Indian Sweets Without the Shortcuts

Gujiya is the one to start with. Khoya and dry fruit, crimped closed by hand — the fold is what stops the filling escaping in the oven, and it is the step no machine does well. That golden colour is caramelised jaggery rather than a food dye, which is a difference you can taste and also read on the label.

Because there are no preservatives, sweets are made to order during festival weeks. Plan 7–10 days ahead for Holi and Diwali, and rather more if you need branded packaging for gifting.