Guwahati is a sprawling city in the state of Assam. The city boasts magnificent temples, hilltops and historical museums. The enchanting beauty of this city is contributed to by the flora and fauna here. Besides the presentable geographical features, Guwahati is a land of sweet flavours wherein rice plays a significant role.
A huge variety of desserts are like cherries on the cake along with excellent weather conditions. Desserts generally include rice and high usage of coconuts. Dry fruits like cashews, almonds and grapes are used for garnishing. Distinguished fruits like coconuts, pumpkins and apricots are utilized for the preparation of classic Assamese desserts.
15 Best Desserts You Must Try Out in Guwahati
1. Komolar Kheer
Komolar Kheer stands out to be the most loved dessert by Assamese people. It is prepared with thick milk which is brought to a perfect consistency with heating. Rich dry fruits like soaked almonds and cashews are added to the milk. What makes this Kheer unique is the addition of chilled orange pulp before serving the dessert.
2. Pumpkin Oatmeal
Pumpkin Oatmeal is known as a healthy dessert with nutritional benefits. Pumpkin Puree is prepared which is later mixed with oatmeal. Milk, raisins and some spices are added. The dessert is generally garnished with honey or maple sugar. It can also be enjoyed as a porridge with cream on the top.
3. Pitha
Pitha is a favorite Assamese dish enjoyed at celebrations of the Bihu Festival. It is prepared commonly with rice flour. At times, pithas are filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
4. Narikolor Laru (Coconut Ball)
Narikolor Laru is arranged from special dry coconut. Dry coconuts are roasted at a low flame and tossed with rich cardamom powder and condensed milk. Once the mixture is cooled, ball shaped Laru is made with hands.
5. Narikol Pitha
Narikol Pitha can also be named as sweetened coconut fritter. Dried and grated coconut is mixed with sugar which is then caramelized. Flour and milk play a major role in the preparation of this dessert. They are put into different shapes and then deep-fried in hot oil.
6. Xutuli Pitha
Xutuli is a traditional Assamese musical instrument that looks like a stump of a bamboo tree. Xutuli Pitha is made with sticky rice. Sesame seeds and jaggery are added to the rice and turned into dumplings. Xutulies are deep-fried and served hot.
7. Khamen Athoomba Ashinba
Khamen Athoomba Ashinba is an authentic and traditional dessert in North India. It is an extraordinary combination of fried tomatoes and sugar syrup. Tomatoes are either fried in ghee or in oil. Cardamom and cumin powder are at times used to complement the taste.
8. Koat Pitha
Koat Pitha is another type of Pitha prepared with essential rice flour, banana and powdered jaggery. Banana is the key ingredient in this dessert. The mixture is tossed well for the frying process. Crispier on the outside and smooth on the inside, this dish lies at the heart of Assamese people.
9. Khaja
Khaja can be referred to as deep-fried layered fritter which is finely coated with sugar syrup. Khaja is an ancient dessert of Assam and it can be found on the streets of Guwahati. Cardamom powder, black pepper and cinnamon powder are key to the taste of this dessert. The dough is prepared and rolled layer after layer, resulting in a roll-shaped dessert. At times, it is served warm right after it is fried.
10. Chhangban Leh Kurtai
Known for its simplicity, Chhangban Leh Kurtai is a delicious treat. The dessert requires two simple ingredients- rice and jaggery. The mixture is steamed well with leaves wrapped around it. The result is the silky texture of Chhangban Leh Kurtai.
11. Qubani Ka Meetha
Khubani is the Urdu word for Apricots. Qubani Ka Meetha is a flavored combination of apricots. Apricots are dried and soaked in water overnight. The apricots are cooked with enough sugar and water for a balanced texture. The almonds from the nut-shaped seeds are removed and used for garnishing this flavorful dessert.
12. Rice Payas
Rice Payas or Payasam is a signature dish in the city of Guwahati. Rice payas is different from other desserts of rice with the utilization of boiled rice. Boiled rice plays a major role in the preparation of this dessert. The dessert is heavy for consumption since it contains ghee, sugar, rice and dry fruits in major quantities. It is garnished with saffron, dry fruits or cardamom seeds.
13. Garoor Payas
Gooror Payas distinguishes itself through the texture of a creamy Rabdi. This dessert includes rice, jaggery, milk and dates. Bay leaves add a spicy touch. It is a combination of rice and milk wherein they are mixed in equal proportions. It is topped with saffron and dry fruits.
14. Chak Khao Kheer
Black Rice Pudding or Cha Khao Kheer is one of the most nutritious desserts of Assamese cuisine. Black rice is soaked overnight and then boiled till it becomes tender. Milk is added to the dessert for the softening process. Sugar is added and the dessert is served warm.
15. Jolpan
Jolpan is a traditional sweet dish in Guwahati that can be served for breakfast as well. It is prepared with ground rice. Cream and jaggery often complement the ground rice. It is a popular dessert during the festive occasion of Bihu. Curd can also be used along with jaggery for garnishing.
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