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Indians are fond of various types of desserts, and they not only satisfy the sweet tooth but complete every meal. One of the common desserts that Indians love is halwa. It is a traditional Indian dessert that has occupied the dessert palate through generations. Whenever people talk of halwa, the most renowned one that comes to mind is gajar ka halwa. However, there are several halwas that are popular during the summer season.
Warm and comforting halwas are just not enjoyed during the winter months, but they are all-season desserts. Be it suji halwa, lauki ka halwa, or mango halwa, there are a variety of halwas that are made with seasonal fruits and vegetables. This summer, relish a bowl of halwa that satisfies your sweet tooth. However, with that said, the classic halwa includes generous amounts of sugar, ghee, and sometimes refined flour, making it calorie-dense and thus may not be good for health. Fret not!
With some tips and tricks, you can transform your halwa into a healthy delicacy without compromising on the flavour. Follow these six tips to make your halwa a healthier one.
- Opt For Nutrient-Dense Ingredients
For a healthy halwa recipe, you can always choose nutritious alternatives to traditional ingredients. For instance, you can use whole wheat flour (atta) or almond flour instead of maida wherever required. The alternatives offer fibre content as well as a nutty flavour in the case of almond flour. Besides, you can also swap regular white sugar with jaggery, honey, or dates for added vitamins and minerals.
- Reduce Sugar Content
Generally, traditional halwas make use of high amounts of sugar. You can replace or reduce the sugar content without sacrificing sweetness by using ripe fruits like bananas, dates, apples, mangoes, etc. to sweeten your halwa. You can also try using sugar substitutes like stevia for a low-calorie option.
- Limit Ghee Or Oil
Halwas are typically made with ghee or oil, which adds richness and flavour to them. However, excessive use of these products can contribute to their high calorie and fat content. Instead of drowning your halwa with ghee, use a moderate amount of healthier fat alternatives like coconut oil or olive oil. Moreover, to add creaminess to the halwa, you can mash fruits like avocado or banana without using excessive ghee or oil.
- Increase Nut And Seed Content
To enhance the nutritional profile of your halwa and make it healthier, try incorporating large amounts of nuts and seeds. You can include almonds, cashews, pistachios, and sesame seeds. These, apart from adding texture, offer essential fats, proteins, and micronutrients. Dry roast them slightly before adding them to the halwa for extra depth of flavour.
- Add Spices For Flavour
Most of you know that adding spices to any dish enhances the taste. So is the case with halwa. Besides, the spices also offer numerous health benefits. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg are added to the halwa, which lends it an aromatic flavour and also regulates blood sugar levels. Also, spices are any day better than artificial flavourings available in the market. You can easily experiment with different spice combinations to create unique and nutritious halwa variations.
- Incorporate Whole Grains And Legumes
Expand your idea of halwa and experiment with whole grains and legumes like oats, quinoa, or lentils. These ingredients are not only rich in fibre, protein, and various vitamins and minerals but also make an excellent addition to your healthy diet. Try making halwa with oats, moong dal, and dalia, and provide a wholesome meal for yourself and your family.
