Diwali Sweets: Embracing Health and Tradition with Millet-Based Recipes

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. One of the highlights of this festive occasion is the wide array of sweets that grace every home. However, traditional Diwali sweets are often laden with refined flour, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can take a toll on our health. But what if we could enjoy the same delicious treats with a healthy twist? Enter millets, the ancient grains that are making a comeback in modern diets.

The Rise of Millets in Diwali Sweets

Millet-based sweets are gaining popularity among health-conscious individuals and those with dietary restrictions. Millets are gluten-free, rich in fiber, and packed with essential nutrients. They have a low glycemic index, which means they release sugar into the bloodstream slowly, making them suitable for people with diabetes.

The Versatility of Millets

Naario’s 9 in 1 flour mix, made from millet grains and chana, is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of Diwali sweets. It can be easily substituted for refined flour in traditional recipes like laddu, burfi, and chakli. Also, by replacing regular ingredients with Naario's Millets Muesli, and Naario's Organic Jaggery Powder, you can elevate the nutritional profile of your sweets without compromising on taste.

Millet Motichoor Laddu: A Healthy Twist to a Classic

One of the most beloved Diwali sweets is the motichoor laddu. Traditionally made with gram flour (besan), sugar, and ghee, this sweet can be transformed into a healthier version.

Ingredients:

• 150 grams Naario’s 9 in 1 flour mix
• 150 grams gram flour
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 3 cloves
• 6 cashews (cut in half)
• Some turmeric to add color
• Water (as required)
• Ghee (for greasing)
• Salt to taste

For the syrup:

• 150 grams Naario’s organic jaggery powder
• About ¼ cup of water

Method:

1. Mix Naario’s 9 in 1 flour mix, gram flour, salt, and turmeric powder well. Add water to make a thick batter.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and use a perforated ladle to make boondi with the batter. Fry the boondi and place it on an absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
3. In a pressure cooker, add the Naario’s organic jaggery powder and water. Cook for 2 whistles.
4. Release the pressure manually and add the fried boondi to the cooked mixture. Fry cloves and cashews separately and add them to the mixture, along with the cardamom powder. Mix well.
5. Leave it for about 10 minutes, allowing the boondi to absorb the syrup. Stir a few times in these 10 minutes.
6. Transfer 3/4th of the sweetened boondi to a grinder and pulse it 4 times for coarse grinding. Transfer this to the remaining boondi and mix well. Add the fried cashews.
7. Grease your palms with ghee and make small balls of laddu. Store in an airtight container.

Mixed Millet Chakli: A Crispy Delight

Chakli, a popular savory snack, is an essential part of Diwali celebrations. Traditionally made with rice flour, chakli can be given a healthy twist by using some easy replacements.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Naario’s 9 in 1 flour mix
• ½ cup rice flour
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Water (as required)
• Oil (for deep frying)

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine Naario’s 9 in 1 flour mix, rice flour, sesame seeds, red chili powder, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix well.
2. Gradually add water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
4. Take a portion of the dough and shape it into a cylindrical roll. Place the roll inside a chakli maker or a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle.
5. Press the dough through the chakli maker, creating spirals directly into the hot oil.
6. Fry the chakli until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on absorbent paper.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
8. Once cooled, store the chakli in an airtight container.

The mixed millet chakli is a crunchy and flavorful snack that can be enjoyed during Diwali and throughout the year.

Millet Burfi: A Delectable Sweet Treat

Burfi, a fudgy sweet made with milk, sugar, and ghee, is a Diwali staple..

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Naario’s 9 in 1 flour mix
• 1 cup Naario’s organic jaggery powder
• ½ cup ghee
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
• Naario’s Classic Muesli or M

Method:

8. Heat ghee in a pan and add Naario’s 9 in 1 flour mix. Roast the flour on low heat until it turns aromatic and slightly golden.
9. In a separate pan, heat water and add Naario’s organic jaggery powder. Stir until the jaggery dissolves completely and the mixture thickens slightly.
10. Add the roasted millet flour to the jaggery mixture and mix well. Cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
11. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a greased plate or tray. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the chopped nuts on top.
12. Allow the burfi to cool completely and then cut it into square or diamond-shaped pieces.
13. Store in an airtight container and enjoy this healthier version of burfi during Diwali.

By using millet flour and organic jaggery powder, you have transformed the traditional burfi into a guilt-free and delicious treat that can be savored during the festive season.

Health Benefits of Millet-Based Diwali Sweets

The use of millet in Diwali sweets brings with it a host of health benefits. Millets are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. They are also a good source of essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which are important for maintaining bone health. The low glycemic index of millets ensures that they provide sustained energy and keep blood sugar levels stable.

Furthermore, millet-based sweets are a great option for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, as millets are naturally gluten-free. They are also suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, as they do not contain any animal products.

Celebrate Diwali with Naario's Millet-Based Sweets

To make your Diwali celebrations even more special, consider incorporating Naario's range of millet-based products into your sweet recipes. Naario offers a variety of millet flours, including their 9 in 1 flour mix, which combines different millets for maximum nutritional benefits. You can also try Naario's Classic Muesli and Millets Muesli as healthy additions to your Diwali sweets.

By using Naario's products, you can enhance the nutritional value of your sweets without compromising on taste. Embrace the goodness of millets and celebrate Diwali in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Conclusion: Embrace Health and Tradition this Diwali

Diwali is a time to celebrate and indulge in delicious sweets. By incorporating millets into your Diwali recipes, you can enjoy the traditional flavors while adding a healthy twist. From millet laddu to mixed millet chakli and millet burfi, there are plenty of options to explore. So this Diwali, let's embrace health and tradition by relishing these millet-based sweets. Happy Diwali!

References

14. Igniting Ideas For Impact - The Better India https://www.thebetterindia.com/200826/lifestyle-diwali-sweets-millet-recipes-laddu-malpua-gujiya-chakli-india/
15. Search for a recipe - Traditionally Modern Food https://traditionallymodernfood.com/mixed-millet-burfi/
16. Millet Burfi | Chocolate Millet Burfi - Sharmis Passions https://www.sharmispassions.com/chocolate-millet-burfi-recipe/