Cool down with these delicious raisin-infused Indian summer desserts

by Pranay Nirgude April 21, 2023

As the temperature rises during the Indian summer season, there's nothing quite like a refreshing and sweet dessert to cool you down. Traditional Indian desserts like kulfi and falooda have been enjoyed for generations, and for good reason. They're the perfect way to end a hot and spicy meal, and they're packed with flavor and texture.

One way to take these classic desserts to the next level is by incorporating raisins into the recipe. Raisins are a versatile ingredient that can add a subtle sweetness and chewy texture to any dish.

Here are some ideas for using raisins in Indian summer desserts:

Kulfi with Raisins: Kulfi is a popular Indian frozen dessert that's similar to ice cream but with a richer and creamier texture. To make kulfi with raisins, soak a cup of raisins in warm water for 10 minutes. Then, add the raisins to a mixture of condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 6 hours. The raisins will add a delicious burst of sweetness to each bite.
Mango Falooda with Raisins: Falooda is a cold and creamy dessert that's made with milk, vermicelli noodles, and sweet syrup. To give this classic dessert a summer twist, add diced fresh mangoes and a handful of raisins to the mix. The raisins will complement the sweetness of the mango and add a chewy texture to the dessert.
Rice Kheer with Raisins: Rice kheer is a sweet and creamy Indian dessert that's made with rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom. To make it with raisins, add a handful of raisins to the rice mixture while it's cooking. The raisins will plump up and become extra juicy, adding a burst of flavor to the dessert.
Shrikhand with Raisins: Shrikhand is a creamy and tangy dessert that's made with strained yogurt, sugar, and spices. To add some sweetness and texture to this classic dessert, mix in some raisins and chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios. It's the perfect way to balance out the tanginess of the yogurt.
Phirni with Raisins: Phirni is a sweet and fragrant Indian rice pudding that's flavored with cardamom and saffron. To make it with raisins, add a handful of soaked raisins to the milk while it's cooking. The raisins will plump up and add a burst of sweetness to each bite.

Raisins are a delicious and healthy way to add sweetness and texture to Indian summer desserts. Try incorporating them into your favorite recipes and experiment with different flavors and combinations. Happy cooking and happy summer!