Dairy plays a key in the creation of many of India’s finest dishes adding richness, moistness, and an additional layer of flavor. The most common dairy products found in Indian cuisine are milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, and ghee. The usage of milk is found mostly in North Indian recipes that give birth to some of the best Indian dairy delights that the country has to offer. Dairy foods are essential because they build and repair muscles and tissues for children’s growth. Cooking with dairy products gives better results when they are properly used and applied.
12 Best Indian Dairy Delights India Has to Offer
1. Rasmalai
Rasmalai is a popular Bengali Indian sweet made from milk – it’s chena dumplings with sweetened milk. This milk-based dessert consists of spongy rosogolla-looking or paneer balls doused in thick and creamy milk, garnished with saffron, pistachios and almonds. They are tender and filled with juicy cream in every bite. This Indian dairy delight is a luscious treat with an incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture that will only leave you craving for more.
2. Milk Cake
Milk cake is an Indian sweet dessert prepared from solidified milk which is prepared during festivals and religious events. Milk cake consists of milk, flour, sugar, and egg. Many people use paneer and condensed milk for making this dessert. Topped with some dry fruits or just served plain. The slight canalization gives it a light brown color and slightly fudgy texture. Milk Cake is a delicious Indian dairy delight and is an absolute mouthwatering dessert.
3. Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhallas are deep-fried lentil fritters dunked in creamy yogurt, topped with different kinds of sweet-spicy chutneys, and then garnished with spicy powder. It is one of the most popular street food eaten across India and a total Indian dairy delight. It can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish with dinner. The use of curd in this dish is a healthy ingredient. Yogurt is a rich source of probiotic bacteria which helps in fighting major bowel issues and eases the digestion process.
4. Gajar Halwa
It is one of the most popular Indian dairy delights known to have originated in Punjab and is wonderful to indulge in during the winter months. An easy and tasty Indian sweet made with grated carrot, milk and sugar, it is typically served warm with the topping of mava/khoya. This dish uses full cream milk to make halwa which is not overly sweet. Whether you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or entertain guests serve this classic, rich and creamy dessert.
5. Chena Murki
A sweet and easy to make Bengali delight is chena murki. It is made from the Indian cottage cheese commonly called paneer and sugar. Chena murki are bite sliced delight that will just melt in your mouth. It is often served during any festival. It is easy to make and satisfy all of your cravings.
6. Rosogolla
Chenna based sweet is one of the common sweet made in Bengali desserts which is known for its spongy and juicy texture. The chenna is mashed, made smooth and then cooked in boiling sugar syrup. A melt in the mouth soft and spongy cheese balls in light and sweet mild cardamom-flavoured sugar syrup. The Rosogolla is loved by people of all age groups. The spongy balls are so delicious.
7. Kheer
Kheer is an Indian rice pudding made with only three basic ingredients-rice, milk and sugar. Then it is sweetened and flavored with cardamom powder. It is garnished with nuts and raisins. It is the quintessential Indian dessert that every Indian grows up eating. This delicious rice kheer can be made for any festival or celebration like Diwali or as a sweet dessert. It’s an all-time favourite Indian dessert.
8. Mango Lassi
Lassi is a popular yoghurt-based drink that originated in India. Lassi has a separate fan base that is spread across the Indian subcontinent. Mangoes, they are delicious and more than half of Indians are obsessed with them. This mango lassi is easy to make. A little ground cardamom sprinkled on top is perfect. A glass of chilled mango lassi would not only quench your thirst but also make you feel refreshed, energized and happy.
9. Mishti Doi
Mishti Doi is a classic Bengali sweet made with milk, curd and jaggery or sugar. Mishti Doi is a fermented sweet curd made by thickening milk and is sweetened with jaggery. It is different from regular sweet yoghurt. Mishti Doi is an essential part of a Bengali meal and is traditionally made for religious and festive occasions. It is a delicious way to beat the heat and is a perfect thirst quencher on a hot summer day.
10. Mutton Korma
Mutton korma is a dish made by slow cooking mutton along with yoghurt, tomatoes, onions, coriander, ginger, green chillies, poppy seeds, herbs and spices. It is cherished as an authentic Lucknowi dish that is rich and full of flavour. This mutton korma tastes best when served with naan, rice, roti and raita. It is extremely delicious, juicy and tender mutton cooked with Indian spices. Mutton korma is an ultimate delight for a meat lover.
11. Kesar Pista Kulfi
Kesar Pista kulfi is a popular Indian ice cream dessert. Prepared with milk and flavoured with saffron and dry fruits. This Indian dairy delight will definitely satisfy your sweet craving. This kulfi is very popular in North Indian states. With the crunch of nuts, the lovely saffron, creaminess of reduced milk and the rich aroma of spices like cardamom this ice cream is incredibly awesome. Kesar Pista kulfi is a must at home in summer.
12. Barfi
Barfi is a popular milk base sweet that is prepared during festivals like Diwali, Rakhi, Holi and any other occasion. This easy to make Barfi is made with simple ingredients like milk powder, condensed milk, ghee and cardamom powder. The delicious Barfi is also known as ‘Khoya Barfi’ in some parts of India. Barfi is soft, melt in the mouth and tastes delicious. There are many varieties of barfies made using dairy products, nuts and fruit pulp.
