From Malpua to Mysore Pak: 4 most loved Indian sweets and the rich heritage behind them

and play a key role in rituals and traditions. And probably that is the reason that many of these sweets are loved a bit extra. And interestingly, these sweets have a long heritage behind them. Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, in his recent blog post, shared the heritage behind these sweets and what makes them even more special. Scroll down to find out.

It is one of India's oldest and most cherished desserts, with roots tracing back over 2000. According to chef Sanjeev's post, this creamy, sweet rice pudding is mentioned in ancient Indian texts and has long been a part of religious rituals and festive celebrations. Its history reflects the simplicity and warmth of Indian hospitality, where sharing a bowl of kheer served as a symbol of love and blessing. Over the centuries, kheer has become a staple dessert across India, enjoyed by people of all age groups and in many regional variations, making it a timeless classic that connects us all to our cultural past. The word "kheer" is believed to come from the Sanskrit word "kshirika," meaning a dish prepared with milk. It is said to have originated at the Lord Jagannath Temple in Odisha around 2,000 years ago, where it was offered as prasada (sacred food) to deities and devotees.

In the Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas dating back to around 1500 BCE, malpua is called "apupa." The Rigveda even includes a recipe for apupa, made from barley flour, fried in ghee or boiled in water, and then dipped in honey. Barley was the primary grain during the Vedic period, and honey was the earliest sweetener used, reflecting the ingredients in apupa.
According to chef Sanjeev's post, it is a beloved traditional Indian sweet with a rich history that goes back centuries. This delicious fried pancake soaked in sugar syrup has been enjoyed since ancient times and is even mentioned in early Sanskrit literature. Traditionally, prepared during festivals and special occasions, malpua beautifully reflects India's rich culinary heritage. Over time, it has taken on many regional variations, yet its charm remains unchanged.

It is a soft and elegant Bengali sweet that has been treasured for generations. This light dessert, made with fresh paneer and sugar is known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture. It has always held a special place in Bengali festivals and celebrations and reflects the region's deep love for dairy-based sweets. Over time, Sandesh has taken on many delightful forms. often flavoured with hints of saffron, rose or pistachios.

According to his post, it is a rich and buttery sweet that has been delighting taste buds for over a century. It originated in the royal kitchens of the Mysore Palace during the early 19th century as a unique dessert created to please the Maharaja of Mysore. It quickly won the hearts of everyone with its perfect balance of crumbly and soft textures. This royal treat soon became a staple of festivals, weddings, and special celebrations across South India. Its regal origins and unforgettable taste makes it more than just a dessert.
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