Ghewar: The popular dessert of the Indian Desert
Welcome to the world of sweets! Today, we’re going to explore one of the most iconic and beloved desserts from the colorful land of Rajasthan- Ghewar. This delectable dessert is a mouth-watering treat that has been loved and cherished for generations in India.
Ghewar is a popular Rajasthani sweet that is prepared during the festival of Teej, Raksha Bandhan, and Holi. It is made by frying a batter of flour, ghee, and milk until it forms a honeycomb-like structure that is then drenched in sugar syrup and garnished with nuts and saffron.
What sets Ghewar apart is its unique texture- crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is an absolute delight for those with a sweet tooth and is guaranteed to leave you craving for more.
In this blog, we’ll explore the history of Ghewar, its various types and flavors, the process of making it, and how it has evolved over the years. We’ll also take a look at some interesting facts and anecdotes associated with this iconic sweet.
So, sit back, grab a cup of chai, and get ready to indulge in the fascinating world of Ghewar!
The Origin of Ghewar
The origin of Ghewar is unclear, and there are several stories about how this sweet came into existence. According to one legend, Ghewar was invented by a Rajasthani chef who was trying to impress his king. He mixed flour, ghee, and sugar syrup to create a sweet that was light, crispy, and delicious. The king was so pleased with the dessert that he ordered the chef to make it for all his royal guests.
But it is also said that Ghewar originated in the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India. Rajasthan is a state known for its rich culture and history, and its cuisine is just as diverse and unique as its people. It is believed to have been first made by the Rajasthani Marwari community, who used it as a sweet offering to their deities during special religious occasions.
Another legend suggests that Ghewar was invented during the Mughal era. It is said that the Mughal emperor Akbar was fond of sweets and ordered his chefs to create a new dessert that was fit for a king. The chefs came up with Ghewar, and the emperor was so impressed that he made it a part of his regular diet.
The recipe for Ghewar is said to have been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dessert. Today, it is a beloved dessert across India and is particularly popular in the northern states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
History of Ghewar
Ghewar has a long and fascinating history that dates back several centuries. The dessert is said to have evolved over time and has been influenced by various cultural and regional influences. In Rajasthan, it is traditionally made during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September. This is because the cool and humid weather conditions are perfect for making the dessert, which requires a lot of water and moisture.
Over the years, Ghewar has become an essential part of Rajasthani cuisine and is commonly served during weddings, religious ceremonies, and other special occasions. In fact, the dessert has become so popular that it has spread to other parts of India and is now available in many parts of the country. Today, it is not only a traditional dessert but also a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
The history of Ghewar dates back to the Rajput era when it was made to celebrate the Teej festival. Teej is a festival that is dedicated to the goddess Parvati, who is believed to have reunited with Lord Shiva on this day. The festival is celebrated in the monsoon season and is marked by the exchange of gifts, traditional dances, and the preparation of special foods.
It was originally made only during the Teej festival, but its popularity soon spread, and it became a favorite sweet among the people of Rajasthan. Today, the sweet is made throughout the year and is available in various flavors and sizes. It is a popular sweet for weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.
Cultural Beliefs Related to Ghewar
Ghewar is closely associated with the festival of Teej in Rajasthan. Teej is a festival celebrated by women in Rajasthan to honor the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, women dress up in traditional attire and worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They also fast for the whole day and break their fast in the evening with sweets and other delicacies. Ghewar is one of the traditional sweets that is prepared on the occasion of Teej.
Ghewar is also associated with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which is celebrated all over India. Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a Rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brother’s wrists and pray for their well-being. In return, the brothers promise to protect their sisters from all evils. Ghewar is one of the traditional sweets that is prepared on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Where is Ghewar Famous?
It is most popular in the northern states of India, particularly in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. In Rajasthan, Ghewar is a dessert that is enjoyed throughout the year, but it is particularly popular during the Teej festival. It is also a popular sweet that is served during weddings and other special occasions.
In Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, it is often enjoyed during the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which is celebrated to mark the bond between brothers and sisters. During the festival, sisters tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brother’s wrists, and brothers in turn give gifts to their sisters. It is one of the sweets often exchanged during the festival, along with other traditional Indian sweets like laddoos and barfis.
Types Of Ghewar
There are several types of Ghewar available in the market, each with its unique flavor and texture. Some of the popular types are:
Plain Ghewar: This is the classic version, which is plain and simple. It is soaked in sugar syrup and garnished with almonds and pistachios.
Mawa Ghewar: This is made by adding khoya or mawa to the batter, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. It is then soaked in sugar syrup and topped with nuts.
Malai Ghewar: This is made by adding malai or cream to the batter, which gives it a soft and spongy texture. It is soaked in sugar syrup and topped with saffron and nuts.
Chocolate Ghewar: This is a modern twist on the traditional, where chocolate is added to the batter. It is soaked in chocolate syrup and topped with chocolate shavings and nuts.
Pineapple Ghewar: This is flavored with pineapple and soaked in sugar syrup infused with pineapple essence. It is then topped with cherries and nuts.
Mango Ghewar: It is flavored with mango pulp and soaked in sugar syrup infused with mango essence. It is then topped with nuts and saffron.
Paneer Ghewar:- It is a variation of the sweet. This sweet dish is made by adding crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the batter, which gives it a soft and spongy texture. After frying, it is soaked in sugar syrup and then garnished with crumbled paneer and nuts like almonds and pistachios.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Ghewar
- It is a popular dessert from Rajasthan, India.
- It is a round-shaped, disc-like sweet made with all-purpose flour, clarified butter (ghee), and sugar syrup.
- The sweet has a unique texture that is crispy on the outside and soft and porous on the inside.
- It is often garnished with sliced nuts, saffron strands, and edible silver foil.
- It is traditionally prepared during the Hindu festival of Teej, which falls in the monsoon season.
- The dish is believed to have originated in the Mughal era and was introduced to Rajasthan by the Mughal emperor Akbar.
- It is also popular in neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
- The dish requires skill and precision in its preparation and is considered a delicacy.
- The preparation of the sweet requires a lot of oil or ghee, making it a high-calorie dessert.
- It is made in different sizes, ranging from small, bite-sized pieces to large, family-sized discs.
- The traditional way of making this sweet involves pouring the batter through a cloth into hot oil or ghee, which creates a unique porous texture.
- The porous texture of the sweet allows it to absorb the sugar syrup, making it sweeter and more flavorful.
- It is often served with a side of rabri, a sweetened condensed milk dessert.
- It is also sometimes served with a side of kesar kulfi, a saffron-flavored ice cream.
- The demand for this sweet increases during the festive season and is often gifted to friends and family.
- It is often sold by street vendors during the Teej festival and is a popular street food.
- In some regions, the sweet is made with jaggery instead of sugar, giving it a darker color and a slightly different flavor.
- The dish is sometimes flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water for added fragrance and taste.
- It can be stored for a few days in an airtight container and is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
- The traditional recipe for the sweet is vegetarian and does not use any animal products.
- It can be made in different shapes, including square, diamond, and heart-shaped.
- The dish is considered auspicious and is often offered as a prasad (religious offering) in temples and at home.
- It is often paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a perfect tea-time snack.
- The dish is believed to have medicinal properties and is often given to new mothers to help with lactation.
- It is also believed to help with digestion and is often served after a heavy meal.
- The texture of this sweet varies depending on the weather conditions and the ingredients’ quality.
- The dish is also popular during the wedding season and is often served as a part of the wedding feast.
- It is a high-glycemic index food and should be consumed in moderation by people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
- In recent years, there has been a trend of making a fusion of the sweet, incorporating flavors like chocolate, mango, and paan (betel leaf).
- The popularity of the sweet has spread beyond India, with many Indian restaurants around the world adding it to their dessert menus.
