Apple kheer To Ragi Laddo: 7 Diabetic Friendly Healthy Desserts

Maintaining a diabetic-friendly diet doesn't mean you must entirely give up on desserts. With a little creativity and the right choice of ingredients, you can still enjoy delicious sweet treats while keeping your blood sugar levels in check. In this guide, we present seven delectable Indian dessert recipes that are not only diabetic-friendly but also bursting with flavours. Let's dive in and discover these healthy indulgences!

Also Read: Prevent Diabetes By Including These Foods In Your Diet

Sugar-Free Apple Kheer

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated apples
• 2 cups of low-fat milk
• 4-5 crushed green cardamom pods
• 10-12 chopped almonds
• A pinch of saffron strands
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tablespoon artificial sweetener

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and sauté the grated apples until they turn soft.
2. Add milk, cardamom, and saffron to the pan. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool. Stir in the artificial sweetener.
4. Garnish with chopped almonds and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Whole Wheat Jaggery Halwa:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup grated jaggery
• 3-4 tablespoons ghee
• 10-12 chopped cashews
• 10-12 raisins
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and roast the whole wheat flour on low heat until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
2. In a separate saucepan, melt jaggery with a little water until it dissolves completely.
3. Add the jaggery syrup to the roasted flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Add cardamom powder, salt, cashews, and raisins. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Ragi (Finger Millet) Laddu

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ragi flour
• 1/2 cup powdered jaggery
• 1/4 cup grated coconut
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Dry roast the ragi flour in a pan on low heat until it turns slightly brown and releases a nutty aroma.
2. In a separate pan, melt the jaggery with water until it forms a syrup-like consistency.
3. Add the roasted ragi flour, grated coconut, ghee, and cardamom powder to the jaggery syrup. Mix well.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape it into small laddus.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired and let them set for a while before serving.

Sugar-Free Mango Shrikhand

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strained yoghurt (hung curd)
• 1 cup ripe mango puree
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands
• Chopped pistachios for garnish

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine the strained yoghurt, mango puree, cardamom powder, and saffron strands.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are blended.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for a couple of hours to allow the flavours to meld.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with chopped pistachios.

Steamed Coconut Modak

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated fresh coconut
• 1/2 cup powdered jaggery
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt
• Banana leaves or parchment paper for steaming

Method:

1. In a pan, combine the grated coconut and jaggery. Cook on low heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens slightly.
2. Add cardamom powder and salt. Mix well and remove from heat.
3. In a separate bowl, mix rice flour with warm water to form a smooth dough.
4. Take a small portion of the dough and flatten it using your fingers. Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery mixture in the centre and fold the dough to form a modak shape.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and mixture.
6. Steam the modaks in a steamer lined with banana leaves or parchment paper for about 10-15 minutes.
7. Allow them to cool before serving.

Almond Flour Burfi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup ghee
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup powdered jaggery
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Chopped almonds for garnish

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and roast the almond flour until it turns golden brown and fragrant.
2. In a separate saucepan, heat milk and jaggery until the jaggery dissolves completely.
3. Add the roasted almond flour and cardamom powder to the milk mixture. Stir well and cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased plate and spread it evenly.
5. Garnish with chopped almonds and let it cool. Cut into squares or diamonds and serve.

Dates and Nuts Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted dates
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut (unsweetened)

Method:

1. In a food processor, blend the dates until they form a smooth paste.
2. Add the chopped nuts, cocoa powder, and desiccated coconut to the date paste. Pulse until well combined.
3. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls.
4. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to firm up before serving.

Diabetic individuals can still enjoy delectable desserts by modifying traditional recipes. These seven diabetic-friendly Indian desserts offer a range of flavours and textures without compromising on taste. Remember to enjoy these treats in moderation, and always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice. Indulge in these healthier alternatives and satisfy your sweet tooth while maintaining a balanced and diabetic-friendly lifestyle.