Ever heard of 'tamatar ki barfi' or 'pyaaz ki kheer'? Here are 5 surprising Indian sweets that are made from vegetables

This unique barfi is a delightful surprise made with ripe tomatoes, sugar, mawa, and ghee. It’s rich, flavorful, and has just the right balance of sweet and tangy. The natural tartness of the tomatoes cuts through the sweetness beautifully, while the mawa adds a creamy, indulgent texture. It’s one of those desserts that sounds unusual at first but wins you over with the very first bite. A true example of how Indian sweets can turn the most unexpected ingredients into something magical.

Pyaaz ki kheer is one of those unexpected gems in Indian cuisine that makes you do a double take. Yes, it’s made with onions-but don’t let that fool you. Believed to have roots in Mughal and Awadhi kitchens, this dessert blends finely chopped onions with milk, sugar, and rice to create a surprisingly mellow and creamy kheer.

This unusual yet delicious dessert hails from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where culinary creativity knows no bounds. Made with boiled and sautéed garlic cloves-yes, garlic!-this kheer surprises you with its rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness. The garlic loses its pungency and blends beautifully with milk, sugar, cardamom, and dry fruits, creating a warm, comforting bowl of dessert that’s both bold and unforgettable. It’s a testament to how Indian cuisine can turn even the most unexpected ingredients into a treat worth savoring.

To make this vibrant Indian dessert, you start by grating fresh beetroot and gently sautéing it in ghee until the earthy rawness fades away. As the aroma deepens, you pour in milk and let it simmer, giving the beets time to soak up all that creamy richness. A touch of sugar adds sweetness, and a handful of chopped nuts bring in just the right crunch. The result? A warm, comforting treat that’s rich, flavorful, and full of color-perfect for when you want something indulgent with a nutritious twist.

This unique mithai is made with Parwal (pointed gourd), which is filled with a rich and flavourful stuffing of sweetened mawa enriched with chopped pistachios and almonds. It is a non-greasy sweet dish that melts in the mouth and also offers a unique texture too.