Indians and their profound love for sweet indulgence are known to the world so much so that no special occasion is complete without a delightful sweet spread. But you will be amazed to know that there are certain lost sweet treats from different parts of the country that are gradually vanishing with time. Here’s a glimpse of some traditional Indian sweets that are slowly disappearing.
Sarbhaja
Sarbhaja also known as SareBhaja is a traditional Indian sweet from West Bengal, which was made by following an intrinsic process of making a sandwich of milk malai filled with flavored cardamom and nuts stuffed inside a soft, moist and creamy sweet. Over the years, this sweet treat has slowly disappeared due to the process of making. However, there have been several versions of this traditional sweet, which have paved its way to the plates of sweet enthusiasts.
Thaen Mittai
These classic orange-colored sweet treats were once one of the most widely available sweet treats from Tamil Nadu, South India. This traditional sweet Thaen Mittai was loved for its amazing amalgamation of rice, urad dal, sugar syrup/honey, food coloring, and oil, which gave this orange-colored candy a delightful taste and texture. In fact, the preparation of this sweet revolved around creating a dough, which was then rolled into small shapes and coated with syrup made from jaggery or honey, depending on preferences.
Garlic Kheer
Garlic kheer, also known as Benami kheer, is a traditional sweet treat that was once a culinary gem of Awadhi royal cuisine. The unique taste and flavor of this sweet treat needed proper expertise, which gradually led to fading out of this sweet delight. This creamy kheer was known for its unique taste and texture; this kheer also had potent health benefits. In fact, this unconventional dessert may sound odd, but it has a rich tradition of being consumed for its health benefits, particularly during cold seasons.
Tamatar ka Halwa
Hyderabdi Shahjahani Meeta, also known as Tamatar ka Halwa, is a lesser-known sweet dish from the royal kitchen of Hyderabdi Nizamas. This sweet halwa was loved for its unique taste, texture and amazing flavor. However, over the years, this dessert has slowly faded out and lost its essence. This sweet delight was made using ripe tomatoes, khoya, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts.
White Gajar Halwa
White Gajar Halwa is a unique Gajar Halwa that hails from the busy bylanes of Jama Masjid, Old Delhi. This sweet treat is a rare winter delight made using white carrots, khoya, sugar, milk, dry fruits and nuts. This traditional delicacy was once prepared in most households, but with time this delight is losing its popularity due to the availability of the white gajar.The preparation method of this dish is similar to that of traditional Gajar Halwa, involving slow cooking the grated white carrots in milk until it thickens, then adding sugar and ghee for richness.
Goan Batk
Goan Batk, also known as Batica, is a traditional sweet treat made using goat milk. This rare traditional semolina coconut cake was once an inseparable part of special occasions and festivals, but over the years this dessert has vanished from the bakeries and traditional kitchens. This sweet treat was once a special delight served for the Christmas platter.