Diwali
Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated in Indian in autumn. It’s is the most popular Hindu festival and gets its name from the row(avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that people light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. The festivals symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is interpreted and celebrated differently in different parts of India. However there is one common theme, people light up their houses with clay lamps, kandeels, lights. People visit friends and family and exchange gifts and special treats with eachother. People wear new clothes. Traditionally, there is lots of fireworks in every nook and corner of the streets across the nation, although it’s changing now and people are becoming more environmental friendly. It is by far one of the best times to be in India either with your loved ones or even if you are a tourist.The spirit if the country that time of the year is spectacular. Families visit eachother and exchange gifts & treats. People are dressed in new clothes. Nothing beats the festive spirit of Diwali back home, in India. The streets are crowded with busy shoppers buying gifts, food and clothing. The whole nation is lit up and decorated. Ofcourse no Indian festival is complete without mithai (treats), so it surely is the busiest time of the year for all the mithaiwalas (sweet merchants). Not only are sweets exchanged but savory dishes are a hit too. There is no doubt that eating healthy during can become very challenging. So whether or not you celebrate Diwali, we’ve got you covered. We compiled a list of healthier Diwali recipes from our blog that are perfect for Diwali and are healthy at the same time. See we’ve always got your covered :) We have some sweet treats, some savories and if you are hosting a party lunch or dinner ideas too.
Sweet Treats
Mango Semolina Cake -An egg-free, dairy-free cake made with mango and semolina. Soft moist and utterly delicious. Can be made into small muffins too. These mini muffins or small cakes are always a hit. Dry Fruit Gujiya Bites - loaded with the goodness of dried fruits and nuts, these portion controlled bites are naturally sweetened. No more folding and shaping these sweet hand pies. Chikki/ Gazak / Nut Bars, all you need to make these nut bars is 5 minutes and 4 ingredients. Naturally sweetened, vegan & gluten-free, these make delicious treats and energybars. Dry Fruit Laddoo, satisfy your sweet cravings with these delicious, naturally sweetened, no-cook laddoos. Chocolate Quinoa Fudge Balls, low-fat laddoos made with quinoa, almonds, and date. How good is that? Apricot Energy Balls, 3 ingredients & 10 mins and these gorgeous beauties are ready. Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Paleo Pineapple Sandesh, literally made with just 2 ingredients and add whatever toppings you like. Fudge Cake, made with Indian superfoods, this fudge cake is ready in 10 minutes. Rice Puff Donuts - Made with just two ingredients, these delicious bites are super easy to make. A hit with everyone. Fig & Date Dry Fruit Bites - These all natural, no sugar Fig & Date Dry-Fruit Bites are tasty and are made with ingredients that you control. Whole Wheat Tutti Fruti Cookies - Everyone’s favorite these Tutti Frutti Cookies are made with whole wheat and with just 6 ingredients. Dark Chocolate Energy Bites, if you like something chocolatey especially with kids, this is a great way to give them a treat and some nutrition too. Skinny Baked Gujiya, a healthier alternative to the traditionally fried gujiya, these gujiyas are made with Sooji/ Semolina, minus all the Khoya/Mava.
Savory Bites
Savory Vegetable Muffins - These muffins are a super easy to make with less than 10 ingredients. I serve them as a appetizer or often as a part of my food exhange with families. They are always a hit. Cereal Chivda, wow your friends and family with this easy peasy and super delicious Chivda. Made with nutritious cereals this sweet and savory mixture is sure to leave you wanting more. Baked Multigrain Mathri - The easiest crackers or mathris ever that are ready in 30 minutes. Crunchy and delicious. Loaded with the goodness of multiple grains. Samosa, ditch the traditional triangular puffs and check out are 8 creative ideas to serve samosas. Instant Masala Peanuts, give those peanuts a twist and cost them with lots of flavors. Super easy and always a big hit. Roasted Chickpeas - Irresistible!!! You are going to love these crispy and crunchy flavored chickpeas. Roasted Cashews - roasted cashews in three flavors, yes please !!! Sweet and salty. Chili-lime. Pizza too. Baked Crispy Chickpea Snack Sticks - Traditionally knows as Chakris, these baked chickpea sticks are our kids favorite. Skip the frying and bake them. You will love them.
Hosting a Party
Mango Coconut Lassi - serve this better than the restaurant Mango lassi to your friends and everyone will be asking you for this recipe. It’s super yummy and simple to make. Hara Bhara Falafel Kabab - This fusion of Hara Bhara Kabab and Falafel is sure to leave your guests impressed. Full of flavors and deliciousness. Dhokla - A perfect party appetizer and we have so many variations of them. Baked Vegetable Semolina Dhokla, Oats Dhokla, Corn Dhokla, Daliya Dhokla, Beetroot Khaman Dhokla, Green Peas Dhokla. Dal Makhani - A delicious vegetarian curry served in Indian restaurants. Vegan. Gluten-Free. Instant Pot recipe included. Dal Tadka - A restaurant style yellow lentil soup that is different from the everyday Dal. Vegan. Gluten-Free. Instant Pot recipe included. Tikka Masala - This one’s everyone favorite. Curry, veggies and protein and this yummy preparation is ready. Instant Pot recipe included. Pindi Chole - Not the everyday chole. Flavored with a special secret ingredient. Check it out. Tofu Matar Masala - This vegan and gluten-free curry is prepared with peas & tofu. A dairy-free twist to the classic Matar Paneer. Makhkane Matar - Not something you will find in the Indian restaurants. A curry garnished with peas and roasted foxnuts Kurkuri Bhindi - Airfried crispy crunchy okra flavors and coated with spices and chickpea flour. It’s delicious!!! Vegetable Biryani - this rice preparation is is jeweled with colorful veggies, dried fruits and if full of aroma. Coconut Cilantro Rice - Ever tried that deadly combination of coconut and cilantro? I get asked to make this at a lot of potlucks. No-Fry Dahi Vade - Dahi Vada / Dahi Bhalla are lentil dumplings topped with a spicy savory yogurt and tamarind chutney. These are great as a side dish for a formal dinner or served as a chaat. Bulgar Phirni - after all the hot spicy food, cool off your with this super easy Bulgar Phirni which can be made ahead of time.
So this Diwali, are you planning on impressing your friends and family with these healthier alternatives? These are some of our popular recipes from the blog, so for sure you won’t be disappointed. When you do try them, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram using the #tbrtm. A very Happy & Safe Diwali to all those celebrating.
- Best wishes from The Belly Rules The Mind.
