Diwali is the festival where homes decorated with lights, diyas brighten up every corner and the aroma of festive treats fills the air. It’s a time of celebration, joy and togetherness. While indulging in traditional sweets and snacks is a significant part of the festivities, it’s easy to feel guilty about the caloric overload that often accompanies the celebrations.

However, there’s good news! You can enjoy a guilt-free Diwali by incorporating healthier ingredients and cooking methods into your favourite festive recipes. Here are some delicious, wholesome recipes that allow you to indulge without compromising on your health.

Serve your guests with a new variety of ladoo. Quinoa is rich in protein and amino acids as well as fibre. Using jaggery instead of refined sugar will add a touch of sweetness to your laddoos. With the nutrition of quinoa and sweetness of jaggery, this ladoo is bound to impress and keep them wanting more. It’s a way healthier option than all your typical ladoos.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 1/2 cup jaggery or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)

• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, almond flour, jaggery, grated coconut, chopped nuts, cardamom powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Shape the mixture into small balls (laddoos) and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Let them cool before serving.

One can never go wrong with a potato dish, be it a sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Baking instead of frying reduces the calorie count, making this chaat a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Combine it with puries and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

• Salt to taste

• 1/2 cup Dahi (or dairy-free yoghurt)

• 1 tablespoon tamarind chutney

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin powder, chilli powder, and salt.

3. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and golden.

4. In a serving bowl, combine the baked sweet potatoes, yoghurt, tamarind chutney, and fresh coriander.

5. Serve warm as a delightful chaat.

This recipe is the ultimate snacking option you need to try this Diwali. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein and fibre, keeping you full and satisfied. Roasting them gives you that satisfying crunch without the added fat of frying. Add a spicy twist to your normal chickpea.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

3. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.

4. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until crispy.

5. Let them cool before serving as a crunchy snack.

Who doesn’t like chocolate or barfi. Combining them in a healthy way is something that will leave you and your guests speechless. Ragi is rich in calcium, iron, and fibre, making this burfi a nutritious treat. Using jaggery adds a unique flavour and beneficial minerals, making it a healthier alternative to traditional sweets. Try this new, healthy and unique sweet dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ragi flour (finger millet)

• 1/2 cup jaggery, grated

• 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds or pistachios)

• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

• A pinch of salt 

Instructions:

1. In a pan, dry roast the ragi flour on low heat until it emits a nutty aroma. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pan, add jaggery and milk, stirring until the jaggery dissolves.

3. Add cocoa powder, roasted ragi flour, chopped nuts, cardamom powder, and salt, mixing well.

4. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased plate and spread it evenly. Allow it to cool before cutting into squares.

This simple yet delicious dish is bound to impress your guests. Fruits are naturally sweet and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This chaat is refreshing and hydrating, making it a perfect palate cleanser amidst the heavy festive foods.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups assorted chopped fruits (apples, oranges, pomegranate, bananas)

• 1 tablespoon chaat masala

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 cup dahi

• A pinch of black salt

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fruits.

2. Add dahi into this mixture and mix well.

3. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle chaat masala and black salt, and toss gently to mix.

4. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

These coconut almond energy balls will not only satisfy you sweet tooth but also keep you energised throughout the activities and celebration of diwali. These energy balls are a fantastic source of healthy fats, fibre, and protein. They make for a great pre-festive snack to keep your energy levels high and your cravings in check.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup chopped almonds

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix until well combined.

2. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.

3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Combine the flavours of diwali and health with this recipe. Chia seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and protein. This pudding is not only delicious but also a nutritious dessert option that satisfies your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chia seeds

• 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

• 1/4 cup jaggery or honey

• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands

• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped

• A pinch of cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix chia seeds, almond milk, jaggery, saffron, and cardamom powder.

2. Stir well and let it sit for 10 minutes. Stir again to prevent clumping.

3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Before serving, top with chopped pistachios for a festive touch.

This Diwali, let’s embrace the joy of celebrating without guilt! These healthy recipes allow you to indulge in the festive spirit while nourishing your body. By opting for wholesome ingredients and mindful cooking methods, you can create a feast that honours tradition and promotes wellness.

So, gather your family and friends, light up your home with diyas, and enjoy these guilt-free delights that make your Diwali not just delicious but also healthy. Celebrate the festival of lights with a heart full of joy and a plate full of wholesome goodness! Happy Diwali!