar or molasses became 'Makha Sandesh' to prevent waste. Bhim Chandra Nag, a famed sweet-maker, added khoya, cardamom, and sugar, shaping the Sandesh we cherish today. Sandesh is a sweet with a history as rich as its flavor.

5. Petha: Taj Mahal visits mean one thing – Pethas! These translucent energy-packed treats have a royal origin in Emperor Shah Jahan's Mughal kitchen. He wanted a sweet as white as the Taj, so Petha was born, crafted by 500 dedicated workers. It's not just a sweet; it's Taj Mahal's sweet history. Created for the 21,000 workers, Petha earned the title of God's sweet – pure and simple, made with just pumpkin, sugar, and water!

6. Shahi Tukda: Shahi Tukda, a crispy, velvety royal dessert, originates from Mughlai cuisine. Surprisingly, it's the Mughals who introduced this delight to India. Legend has it that during a royal hunt by the Nile river, the local cook Umm Ali turned stale bread into a delicacy by soaking it in a rich gravy of nuts, cream, sugar, and milk. This improvised dish, providing instant energy, was loved by the Royals and earned the name 'Shahi Tukda' - a royal treat with a crispy backstory.

7. Mysore Pak: Mysore Pak, a three-ingredient dessert with gram flour, ghee, and sugar, traces its roots to the 17th or 18th century in the Royal Kingdom of Mysore. Head chef Kakasura Madappa is credited for creating it during King Krishna Raja Wodeyar's reign.

During the King's lunch, Madappa noticed an empty spot in his Thali. Swiftly, he crafted a sweet with gram flour, ghee, and sugar, letting it cool. When the King sought a sweet after his meal, Madappa served the cooled cake. Impressed, the King asked for more and its name. Nervously, Madappa named it 'Mysore Paka,' with 'paka' meaning sweet concoction in Kannada. This impromptu creation became a royal sweet, and the legacy of Mysore Pak began.

Indian sweets brands reviving the old-world charm of traditional mithais

You can shop your favorite Indian mithais from our partner brands or online  Indian sweets shop that offer curated authentic Indian sweets crafted with premium ingredients and a whole lot of love!

Almond House: Almond House dishes out a mix of Indian delights that break all boundaries. From North to South Indian sweets and even diving into the world of baklava, they do it all without eggs, ensuring everyone can savor their creations, no matter their dietary preferences.

The sweets from Almond House are like a trip down memory lane. Whether it's the classic Motichoor, the delightful Kaju Katli, or the timeless Badam Halwa, they bring the taste of home right to your doorstep. And if you're in a sharing mood, you can create your own mix of Indian sweets in a charming gift box for friends and family.

Madhu chocolates: At Madhu Chocolates, they handpick cacao beans and turn them into perfect chocolate bars inspired by traditional Indian desserts and spices. Each bite is a journey into deliciousness, likely to bring back smiles and cherished memories. Their range, from the Coconut Milk Cashew Bar to the Cardamom Bar and the unique Masala Chai with Parsley Crumbles Bar, is as diverse as it is delicious.

SweeDesi Sweets: Sweeten your party with Sweedesi Sweets - a curated assortment of Indian sweets sourced directly from regional vendors across India, now delivered straight to your doorstep in the US.

Treat yourself to the sumptuous Anjeer Roll, renowned for its lusciousness. For a fruity twist, dive into the Strawberry Kaju Katli and Kiwi Kaju Katli, creating a delightful symphony of flavors. To add an extra layer of joy, the Roasted Dry Fruit Laddu combines wholesome goodness with delectable taste. You can shop their authentic Indian offerings on our online store. 

The Baklava Box: Discover a sweet mix of handcrafted Baklavas and traditional Indian sweets at The Baklava Box. Enjoy the nutty goodness of their Baklavas, made to bring joy to every bite.

Apart from Baklavas, The Baklava Box offers classic Indian sweets like laddu, barfi, cashew rolls, and cocoa-dusted pista rolls. Let The Baklava Box treat your taste buds to these irresistible sweets, giving a modern twist to timeless Indian treats and bringing back the simple joy and charm of these delightful confections.

Rajbhog Sweets: Rajbhog's Indian sweets and snacks promise a delightful experience. Their sweet offerings include classics like the rich and nutty pasta rolls, the creamy kaju barfi, the melt-in-the-mouth mawa peda, the beloved motichoor laddoos, and more. Crafted with time-honored recipes and the finest ingredients, each sweet ensures a sense-delighting experience. 

Laumiere Sweets:  Mind you, this artisanal delight is hard to share and great to eat. Laumiere sweets are made using chosen dry fruits, making them a wholesome, meaningful indulgence. Every sweet is thoughtfully crafted and comes packed in a beautiful jewel-toned box. Gift your loved ones Valentine's chocolates that are great to eat and make a clean treat! 

Order Indian Sweets Online, This Valentine's

In the comforting taste of every Indian sweet, there's a mix of sugar and the sweet essence of tradition and warmth. These treats take us back to times when maa ke haathon ka halwa was the only indulgence that could recharge our mood and make us fall in love with it, right after the first bite! 

Our love for these mithais is a journey back home, a familiar song playing in the background of our kitchens and hearts. Each sweet is not just a bite; it's a memory, a celebration, a tight hug that makes every occasion, big or small, complete. 

Thinking of perfect Valentine's Day gifts? Make your loved one's Valentine's Day sweeter with our delightful indulgence crafted with pure and premium ingredients and a whole lot of love!