Get ready to elevate your dessert game with these mouthwatering recipes from Chef Rajesh Paramashivan! Whether you’re planning a get-together with friends or looking to surprise your valentine with a unique treat, these Indo-fusion desserts are the perfect way to leave a lasting impression. The rich and diverse flavours, combined with a touch of innovation, make these recipes a must-try for anyone who loves indulging in the sweet side of Indian cuisine.
Chef Paramashivan, the Head Pastry Chef at Peche Mignon, Novotel Juhu Beach Mumbai, presents a delightful collection of dessert recipes that pay homage to the nation’s cultural fabric.
1. Saffron Sweet Pearls with Cardamom Baked Yoghurt
For the Cardamom Baked Yoghurt
- 250 g Hung Curd
- 60 g Icing Sugar
- 100 g Condensed Milk
- 125 g Fresh Cream
- 5 g Cardamom Powder
Method
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Pour into an earthen pot or kulad.
- Bake at 150°C for 16 minutes in a double bath.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
For the Sweet Pearls (Bondi)
- 250 g Gram Flour (besan)
- Pinch of Baking Soda
- 90 ml Water
- 1 g Saffron Strands
- Oil for frying
For the Sugar Syrup
- 200 g sugar
- 100 ml water
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 g saffron
- 50 ml rose water
Method
- Prepare a thick syrup with sugar, water, cardamom, saffron, and rose water.
- Mix water with gram flour to form a smooth batter.
- Add saffron strands to the mixture.
- Add baking soda, whisk well.
- Fry Bondi in hot oil and dip in warm sugar syrup.
- Rest for an hour and strain excess syrup.
Assembly
- Serve cardamom baked yoghurt in a kulad, accompanied by sweet Bondi and garnished with chopped nuts.
2. Moti Cheesecake
For the Cardamom Cheesecake
- 250 g Philadelphia Cheese
- 250 g Fresh Double Cream
- 200 g White Chocolate
- 10 g Cardamom Powder
Method
- Begin by using a balloon whisk to blend the cheese until it turns smooth and creamy.
- Gradually introduce fresh double cream into the cheese mixture while continuously whisking. This step ensures a silky and luscious consistency.
- Incorporate white chocolate and cardamom powder into the mix. These ingredients will add a delightful sweetness and aromatic touch to your cheesecake.
- Once everything is well combined, transfer the cheesecake mixture into a tray.
- Pop the tray into the freezer to allow the cheesecake to set and chill. This step ensures a firm and delicious texture that will make your cheesecake a delectable treat.
- Prepare the sweet pearls (Bondi) and sugar syrup (as in the previous recipe).
For the Chocolate Decoration
- Use melted white chocolate with orange, green, and white colour or any food colouring of your choice.
Assembly
- Place sweet Bondi at the bottom.
- Add cardamom cheesecake mix.
- Decorate with melted white chocolate in desired shapes.
- Garnish and serve.