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Blogs > 3 Healthy Festive Desserts to Bring Home the Indian Vibe

3 Healthy Festive Desserts to Bring Home the Indian Vibe

    In any Indian celebration, desserts are not only an integral part of our sacred offerings, but also are something children and adults alike look forward to. But, if you are someone who watches what they eat, there’s nothing better than homemade desserts to keep a tab on your health.In this blog, we bring you with 3 great desserts that are relatively simple to prepare – these healthy delicacies will enrich the festive mood no matter where you are in the world.
     
    Besan Laddu
    Besan laddus are among the healthiest desserts to binge on – festival, or no festival. Besides, they are also easy to store for relatively longer.
     

    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup ghee (coconut oil is a decent vegan alternative)
    • 2 cup gram flour/ besan
    • 1 cup powdered date sugar/ coconut palm sugar
    • ½ tsp cardamom powder
    • 2 tbsp cashew nuts – chopped
    • Edible silver paper
    Note:
    You may substitute sugar with stevia powder in all recipes for a diabetes-friendly/healthier alternative.
    Do refer to details on the stevia packaging for substitution measurements.
     
    Method:
    1. In a large pan heat ghee and besan together.
    2. Roast the mixture on a low flame until the besan is well combined with ghee.If the mixture turns dry, add an extra 1 tbsp of ghee.
    3. Once the besan starts releasing the ghee, add cardamom powder to the mixture.
    4. Continue to roast until the besan turns golden brown and grainy (this process may take approximately 25-30 minutes).
    5. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Allow it to cool.
    6. After 10 minutes, add in the sugar and chopped cashew nuts. Now mix everything together. You can knead the mixture with your hands, to get the perfect blend. (Note: do not add sugar if the mixture is hot, as it will melt the sugar and make the mixture watery.)
    7. Take small portions of the mixture and roll the laddus between your palms.
    8. Garnish with edible silver paper and dryfruits.
     
    Badam Halwa
    Badam Halwa is the festive dessert of royalty. By altering the quantity of almonds, ghee and saffron, this dessert can warm the soul with its royal taste and aroma
     

    Ingredients:

    • ½ cup almonds
    • ¼ cup milk (almond milk is a good vegan alternative)
    • 1½ tbsp ghee
    • ¼ cup of date sugar/ coconut palm sugar
    • Few saffron strands
    • ¼ tsp cardamom powder
    • ½ cup chopped dry fruits and nuts
     
    Method:
    1. First, soak the almonds in warm water for 20 minutes.
    2. Next, peel the skin of the almonds and transfer them to into a blender.
    3. Now add milk and blend it into a smooth paste. Keep this mixture aside.
    4. Take a large pan and add a tbsp of ghee. Sauté it for a minute on low to medium flame.
    5. Next, add the almond paste and sugar. Keep stirring the mixture continuously till the sugar dissolves completely.
    6. Add saffron strands. Mix well. Stir till the mixture thickens (ensure you keep the flame on low-medium)
    7. Now add half tbsp of ghee. Keep stirring till the ghee oozes out from sides.
    8. Next, add cardamom powder. Mix well.
    9. Garnish with a few chopped dry fruits and nuts.
    10. Serve hot or chilled as per your choice.
     
    Shahi Kheer
    Made in every household across India – this delicacy invariably reminds everyone of the fond memories of their mothers’ kitchens and the aromas that wafted out of them during every celebration. Here is a simple, quick version of this recipe.
     

    Ingredients:

    • 1 liter milk (almond milk is a good vegan alternative)
    • ¼ cup of rice
    • ½ cup condensed milk
    • ½ tsp cardamom powder
    • 4 tbsp chopped nuts
    • Few saffron strands
     
    Method:
    1. Soak rice in water for 15 minutes.
    2. Take milk in a pan. Stir it on a medium flame.
    3. Once the milk begins to boil add the rice. Cook it well.
    4. When the rice is almost done - add condensed milk.Stir the mixture well.
    5. Now add saffron strands, cardamom powder and chopped nuts.
    6. When the mixture thickens, switch off the flame.
    7. Garnish with some chopped nuts.
    8. Serve the kheer warm or chilled as per your choice.
     
    There is nothing quite like an inviting table decorated with a variety of sweets. This year, amidst the pandemic, it’s a good idea to prepare your desserts at home. Not only will this ensure that you stay safe and fit, but it will also bring a little bit of the Indian vibe home.