Diwali 2023: Diwali is a festive occasion, and many traditional sweets are usually made with sugar. However, you can make sugar-free versions of some popular Diwali sweets by using sugar substitutes. Here are some of the favorite sugar-free coconut sweets during Diwali. The recipe of laddu is given.
Sugar-Free Coconut Laddu
Material:
2 cups unsweetened grated dry coconut
1/2 cup condensed milk without sugar.
1/4 cup almond powder
1/4 cup ghee
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A pinch of saffron threads (optional)
chopped nuts for garnish (e.g. almonds or pistachios)
Sugar substitute to taste (e.g., stevia or erythritol)
Sugar-Free Coconut Laddu
Instruction :
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In a dry pan, dry roast the desiccated coconut on low flame until it becomes light golden and aromatic. Be sure not to brown it too much; Just light toasting is enough. Remove it from flame and keep it aside.
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Heat ghee in a separate pan on low flame.
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Add almond flour to ghee and fry it for a few minutes until its color turns light golden and a nutty aroma starts coming out.
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Now add roasted coconut in the pan and mix well with almond-ghee mixture.
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Add unsweetened condensed milk (sugar-free version) and stir continuously. The mixture will start thickening.
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Add your chosen sugar substitute to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as per your preference.
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Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture comes together and starts leaving the sides of the pan. It should be a homogeneous, dough-like mixture.
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Add cardamom powder and saffron threads (if using) to taste.
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Remove the mixture from the flame and let it cool slightly, so that it is easier to handle.
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While the mixture is still hot, shape it into small round laddus. You can apply ghee on your hands to prevent sticking.
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Press a chopped nut (for example, almonds or pistachios) into the top of each laddu for decoration.
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Allow the sugar-free coconut laddus to cool completely before serving.
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These sugar-free coconut laddus are a healthier alternative to traditional Diwali sweets. And it can be enjoyed guilt-free. Remember that the sweetness can be adjusted as per your liking by adding more or less sugar substitute. Enjoy these recipes during the festive season!
Sugar-Free Date and Walnut Laddus
For a sugar-free Diwali sweet, you can prepare “Dates and Walnuts Laddu”, which is a tasty and healthy option. This recipe uses the natural sweetness from dates and also includes nuts for added flavor and texture. Here’s how to make it:
Sugar-Free Date and Walnut Laddus
Material:
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios), finely chopped
1/4 cup dry coconut
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
1-2 tbsp ghee for binding
A pinch of saffron threads (optional)
Chopped nuts and edible silver or gold leaf for decoration (optional)
Instruction:
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First of all chop the mixed nuts finely. You want small, crunchy walnut pieces.
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If you are using saffron threads, soak them in a teaspoon of hot water for a few minutes.
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Heat some ghee in a pan and then add finely chopped dry fruits into it. Fry them for a few minutes until they smell fragrant and turn light brown. Remove them from the flame and keep them aside.
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Add dry coconut in the same pan and fry until it becomes light golden. Take out and keep aside.
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Blend the pitted dates until they form a thick, sticky paste. If the dates are too dry, you can soak them in warm water for a while before blending.
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In a mixing bowl, mix the dates paste, roasted nuts, roasted desiccated coconut, cardamom powder and saffron water (if using). Mix everything well.
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If the mixture seems too dry and does not stick together, add some ghee (1-2 tbsp) to improve the binding.
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Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round laddus. You can apply a little ghee on your hands to prevent sticking.
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If desired, garnish the sugar-free date and walnut laddus with chopped nuts and edible silver or gold leaf.
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Let the laddus cool and set for a few hours. As they sit, they will get stronger.
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These sugar-free date and walnut laddus are a nutritious and sweet way to celebrate Diwali without any added sugar. The natural sweetness of dates and the crispness of the nuts make them a delightful dish. Enjoy this healthy option during the festival!