Bhaifota, also known as Bhai Dooj, is a celebration of sibling love and blessings. In 2024, this cherished festival falls on November 2nd and 3rd. Traditionally, sisters apply a symbolic mark on their brothers' foreheads and exchange sweets and blessings for health and prosperity. In a Bengali household, Bhaifota is one of the most cherished festivals that strengthen the bond between brothers and sisters. The day is a celebration of so many sweets all around. Take it from Burfi and Gulab jamun to payesh; each sweet has so many calories that it upsets your daily diet.
While this day is known for indulging in classic sweets, the growing awareness around healthy diets has inspired a shift toward gluten-free and low-sugar options. Many families are opting for sweets that use natural sweeteners like jaggery and coconut sugar, which help manage sugar intake without sacrificing flavour. The importance of gluten-free choices has also grown, ensuring everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, can enjoy the festivities without worry.
This shift towards mindful, healthier choices is refreshing, as it allows us to celebrate Bhaifota with treats that nourish our bodies while honoring tradition. Since health is wealth, as they say, why don’t you give a twist to the traditional menu and make it something different yet healthier? Many of you may wonder how is that possible! Trust me it is.
Below, I've shared some favourite gluten-free, low-sugar recipes I’ve personally enjoyed making, combining health with tradition. And these are a hit at my place!
Gluten-Free, Low-Sugar Sweets for Bhaifota You Must Try At Home
Coconut Barfi
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Ahh! This one is a hit at my place. Coconut barfi combines grated coconut, coconut sugar, and cardamom for a chewy, flavourful dessert. The use of coconut sugar makes it low glycemic, helping to maintain stable blood sugar. Coconut is high in fiber and healthy fats, making this treat satisfying and beneficial for digestion. It’s a quick dessert that brings rich taste and texture with minimal ingredients.
Ragi Laddoo
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Ragi (finger millet) laddoos are made with ragi flour, jaggery, and ghee. Ragi is naturally gluten-free and a powerhouse of calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. Jaggery adds a mellow sweetness without refined sugars, making it healthier. These ladoos are perfect for a nutritious and energy-boosting treat that’s light on the stomach yet rich in taste.
Badam Burfi
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Badam Burfi is made with ground cashews, almonds and coconut sugar, offering a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth experience. Cashews and almonds are rich in healthy fats and protein, making this dessert filling and nutrient-dense. Coconut sugar brings a hint of caramel flavour, making this burfi a refined-sugar-free version of the classic sweet without losing any of its charm.
Fox Nut (Makhana) Kheer
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Who thought makhana could be a part of kheer? This kheer combines roasted fox nuts with coconut milk and jaggery for a dairy-free, gluten-free dessert. Fox nuts are high in calcium and antioxidants, contributing to bone health and immune support. The coconut milk adds creaminess, while jaggery brings sweetness with additional minerals. This unique kheer offers a nourishing twist on traditional rice kheer.
Almond Flour Ladoo
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Ghee ladoo, besan ladoo and what not, Bhai Dooj can get better with these almond ones. These ladoos use almond flour, jaggery, and a hint of cardamom for a quick, nutritious treat. Almond flour is high in vitamin E, healthy fats, and protein, making these ladoos energy-packed and satiating. Jaggery adds a natural sweetness and enhances the nutty flavour. These ladoos are great for an instant energy boost and are easy to make.
Vegan Carrot Halwa
So, have you ever thought of a gluten-free alternative for this dessert? Get the grated carrots, coconut sugar, and almond milk ready! Try this and you will thank me later for creating a gluten-free and vegan alternative to the traditional gajar ka halwa. Carrots offer vitamin A and fiber, promoting eye health and digestion. Almond milk adds creaminess, while coconut sugar gives a caramelised sweetness. This halwa is light, nutritious, and perfect for a guilt-free festive dessert.
Lau er Payesh
Right, Bottle gourd can be a main ingredient in a dessert. Lau er Payesh, a traditional Bengali dessert made from bottle gourd, offers a unique and healthy twist for Bhai Dooj. This creamy pudding is crafted from grated lauki (bottle gourd) simmered in milk and sweetened with jaggery instead of refined sugar, making it a delicious, low-glycemic treat. Cardamom adds a fragrant aroma, while a touch of ghee deepens the flavor, giving it a rich, festive feel. Lau Kheer is the other name we Bengalis call it!
Pumpkin Phirni
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Yeah! You heard it right. Phirni gets a twist here. Pumpkin phirni combines pureed pumpkin, rice flour, almond milk, and jaggery. Pumpkin is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which is good for immunity and skin health. The almond milk provides a dairy-free base, and jaggery adds a sweet depth. This phirni is a seasonal twist on the classic rice pudding, offering a warm and comforting festive dessert.
Chhena Poda
This sweet has its origin in Odisha but you can try it with a low-sugar twist at home. Chhena poda, a baked Indian cheesecake made with paneer (cottage cheese), is a delicious gluten-free dessert. Using jaggery instead of sugar, along with cardamom, makes it a healthier choice. Paneer is rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone health. This dessert has a caramelised crust and a soft center, making it a delightful and healthier way to indulge in Bhaifota.
Switching to gluten-free, low-sugar sweets has allowed me to indulge without compromising my fitness goals. These desserts provide a balance of nutrition and flavour, ensuring that every bite is a step toward well-being. Let’s make this Bhai Dooj healthy and filling!