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As Diwali is around the corner, the air is filled with the sweet and savoury aromas of the festival. When it comes to sweets, Diwali is when everyone enjoys eating various sweets, from ladoos to barfis. But this year, make the healthier choice and sugar-free versions of these traditional sweets. They are not only yummy, but you can enjoy the festival without compromising your health. You can still make delicious treats that will tantalise your taste buds and impress your family and friends.
It is also perfect for serving your guests a platter of sugar-free treats, each made with natural sweeteners like jaggery, dates or honey so everyone, including those watching their sugar intake, can enjoy. Not only do these alternatives improve the flavours of your favourite recipes, but they also come with added nutrition.
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So, step into your kitchen this Diwali to make sugar-free sweets that maintain tradition while embracing a healthier lifestyle. Explore the joy of cooking and savour the sweetness of this festival with recipes that nourish the body and soul.
Sugar-Free Delicacies To Try This Diwali
Dates And Nut Ladoo
These are a healthier version of traditional sweets, made with chopped nuts and seeds and bound together with the natural sweetness of dates. Here is how to make the delicious ladoos. Start by chopping various nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews. Take a pan, lightly roast the nuts, add finely chopped dates on medium heat, mix well, and let it cool slightly. Shape the mixture into small balls and roll them in shredded coconut for extra flavour and texture.
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Coconut Burfi With Jaggery
Coconut burfi is a traditional Indian sweet made highly during the festival season. Here is a sugar-free version of this burfi made with jaggery. Grate fresh coconut and sauté it in a pan with jaggery until it melts and combines with the coconut. Add cardamom powder for flavour; once it thickens, spread it evenly on a greased plate and let it cool. Cut into squares and enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth sweet that brings Diwali to your table.
Image Credit: Freepik
Almond And Saffron Halwa
Halwas are a constant during the festive season; whether it is Diwali or Bhai duj, halwa is a must. The soft and rich taste of halwa makes every festival even more delicious. To make this halwa, soak a cup of almonds overnight and grind them into a smooth paste. Then, in a pan, heat ghee, add the almond paste, and cook on a low flame. Add milk gradually and cook until it thickens. You can use a natural sweetener like stevia or mashed bananas. For more flavour, add saffron strands and cardamom. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve it warm.
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Chia Seed Pudding With Fruits
Festive season calls for making various sweets, from barfi to pudding, and this Chia seed pudding with fruits is a perfect modern version of traditional sweets. Mix chia seeds with almond or coconut milk and let them sit overnight. Sweeten with a bit of honey or maple syrup if you want. Top with fresh fruits like mango, pomegranate or berries for a dessert. This pudding is nutritious, so it's guilt-free during the festival.
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Ragi Cookies
Cookies are the favourite snack for every occasion, from festivals to chai time snacks. These ragi cookies are made with jaggery or mashed bananas. Start by mixing ragi flour, ghee and your choice of sweetener in a bowl, then add nuts, seeds and a pinch of salt. Shape the dough into small balls and flatten them on a baking tray. Bake until golden brown for a healthy snack for Diwali.
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Besan Ladoo With Jaggery
These traditional ladoos can be easily made sugar-free by using jaggery. Roast besan (gram flour) in ghee until it turns golden brown. Once it cools, mix in powdered jaggery, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts. Shape them into small balls and allow them to set. Besan ladoos are a perfect addition to Diwali as they bring a touch of healthy sweetness to this celebration.
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Pumpkin Halwa
This unique halwa offers vibrant colour and a sweet, earthy flavour. Grate pumpkin and cook it in a pan with a little ghee. Add grated coconut, cardamom powder, and jaggery to sweeten. Cook until the mixture thickens, and enjoy this aromatic dish that showcases seasonal produce while being sugar-free.
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This Diwali, enjoy the sweets without the guilt with these sugar-free delights! These sugar-free recipes let you indulge and stay healthy. By using natural sweeteners and whole ingredients, you can make treats that everyone will love. So, celebrate the spirit of togetherness and wellness this season!
