Bengali cuisine is renowned for its delectable desserts, known as “mishti” or sweets. Bengali desserts often incorporate dairy, sugar, and a variety of aromatic flavors. Here are some popular Bengali desserts that you must try:
1. Rasgulla: Rasgulla is a quintessential Bengali sweet made by curdling milk to obtain chenna (cottage cheese), which is then rolled into small balls and cooked in sugar syrup. These soft and spongy cheese balls soaked in syrup are a true delight.
2. Sandesh: Sandesh is a delicate sweet made with chenna, sugar, and various flavourings like cardamom, saffron, or fruits. It is often moulded into different shapes and garnished with nuts. Sandesh comes in various flavours, and each bite offers a heavenly taste.
3. Mishti Doi: Mishti Doi is a traditional Bengali sweet yoghurt. It is made by fermenting sweetened milk overnight in earthen pots, which gives it a distinct flavour and texture. This creamy and sweet dessert is a popular choice among Bengalis.
4. Rasmalai: Rasmalai is a cousin of Rasgulla, where the cheese balls (rasgulla) are soaked in creamy and flavoured milk syrup. It is typically garnished with saffron, pistachios, and almonds. Rasmalai is a rich and indulgent sweet that melts in your mouth.
5. Chomchom: Chomchom, also known as cham cham, is another popular Bengali sweet made from chenna. It is cylindrical in shape and soaked in a sugar syrup flavoured with saffron and cardamom. Chomchom is often garnished with coconut flakes or pistachios.
6. Shondesh: Shondesh is a variety of Sandesh that come in different flavours and textures. It is made by cooking chenna with sugar and sometimes flavoured with ingredients like coconut, chocolate, or fruits. Shondesh offers a range of delightful options to suit various tastes.
These are just a few examples of the mouthwatering Bengali desserts that you can indulge in. Bengali sweets are known for their distinct flavours, textures, and artistic presentation, making them a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.