10 Indian Dishes Amongst the ‘Best Donuts in the World’

When we think of donuts, the mind often drifts to the familiar round treats with a hole in the middle. However, Indian cuisine offers a delightful array of sweet and savory treats that can rival any traditional donut. From the syrup-soaked indulgence of gulab jamun to the crispy delights of chavde, here are ten Indian dishes that could easily hold their own amongst the best donuts in the world:

1. Achappam

Achappam, also known as rose cookies, are crispy, flower-shaped snacks made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. Fried until golden brown, these intricately patterned treats are a popular snack during festive occasions in South India.

2. Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a classic Indian sweet made from khoya (reduced milk) and flour, fried until golden brown and soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with rose water, cardamom, and saffron. These soft and syrupy delights are a favorite at weddings, festivals, and special celebrations.

3. Pantua

Similar to gulab jamun, pantua is a Bengali sweet made from deep-fried balls of khoya and flour, soaked in sugar syrup. However, pantua is typically larger and denser than gulab jamun, with a slightly different texture and flavor.

4. Khaja

Khaja is a crispy, layered pastry popular in regions of India such as Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Made from flour, ghee, sugar, and sometimes cardamom or saffron, khaja is fried until golden brown and often served as a dessert or snack.

5. Boondi

Boondi is a popular Indian snack made from tiny, deep-fried balls of gram flour batter. Sweet boondi, coated in sugar syrup and often flavored with cardamom and saffron, is a common offering at temples and festivals.

6. Malpua

Malpua is a traditional Indian pancake made from a batter of flour, milk, and sugar, flavored with cardamom and sometimes fennel seeds. Fried until golden brown and crispy, malpua is typically served with a drizzle of syrup or a dollop of creamy rabri (thickened milk).

7. Chiroti

Chiroti is a delicate, flaky pastry popular in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Made from layers of thinly rolled dough, fried until crisp and golden brown, and dusted with powdered sugar, chiroti is often served as a dessert during festive occasions.

8. Arisa Pitha

Arisa pitha is a traditional sweet from the Indian state of Odisha, made from rice flour, jaggery, and sometimes coconut or sesame seeds. Shaped into discs, fried until crispy, and coated in jaggery syrup, arisa pitha is enjoyed as a special treat during festivals and celebrations.

9. Karanji

Karanji, also known as gujiya, is a deep-fried pastry filled with a sweet mixture of coconut, sugar, nuts, and spices. Popular in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other regions of India, karanji is often prepared during Diwali and other festive occasions.

10. Chandrakanthalu

Chandrakanthalu is a traditional Andhra sweet made from a combination of flour, ghee, sugar, and coconut. Shaped into crescent moons, fried until crispy, and coated in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and saffron, chandrakanthalu is a popular treat during weddings and festivals.

11. Chavde

Chavde, also known as avalose unda, is a crispy and crunchy snack from Kerala made from rice flakes, jaggery, and grated coconut. Shaped into balls and fried until golden brown, chavde is a deliciously addictive treat enjoyed by people of all ages.

While these Indian dishes may not fit the traditional definition of a donut, their irresistible flavors, textures, and aromas certainly make them contenders for the title of the ‘best donuts in the world.’ Whether enjoyed as a special treat during festivals or as an everyday indulgence, these delightful Indian delicacies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Picture Courtesy: Google/images are subject to copyright