Diwali, the festival of lights, brings with it a wide array of delightful sweets that hold a special place in the hearts and taste buds of celebrants. Among the key ingredients that make these delicacies so mouthwatering are dairy products—milk, ghee, and their derivatives. The fusion of traditional sweets with the science of dairy creates a delectable tapestry of flavors and textures that embodies the very essence of the celebration. Ravin Saluja, Director of Sterling Agro Industries Ltd. (Nova Dairy Products), sheds light on how milk products play a pivotal role in the creation of Diwali sweets.
- Science of Milk: Milk, a traditional cornerstone, is used in a plethora of Diwali sweets. Its transformation into khoya or mawa through slow cooking forms the foundation for classic dishes like barfis, pedas, and gulab jamuns. This gradual reduction of milk results in a dense, granular texture that heightens sweetness and imparts a rich, creamy flavor that characterizes these delectable treats.
- Ghee: Another essential component in these sweets is ghee, a milk-based clarified butter. Known for its distinct flavor and nutty aroma, ghee enhances the taste of numerous desserts. It also serves as a binding agent, ensuring the ideal texture and a decadent feel in everything from the flakiness of ladoos to the softness of jalebis.
- Paneer: Indian cottage cheese, or paneer, showcases how dairy can be creatively employed in Diwali sweets. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it a perfect addition to confections like sandesh, chamchams, and rasgullas. Every bite of these sweets encapsulates the festive spirit, thanks to the lightness of paneer and the sweetness of sugar syrup.
- Condensed Milk: No Diwali celebration would be complete without the use of condensed milk, a vital ingredient in making desserts like kheer and barfis. Its rich, creamy consistency imparts a velvety smoothness and a profound depth to these sweets, making them irresistibly alluring.
In conclusion, the harmonious blend of these dairy products in Diwali sweets not only pays homage to tradition but also highlights the artistry and science behind the culinary craft. The meticulous processing of milk and its derivatives is a testament to the deep cultural heritage and the significance of these confections in the Diwali festivities. These sweet offerings are not merely delectable treats savored during gatherings with family and friends; they also encapsulate the essence of joy, warmth, and the spirit of the festival.
