Festive treats have long been synonymous with sweetness but this Dhanteras, Diwali or Bhai Dooj, it is time we redefine what that sweetness means. Discovering sugar alternatives like – wild honey, jaggery, gulkand, coconut sugar and date syrup is not just a culinary exploration; it’s a journey towards healthier celebrations and there’s no better time than this festive season to begin.
Jaggery: A timeless traditional favourite for Indian households and especially our dadis everywhere, jaggery is a natural sweetener that stands as an excellent alternative to white sugar. Packed with a multitude of micronutrients, it provides a healthier sweetness option, perfect for the festive season. It also blends in seamlessly with homemade Indian sweets such as ‘gulab jamun,’ ‘laddoos,’ ‘rasogulla’, ‘sandesh’ and ‘payasam, pretty much every Indian sweet really.
Dates: These dried fruits not only introduce a rich, natural sweetness to your dishes but also offer a substantial source of iron and various other essential micronutrients. Dates can be finely chopped and used as a sweetener in your desserts. They can also be the star ingredient in date and nut laddoos, another great option would be to mix in dates with almonds, cashews, pistachios or blend in shakes as well. Dates can also be stuffed with nuts or coconut for an exotic sweet dish, this is also a quick, easy and healthy dessert to top off a festive meal.
Fresh Fruits: Fruits like Bananas: Including fresh fruits like bananas in your festive treats brings a double benefit. They contribute a natural sweetness while also delivering a significant dose of fiber, potassium, and prebiotic properties. This adds a healthy touch to your celebratory spread. Banana slices can be added to sweet rice dishes, they can be blended into a creamy smoothie or shakes, or even a delicious banana-based halwa. Another quick recipe would be banana chips which are made by cutting raw banana into thin wafer strips and frying them.
Raisins, dried grapes, are a delightful and guilt-free way to enhance the flavour of your gluten-free creations. Raisins in every bite would bring forth an exquisite fusion of flavours that harmonise seamlessly with ingredients like pistachios, honey, almonds, cashews, and mixed seeds. Dark chocolate infused with raisins is high in micronutrients and anti-oxidants, with a low glycaemic index.
Source: HT