8 Delicious Deepawali Sweets With A Healthy Twist

Deepawali, the festival of lights, is a time for celebration and feasting. And what feast would be complete without Deepawali sweets? But for those who are health-conscious, the thought of indulging in all those sugary treats can be daunting.

The average Indian consumes about 1 kilogram of sweets during Deepawali. Some of the most popular Deepawali sweets, such as Rasgulla and jalebi, are deep-fried and contain high levels of sugar and fat. Moreover, eating too many sugary sweets can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health problems.

However, there are also many healthy Deepawali sweets available which we are going to reveal in this blog for you to help you have a healthy Deepawali. Let’s see some healthy options to make these traditional sweets.

Traditional Diwali Sweets

As Deepawali approaches, the air becomes thick with the lovely aroma of traditional Indian sweets and Deepavali recipes. These tempting treats hold a special place in the hearts of everyone, as they are not only delicious but also symbolize the sweetness of life and the joy of sharing.

1. Besan Ladoo

Ladoos are definitely the most iconic and versatile Deepawali sweet. You can make these spherical treats from a variety of ingredients, with besan (gram flour) and boondi ladoos being among the most popular. 

Ladoos symbolize unity and the sweet moments of life that we cherish. So, cherish the beautiful moments of life by making this healthy besan ke ladoo.

Besan Ke Laddu: Festival Special Sugar-Free Mithai [Quick Recipe]

2. Baked Jalebi

Jalebi is a sweet popular and cherished sweet treat. It is known for its unique spiral shape and its delightful taste. Jalebi is the most wanted sweet for every festive occasion, especially Diwali. Jalebi’s distinct shape represents the continuous cycle of life and the hope for a sweet future.

Ingredients

For the Jalebi Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ghee, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water

For the Sweet Syrup:

• 1 cup jaggery
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions

1. To begin with the Jalebi Jamun batter, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
   
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ghee, milk, and water until smooth.
   
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
   
4. Cover the batter and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
   
5. To make the Jaggery syrup, heat the jaggery and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
   
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the jaggery has dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly.
   
7. Stir in the cardamom powder and set aside.
   
8. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
   
9. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
10. Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a small skillet over medium heat.
    
11. Thereafter, pour a small amount of batter into the hot ghee and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
    
12. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
    
13. Then, transfer the Jalebi Jamun to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining batter.
    
14. Bake the Jalebi Jamun for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
    
15. Lastly, drizzle the Jalebi Jamun with the Jaggery syrup and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

3. Baked Gulab Jamun With Jaggery

Gulab Jamun, which translates to “rose berries,” is everyone’s favorite Deepawali dessert. The name “rose berries” comes from the Persian word “gul” (rose) and the Hindi word “jamun” (a fruit), signifying the softness and the rosy hue of the sweet syrup. Moreover, Gulab Jamun embodies the idea of indulgence and the celebration of life’s sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Gulab Jamun Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 cup ground almonds
• 1/4 cup jaggery powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee, melted
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Sweet Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup jaggery powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions

1. To begin with, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
   
2. In a large bowl, combine milk powder, almond flour, jaggery powder, baking powder, and cardamom powder.
   
3. Add melted ghee and milk and mix well to form a soft dough.
   
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
   
5. Place the gulab jamun balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
   
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

To Make The Sugar Syrup:

1. In a saucepan, combine water and jaggery powder.
   
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until syrup has thickened slightly.
   
3. Add cardamom powder and stir to combine.

To assemble the Gulab jamun:

1. Add the baked Gulab jamun balls to the jaggery syrup and coat them well.
   
2. Cover the pan and let the gulab jamun soak in the syrup for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Delicious Regional Variations

Timeless classics are always everyone’s favourite but the country’s vast diversity is reflected in the regional variations of Deepawali sweets. Meanwhile, each state has its own unique and delicious sweets that are an essential part of Deepawali celebrations.

1. Mysore Pak

It is a delightful sweet with a touch of South Indian flavor. Mysore Pak originates from the southern state of Karnataka. It is a sweet that’s synonymous with Deepawali in South India. 

Mysore Pak is named after the city of Mysore and is a witness to the culinary heritage of the region. It signifies the richness of life and the sweetness of tradition and encourages people to savor the sweet moments while they last.

Ingredients

• 1 cup – Besan (gram flour)
• 1teaspoon – Stevia (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup – Ghee (clarified butter)

Instructions

1. To begin with, heat a heavy-bottomed pan and add ghee. Then, add besan and roast it on low heat, stirring continuously, until it turns aromatic and changes color to light brown. This should take about 15-20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in another pan, heat the sweetener of your choice and 1/2 cup of water to make a sweet syrup. The syrup should reach a one-string consistency.

3. Now, pour the syrup into the roasted besan and mix well. Keep cooking on low heat and stir continuously.

4. Then, add one tablespoon of ghee at a time and keep stirring. Continue this process until the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan.

5. Thereafter, grease a plate or tray with ghee and transfer the mixture to it. Flatten and smooth it with a spatula.

6. Lastly, let it cool for a few hours, then cut it into diamond or square-shaped pieces. Your Mysore Pak is ready to enjoy!

2. Sandesh

Sandesh is a classic Bengali sweet that takes center stage during Deepawali in West Bengal. It is known for its light, crumbly texture, and fresh taste. It represents the cultural and artistic richness of Bengal and adds a touch of elegance to Deepawali celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 cups – Fresh Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• 1/2 cup – Jaggery
• 1/4 teaspoon – Cardamom Powder
• Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish

Instructions:

1. To begin with, crumble the paneer in a mixing bowl and knead it until it becomes smooth and creamy.

2. Then, in a non-stick pan, cook the paneer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.

3. Later, add sweetener and cardamom powder to the paneer and mix it well.

4. Now, cook the mixture on low heat by continuously stirring until it thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Once it starts to leave the side of the pan, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Then, shape the mixture into small rounds or any desired shape, and garnish with chopped nuts. Let the Sandesh cool completely before serving.

3. Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli, also referred to as “Kaju Barfi,” is a cherished Deepawali special sweets in North India. It’s made from ground cashews, sweeteners, and a touch of ghee. Kaju Katli’s creamy and nutty flavor signifies prosperity and luxury, making it a valuable gift during the festival.

Kaju Katli: A Home Made Sugar Free Recipe For This Diwali

Modern Twist For Deepawali Sweets

Despite the fact that traditional sweets hold a special place in Deepawali celebrations, modern times have given rise to innovative and creative variations of these classic Diwali desserts. These trendy sweets bring a fresh twist to age-old traditions and cater to changing tastes and preferences.

1. Chocolate Barfi

Chocolate Barfi is a delightful fusion of traditional Indian barfi and the widely loved flavor of chocolate. It’s a perfect example of how modern flavors can be incorporated into traditional treats to appeal to more people. This sweet combines the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate along with the taste of barfi. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups – Grated Khoya (mawa)
• 1/2 cup – Jaggery 
• 1/4 cup – Cocoa Powder
• 2 tablespoons – Ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts (like almonds, and pistachios) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Firstly, heat a non-stick pan and add ghee. Then, add grated khoya to the pan and cook on low heat by continuously stirring until it softens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.

2. Then, add jaggery, cocoa powder, and cardamom powder and mix it well.

3. Continuously stir on low heat until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. This should take about 10–15 minutes.

4. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, transfer the mixture to a greased plate or tray and flatten it with a spatula.

5. Lastly, garnish with chopped nuts, if desired. Allow the chocolate barfi to cool completely and set, then cut it into squares or diamonds.

Rose-Flavored Rasgulla

Rasgulla is a Bengali dessert made from cottage cheese balls soaked in sweet syrup. Adding an innovative twist, you can make rose-flavored rasgulla by infusing the syrup with rose essence or rose petals. This creates a fragrant and exotic version of the classic rasgulla, appealing to those who enjoy floral and unique flavors. 

Ingredients:

For the Rasgulla:

• 1L – Milk
• 2 tablespoons – Lemon Juice or Vinegar
• 1/4 cup – Semolina (sooji)
• A pinch of cardamom powder

For the Sweet Syrup:

• 1 Teaspoon Stevia (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups – Water
• A few drops of rose essence or rose water

Instructions:

1. Firstly, boil the milk, and then add lemon juice or vinegar to curdle it. Then strain the curdled milk to separate the whey from the chhena (panner). Also, rinse the chhena to remove the lemony taste.

2. Now knead the chhena and semolina together to make a smooth dough. Then form small, smooth balls from the dough.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the sweet syrup in a separate pot. For that, combine the sweetener in water and boil until the sweetener dissolves and the syrup becomes slightly thick. Then add a few drops of rose essence or rose water.

4. To cook the Rasgulla, place the chhena balls in the simmering sweet syrup. Then cover it for 15-20 minutes until the Rasgulla becomes soft, spongy, and double in size.

5. Lastly, let the Rasgulla cool to room temperature and then refrigerate. Serve the rose-flavored Rasgulla chilled. 

Note: In all the recipes the measuring cup is the standard one. One standard measuring cup weighs 250 gm. You can adjust the quantity accordingly. If you are stevia then 1 cup of sugar equals 1 teaspoon of liquid stevia.

Conclusion

We now know a lot more about sweets and their significance in the Diwali festival. Making Deepawali sweets is not just about creating delicious treats, it is also about growing togetherness and creating lasting memories. So it is always better to have homemade sweets along with other Diwali recipes to bring a sense of unity and shared joy in family gatherings. 

Deepawali is also a time when we gift and share sweets with our friends, relatives, and neighbors, which makes this festival more special. Therefore, this Deepawali embrace the tradition of sharing happiness and light with your loved ones, and may your Deepawali be as sweet as you prepare and share.

Subh Deepawali!

Fun Fact

Did you know that kiwi is one of the superfoods that can help you lose 1kg weight in a week? Surprising right? Moreover, you can include them in your innovative Diwali sweet recipe list too. Kiwi benefits in aiding digestion and many more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Healthy Diwali Sweet Options?

Yes, there are healthier Diwali sweet options available. You can opt for sweets made with ingredients like jaggery, dates, and nuts, which are lower in refined sugar and offer nutritional benefits. For instance, dry fruit laddoos, sugar-free sweets, or roasted chickpeas with spices are excellent choices for those looking for healthier alternatives.

What Are Some Regional Variations Of Deepawali Snacks?

In North India, you might find the popularity of snacks like mathri (savory, flaky biscuits) and shakarpara (sugar-coated fried dough). South India, on the other hand, features snacks like murukku (crispy, spiral-shaped snacks) and adhirasam (deep-fried, jaggery-based treats).

Are There Any Vegan Diwali Sweets Available?

Yes, there are vegan Diwali sweets available. You can enjoy vegan versions of traditional sweets by using plant-based ingredients. For example, you can make vegan laddoos with ingredients like coconut, nuts, and date syrup, or opt for vegan jalebi made with chickpea flour and plant-based milk. 

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Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. Also, a very happy Deepawali to all! 

The important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.