Ganesh Chaturthi Prep: Easy Home Recipes Inspired by Delhi’s Sweet Shops

Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of devotion, celebration, and, of course, delicious food! While traditional modaks are a must, why not add some Delhi-style sweetness to your festivities? The capital’s legendary sweet shops—like Giani’s, Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners, and Bikanerwala—offer irresistible treats that can easily be recreated at home.

This year, bring the flavors of Delhi’s mithai walas to your Ganesh Chaturthi spread with these easy, foolproof recipes. From melt-in-the-mouth besan laddoos to fragrant kesar peda, let’s make this festival extra special!

Why Delhi’s Sweet Shops?

Delhi’s sweet shops blend North Indian richness with Mughlai influences, creating unique flavors. Think:
✔ Ghee-laden besan laddoos (Giani’s specialty)
✔ Creamy kalakand (a Bikanerwala favorite)
✔ Saffron-infused pedas (Chaina Ram’s signature)

These recipes are simpler than you think—no fancy techniques, just pure indulgence!

1. Ghee-Laden Besan Laddoo (Giani’s Style)

Why You’ll Love It: No festival is complete without these nutty, aromatic laddoos.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan (gram flour)
• 1 cup ghee
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 2 tbsp chopped almonds & pistachios

Method:

1. Roast the besan – Heat ghee in a pan, add besan, and roast on low flame for 15-20 mins until fragrant.
2. Cool & sweeten – Let it cool slightly, then mix in sugar and cardamom.
3. Shape & garnish – Roll into small laddoos, press nuts on top, and let them set.

Pro Tip: For extra richness, add a spoon of khoya while roasting!

2. Quick Kalakand (Bikanerwala Special)

Why You’ll Love It: This milk-based fudge is creamy, lightly sweet, and ready in 30 mins!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (or crumbled paneer)
• 1 cup condensed milk
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp ghee
• Saffron strands (optional)

Method:

1. Cook the mixture – Heat ghee, add ricotta/paneer and condensed milk. Stir continuously for 15-20 mins until thick.
2. Flavor & set – Add cardamom, saffron, and spread onto a greased tray.
3. Chill & cut – Refrigerate for 2 hours, then slice into squares.

Serving Idea: Top with silver varq for a festive touch!

3. Saffron Peda (Chaina Ram Sindhi Style)

Why You’ll Love It: These 2-ingredient pedas are rich, fragrant, and perfect for prasad.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup khoya (mawa)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• Pinch of saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp milk)

Method:

1. Cook the khoya – Crumble and roast khoya in a non-stick pan for 5 mins.
2. Sweeten & flavor – Add sugar, cardamom, and saffron milk. Mix well.
3. Shape & decorate – Roll into small pedas, press a pistachio on top.

Shortcut: Use store-bought khoya to save time!

4. Delhi-Style Coconut Modak (Fusion Twist!)

Why You’ll Love It: A less sticky, more crunchy take on traditional modaks.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated coconut
• ½ cup jaggery
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cardamom
• 1 tbsp chopped cashews

Method:

1. Cook the filling – Melt jaggery in ghee, add coconut, and cook until thick.
2. Add crunch – Stir in cashews and cardamom.
3. Shape like modaks – Use a modak mold or shape by hand.

Bonus: These stay fresh for 3-4 days—great for gifting!

5. Badam Milk (Jalebi Wala’s Famous Drink)

Why You’ll Love It: A creamy, cooling drink to balance the sweets.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp almond paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• Pinch of saffron
• ½ tsp rose water

Method:

1. Blend & heat – Mix almond paste with milk, sugar, and saffron. Simmer for 5 mins.
2. Flavor & serve – Add rose water, serve warm or chilled.

Festival Platter Ideas

Make your prasad spread Instagram-worthy with:
✨ A mix of pedas, laddoos, and modaks on a banana leaf
✨ Kesar badam milk in kulhads (clay cups)
✨ A sprinkle of edible rose petals for color

Final Tip: Sweet & Sustainable Celebrations

• Use steel/thalis instead of plastic plates for serving.
• Gift mithai in biodegradable boxes or banana leaves.
• Donate extras to local temples or shelters.

Your Turn!

Which Delhi sweet shop recipe will you try first? Tag your creations with #DelhiStyleGaneshChaturthi—we’d love to see your festive treats!

🎉 Ganesh Chaturthi ki Shubhkamnayein! 🎉