Maharashtra’s rich culinary heritage is incomplete without its traditional sweets. Passed down through generations, these classic desserts are not just festive treats but a profound part of Marathi culture and history.
In this article, we explore the top 5 old Maharashtra sweets that have stood the test of time, winning hearts for centuries:
1. Puran Poli – The Heart of Maharashtrian Festive Sweets
No list of old Maharashtrian sweets can begin without Puran Poli. Dating back to the Peshwa era, this sweet flatbread is synonymous with grand occasions like Gudi Padwa and Holi.
Puran Poli consists of a soft, ghee-laden wheat dough filled with a mixture of chana dal (Bengal gram), jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom and nutmeg. Traditional recipes sometimes add a hint of saffron, giving it a royal flavor.
What makes Puran Poli special is its symbolic meaning: it represents prosperity, abundance, and joy in Maharashtrian households. Even today, grandmothers across Maharashtra lovingly teach their grandchildren how to master the art of making the perfect Puran Poli.
2. Anarsa – The Ancient Rice Sweet of Maharashtra
Another crown jewel among old Maharashtra sweets is Anarsa. With origins tracing back at least a few hundred years, Anarsa is intricately linked with Diwali celebrations across Maharashtra.
Anarsa is made from fermented rice flour mixed with jaggery, rolled in poppy seeds, and deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp. It has a unique texture—crispy on the outside and soft, slightly chewy inside.
The preparation of Anarsa is considered sacred and labor-intensive. The rice needs to be soaked, dried, and ground over several days, highlighting the patience and culinary devotion characteristic of old Maharashtrian kitchens.
3. Basundi – The Timeless Maharashtrian Sweet Dish
When discussing traditional Maharashtrian sweets, Basundi shines as a luxurious, slow-cooked milk dessert, often reserved for special occasions like weddings and religious feasts.
Basundi is made by boiling full-fat milk on a low flame for hours until it thickens and reduces to half its quantity. It is then sweetened with sugar and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and dry fruits like almonds and pistachios.
What sets Basundi apart from similar milk sweets across India is its thicker, richer consistency and slight caramelization that imparts a subtle earthy flavor. In cities like Nashik and Ahmednagar, Basundi is often served chilled, sometimes accompanied by hot puris.
4. Modak – Lord Ganesha’s Favorite Maharashtrian Sweet
Modak, the sweet dumpling, holds divine significance and a deep cultural connection in Maharashtra, especially during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The classic version, Ukadiche Modak (steamed modak), is made using rice flour dough filled with a delicious mixture of grated coconut and jaggery, flavored with cardamom.
There’s also the Talniche Modak (fried modak) variation, which was a more common household preparation before steaming became popularized. The legend says Modak was Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet, and therefore no Ganeshotsav is complete without offering at least 21 Modaks to the deity.
5. Shreekhand – The Traditional Yogurt Sweet of Maharashtra
Among the oldest Maharashtrian sweets, Shreekhand boasts of simplicity yet profound richness. Originating from temples and religious offerings, Shreekhand became a household dessert especially in summer months.
It is made from hung curd (yogurt drained of all water), sweetened with sugar, and infused with saffron, cardamom, and nutmeg. Variants like Amrakhand (with mango pulp) and Elaichi Shreekhand (with cardamom) developed over time.
Traditional Shreekhand is still lovingly hand-churned using muslin cloth, preserving its authentic thick and creamy texture, unlike machine-processed versions available commercially today.
The top 5 old Maharashtra sweets — Puran Poli, Anarsa, Basundi, Modak, and Shreekhand — are not just recipes; they are age-old traditions wrapped in flavor, love, and history. They remind us of simpler times when food was sacred, seasonal, and deeply connected to culture.
In today’s fast-paced world, reviving these sweets in their authentic forms ensures that the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra continues to thrive for future generations.