Healthy and delicious sugar-free sweets for Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival celebrating Lord Ganesha, is known for its colorful festivities and delicious sweets. Traditionally, sweets made with refined sugar are a staple during this festival, but opting for sugar-free alternatives can be a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor. Here's how you can create delectable sugar-free sweets to enjoy during the festivities, incorporating wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners.
Dates and nuts ladoo
Combine chopped dates with a mix of lightly toasted nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Blend the nuts with dates until you get a sticky consistency. Roll the mixture into small balls and chill for a delicious, naturally sweet treat. This easy recipe provides a healthy and satisfying snack option that's rich in flavor and nutrients.
Jaggery modak
Prepare the filling by cooking grated coconut with jaggery until it melts and thickens. Add a pinch of cardamom powder for extra flavor. For the outer dough, mix rice flour with water and a bit of ghee to form a soft dough. Shape the dough into small cups, fill with the jaggery-coconut mixture, and steam until cooked.
Mixed fruit shrikhand
To make a nutritious fruit-packed shrikhand, start by adding a little milk to a bowl and mixing in a few saffron strands. Then, add low-fat yogurt and honey, and whisk well. Chill in the refrigerator for about two hours or until cold. Meanwhile, chop your favorite fruits like apples, pears, berries, and grapes. Mix them into the shrikhand and serve it chilled.
Oats kheer
First toast oats in a pan for five to six minutes, then transfer them to a bowl. In the same pan, add milk, cardamom, saffron, dates, almonds, and raisins, and mix well. Cook the mixture for five minutes. Next, add the toasted oats and cook the mixture until it thickens. Finally, garnish the oat kheer with your favorite fruits and nuts, and serve hot.
Figs ladoo
Soak figs in water for two hours, then blend into a smooth paste. In a pan, roast the fig paste in ghee until aromatic. Add condensed milk and cardamom powder, mixing well. Stir in cashew powder and cook until the mixture thickens. Shape into small balls and let them cool completely. Serve these sweet, flavorful treats as a delightful snack or dessert.
