Lifestyle / Rose Barfi, Chocolate Naan Khatai & More: South Asian Dessert Recipes For Valentine’s Day

Hearts, Roses, and Gulab Jamuns: South Asian Desserts To Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day!

Rose Barfi, Chocolate Naan Khatai & More: South Asian Dessert Recipes For Valentine’s Day

Lifestyle Feb 10, 2025

by Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Hey, lovely people! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you know what that means—time to celebrate love in all its forms! Whether you’re spending the day with your significant other, your besties, or just treating yourself (because self-love is the best love), there’s no better way to make the day extra special than with some seriously delicious desserts.

Now, don’t get me wrong—chocolates and heart-shaped candies are cute and all, but why not take things up a notch this year? Let’s add a little South Asian flair to the mix! I’m talking about desserts that are rich, fragrant, and dripping with love. Trust me, these treats are so good, they’ll make your heart skip a beat.

So, grab your apron, put on some music, and let’s dive into three irresistible recipes that will make your Valentine’s Day unforgettable.

1. Rose-Flavoured Barfi: The Ultimate Love Bite

Barfi is one of those classic South Asian sweets that just melts in your mouth, and when you add a hint of rose, it’s like a scene straight out of a romantic Bollywood movie. Soft, milky, and delicately floral—this dessert is basically love in edible form.

Hearts, Roses, and Gulab Jamuns: South Asian Desserts To Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day! - Rose Flavoured Barfi — Hearts, Roses, and Gulab Jamuns: South Asian Desserts To Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day! – Rose Flavoured Barfi Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/

Ingredients:

2 cups milk powder
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter or ghee
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
1 teaspoon rose water
A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)
Chopped pistachios and dried rose petals for garnish

Instructions:

In a pan, heat the butter or ghee on low and add the milk powder, cream, and sugar. Stir continuously until it forms a smooth mixture.
Add the cardamom powder, rose water, and food coloring (if using), and mix well.
Once the mixture thickens, transfer it to a greased dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle chopped pistachios and dried rose petals on top.
Let it cool, then cut into squares and serve!

2. Gulab Jamun: Sweet, Syrupy & Irresistible

If you’ve ever had a gulab jamun, you know it’s basically a hug in dessert form. These golden, fried dough balls socked in a fragrant sugar syrup are the ultimate comfort food. They’re soft, they’re sweet, and they’re downright addictive.

Hearts, Roses, and Gulab Jamuns: South Asian Desserts To Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day! - Gulab Jamun. — Hearts, Roses, and Gulab Jamuns: South Asian Desserts To Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day! – Gulab Jamun. Photo Credit: https://pinterest.com/

Ingredients:

For the Gulab Jamun:

1 cup milk powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons ghee
1/4 cup milk (adjust as needed)
Oil for frying

For the Sugar Syrup:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
1 teaspoon rose water
A few strands of saffron (optional)

Instructions:

Mix the milk powder, flour, and baking soda in a bowl. Add the ghee and mix until crumbly.
Slowly add milk to form a soft dough. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Roll the dough into small balls, making sure they’re smooth with no cracks.
Heat oil on low and fry the balls until golden brown. Keep stirring for even frying.
In another pan, heat the sugar, water, cardamom, and saffron to make a syrup. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Add the rose water, then drop in the fried gulab jamuns. Let them soak for at least an hour before serving.

3. Chocolate Naan Khatai: A Perfect East-Meets-West Love Story

If you love classic shortbread but want a desi twist, chocolate naan khatai is the way to go! Buttery, crumbly, and just the right amount of chocolatey goodness—this dessert is perfect for dunking in chai or enjoying with your Valentine.

Hearts, Roses, and Gulab Jamuns: South Asian Desserts To Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day! - Chocolate Nan Khatai. — Hearts, Roses, and Gulab Jamuns: South Asian Desserts To Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day! – Chocolate Nan Khatai. Photo Credit: https://www.dessarts.com/

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup melted ghee
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Chopped almonds or chocolate chips for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
Add the melted ghee and mix until a soft dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls, flatten slightly, and press an almond or chocolate chip on top.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
Let them cool, then enjoy!

You might be wondering, why go the South Asian route for Valentine’s Day? Well, aside from being absolutely delicious, these desserts carry a sense of warmth and nostalgia. They’re often made during celebrations, shared with loved ones, and passed down through generations. By making them for your Valentine, you’re not just sharing a dessert—you’re sharing a piece of your heritage, your heart, and your story.

Plus, let’s be real, there’s something incredibly romantic about food that’s made with love and a little bit of spice (or in this case, sugar).

There you have it—three romantic, South Asian-inspired desserts that will take your Valentine’s Day to the next level. Whether you’re wooing a special someone, celebrating with friends, or just treating yourself, these sweet delights will make your day extra memorable.

So tell me—which one are you making first? Or are you going all in and trying all three? Either way, I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures. Drop a comment and let’s spread the love, one bite at a time!

Happy Valentine’s Day, my friends!

Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

Author

Kiran R. Khan (@kiranrkhanandco) is a journalism graduate from Sheridan College, possesses an extensive freelance portfolio encompassing various topics, including lifestyle posts and profile stories. Kiran loves to craft engaging content that resonates with readers, aiming to leave a lasting impress...

COMMENTS

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Rose Barfi, Chocolate Naan Khatai & More: South Asian Dessert Recipes For Valentine’s Day

by Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

1. Rose-Flavoured Barfi: The Ultimate Love Bite

2. Gulab Jamun: Sweet, Syrupy & Irresistible

3. Chocolate Naan Khatai: A Perfect East-Meets-West Love Story

Kiran R. Khan | Features Editor - Lifestyle

COMMENTS

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