3 Best Sweets Recipes for Diwali: Anarsa, Coconut Barfi, & Besan Laddo

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant celebration marked by lights, colors, and tasty sweets. In every Indian home, making sweets is a cherished tradition during Diwali, bringing families and friends together to enjoy the festive flavors. Among the many traditional sweets, Anarsa, Coconut Barfi, and Besan Laddo are particularly special, each with its own distinct taste, texture, and cultural meaning. Here, we explore the history and significance of these three Diwali treats, followed by detailed recipes for each.

Significance of Each Sweet in Diwali Celebrations

1. Anarsa: The Sweet Symbol of Good Luck and Patience

Anarsa is a traditional Maharashtrian dessert made from rice and jaggery, famous for its crunchy outside and soft inside. Making it is a special process that needs time and care. The rice is soaked for several days, then dried and turned into a fine powder. Anarsa represents the values of patience and hard work, which are important for making this sweet treat perfect.

In Indian culture, patience is seen as a good quality that can bring good luck. This idea connects with Diwali's messages of wealth and happiness. Anarsa is typically made at home only during Diwali, showing how important family and traditions are in Indian homes. Its golden-brown color also symbolizes wealth and is thought to bring good fortune to the household.

2. Coconut Barfi: A Sweet Offering to the Gods

Coconut Barfi, made with basic ingredients and a strong taste, is linked to purity and is seen as a sacred gift during Diwali. This sweet, popular during Diwali in many parts of India, is made with fresh coconut, condensed milk, and a touch of cardamom. In Hindu culture, coconut is thought to be lucky and is often used in prayers and ceremonies. Coconut Barfi represents thankfulness, as coconuts are usually given to the gods during Diwali.

The pure ingredients in Coconut Barfi show the idea of giving a sincere gift to the divine. This act of thankfulness is important during Diwali, when people thank the gods for the blessings they've received throughout the year. Its soft, creamy texture reminds us of simplicity and happiness, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.

3. Besan Ladoo: A Golden Symbol of Energy and Warmth

Besan Laddo is a soft, nutty sweet made from roasted chickpea flour, ghee, and sugar, and it's a popular treat during Diwali. This sweet is often linked to warmth, as chickpea flour and ghee give energy and help keep the body warm in cooler weather. Besan Ladoo stands for nourishment and the value of sharing, as it's usually made in large amounts and shared with family, friends, and neighbors during Diwali.

Its golden color represents light, which is a key idea of Diwali, symbolizing hope and positivity. Making Besan Ladoo brings family members together, creating a feeling of unity, which is an important part of Diwali celebrations. This sweet is also connected to health and strength, qualities that are appreciated and shared during the festival.

Recipes

The following recipes offer step-by-step instructions to make Anarsa, Coconut Barfi, and Besan Laddo in your own kitchen. Each one is crafted to bring out the traditional flavors that make these sweets special for Diwali.

1. Anarsa Recipe

This sweet requires patience and preparation, but the result is a unique, crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice (soaked for 3 days, changing water daily)
• 3/4 cup jaggery (grated)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/2 cup poppy seeds (for coating)
• Ghee for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare Rice Flour: Drain the soaked rice thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Grind into a fine powder.
2. Mix with Jaggery: In a large bowl, combine the rice flour and grated jaggery. Knead into a smooth dough, adding a few drops of water if needed.
3. Flavor and Rest: Add cardamom powder and let the dough rest overnight.
4. Shape and Coat: Divide the dough into small balls, flatten each slightly, and coat with poppy seeds.
5. Fry: Heat ghee in a pan and fry each anarsa on low heat until golden brown. Allow them to cool before serving.

2. Coconut Barfi Recipe

This coconut-based fudge is quick, easy to make, and perfect for satisfying any sweet cravings during Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh grated coconut
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few drops of rose water (optional)
• Chopped almonds and pistachios for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Coconut: In a non-stick pan, add grated coconut and condensed milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
2. Add Flavoring: Stir in cardamom powder and rose water for aroma.
3. Set and Garnish: Spread the mixture onto a greased tray, smoothing it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
4. Cool and Cut: Let it set for 30 minutes, then cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.

3. Besan Ladoo Recipe

This nutty, aromatic ladoo is simple to make and will fill your home with the delightful smell of roasted chickpea flour.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 cup ghee
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Flour: Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan and add the chickpea flour. Roast on low heat, stirring continuously, until the flour turns golden and aromatic (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Cool and Sweeten: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder, mixing thoroughly.
3. Shape the Laddo: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into round laddoos. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
4. Store: These ladoos can be stored in an airtight container for up to 10 days.

Conclusion

Creating traditional sweets for Diwali is a lovely way to celebrate our heritage, share happiness, and build lasting memories with loved ones. Anarsa, Coconut Barfi, and Besan Laddo are special treats in Indian culture, each representing good fortune, purity, and warmth, which match the festive spirit of Diwali. These three sweets, with their traditional recipes and cultural significance, are the perfect choice for any Diwali gathering.