Traditional Sweets with a Healthy Twist for Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, is synonymous with vibrant festivities, devotion, and a delicious assortment of sweets. While traditional sweets like modaks, laddoos, and barfis are integral to the celebrations, the health-conscious among us often worry about indulging in these treats. This Ganesh Chaturthi, why not give your favourite sweets a healthy twist? By using natural ingredients like virgin oils and natural sweeteners, you can enjoy all the festive flavours without compromising on your well-being.

Here are a few traditional Ganesh Chaturthi sweets made healthier with simple ingredient swaps and nutritious additions.

1. Jaggery Modak with Virgin Groundnut Oil

Modak, Lord Ganesha’s favourite sweet, is a must during Ganesh Chaturthi. Traditionally made with rice flour, coconut, and sugar, you can easily make this sweet healthier by replacing refined sugar with jaggery and using virgin groundnut oil for a rich flavour boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup grated coconut
• ½ cup jaggery
• 2 tablespoons Nainaa’s Virgin Groundnut Oil
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Water (for dough)

Instructions:

1. Heat virgin groundnut oil in a pan, add grated coconut, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add jaggery and cook until the mixture thickens. Stir in cardamom powder.
3. Prepare the dough with rice flour and water.
4. Shape the dough into small bowls and fill them with the coconut-jaggery mixture.
5. Seal the modaks and steam them for 10 minutes.
6. Serve these wholesome modaks warm and enjoy the festive flavours with a healthy twist!

Why it’s healthy: Virgin groundnut oil is packed with healthy fats and adds a rich flavour. Jaggery, a natural sweetener, is rich in minerals like iron and magnesium.

2. Oats and Dry Fruit Ladoo with Virgin Sesame Oil

Laddoos are another popular sweet during Ganesh Chaturthi. Instead of using refined sugar and ghee, this version incorporates nutrient-dense oats, dry fruits, and virgin sesame oil for a wholesome and tasty treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed dry fruits (almonds, walnuts, cashews, raisins)
• ½ cup jaggery
• 2 tablespoons Nainaa’s Virgin Sesame Oil
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the oats until golden brown, then grind them into a coarse powder.
2. In a pan, heat virgin sesame oil and add the dry fruits. Sauté for a few minutes and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt the jaggery and add the ground oats, dry fruits, and cardamom powder.
4. Mix well and allow it to cool slightly.
5. Roll the mixture into small laddoos and let them set.

Why it’s healthy: Oats are a great source of fiber, while virgin sesame oil provides heart-healthy fats. This laddoo is naturally sweetened with jaggery, making it a nutritious option for the festive season.

3. Ragi Coconut Barfi with Virgin Groundnut Oil

Ragi, or finger millet, is a powerhouse of nutrients, especially rich in calcium. This unique twist on traditional coconut barfi adds ragi for an extra health kick, while virgin groundnut oil replaces ghee for a lighter, nutty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ragi flour
• 1 cup grated coconut
• ½ cup jaggery
• 2 tablespoons Nainaa’s Virgin Groundnut Oil
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Heat virgin groundnut oil in a pan, add ragi flour, and roast until fragrant.
2. In a separate pan, melt jaggery with a little water, then add grated coconut and cardamom powder.
3. Mix the ragi flour into the jaggery-coconut mixture and cook until it thickens.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased tray and let it set.
5. Once cool, cut into small barfi pieces.

Why it’s healthy: Ragi is high in calcium and fiber, making this a nutritious sweet. Virgin groundnut oil adds a delicious nutty flavour and is rich in healthy fats.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of devotion, celebration, and of course, indulgence. However, indulging doesn’t have to mean compromising your health. With simple ingredient swaps and the use of nutrient-rich virgin oils, you can enjoy all the traditional flavors while nourishing your body. This festive season, try these healthy twists on your favorite sweets and let Nainaa’s Kitchen be a part of your celebrations.

Enjoy your festivities with these wholesome sweets, and share the love and health with your family!