10 Wholesome, Less Wicked Delights For Diwali

Diwali goodies don’t need to be heavy. Try healthier versions of sweets and snacks crafted with natural ingredients, keeping celebrations joyful, light, memorable.

Text by Hemantkumar Shivsharan. Images reimagined using ChatGPT by Hemantkumar Shivsharan

Sukhdi

A Gujarati-Rajasthani classic by Jayanti Soni, it uses wheat flour, jaggery, ghee -- quick to prepare and deliciously wholesome.

Please find the recipe here: Sukhdi

Pic: Dhairya Soni For Rediff

Boorelu/Poornalu 

From South India comes a traditional festive sweet with rice, lentils, jaggery, and coconut, courtesy Nirmala Garimella. It is called as Poornalu in Telangana and Boorelu in Andhra Pradesh.

Please find the recipe here: Boorelu/Poornalu 

Pic: Kind courtesy Abhinavsikharam/Wikimedia Commons

Pearl Millet Barfi

A sweet made with bajra or pearl millets, jaggery, sesame seeds, ghee -- rich in flavour using good grains.

Please find the recipe here: Pearl Millet Barfi

Pic: Godrej Appliances for Rediff

Jowar Dates Laddoos

They contain jowar flour and naturally sweet dates, laddoos by Ananya Banerjee offer energy and nutrition.

Please find the recipe here: Jowar Dates Laddoos

Pic: Ananya Banerjee for Rediff

Ragi Oats Laddoos

These power-packed laddoos combine ragi, oats, seeds, dates, coconut. Tasty, simple and devoid of carb-rich ingredients.

Please find the recipe here: Ragi Oats Laddoos

Pic: Godrej Appliances for Rediff

Diet Mixed Puffed Chivda

A guilt-free mix of puffed grains, nuts, and spices by Mayur Sanap, roasted with minimal oil for a festive yet healthy bite.

Please find the recipe here: Diet Mixed Puffed Chivda

Pic: Mayur Sanap for Rediff

Protein-Rich Savory Chaklis

Nirmala Garimella makes her chaklis with multigrain flours, protein-rich ingredients, and bakes/air-fries for a healthier crunch.

Please find the recipe here: Protein Rich Savory Chaklis

Pic: Kind courtesy PilotChicago/Wikimedia Commons

Foxtail Millet Chivda

A crunchy savoury snack using foxtail millet flakes, peanuts, and spices -- light and protein-rich. Recipe by Ananya Banerjee.

Please find the recipe here: Foxtail Millet Chivda

Pic: Ananya Banerjee for Rediff

Fruit-Filled Gujjias

Traditional gujjias are filled with fruits, nuts, coconut for a refreshing, lighter dessert. Recipe by Nirmala Garimella.

Please find the recipe here: Fruit-Filled Gujjias

Pic: Kind courtesy Anshuanshu333/Wikimedia Commons

Jowar Shakarparas

Shakarparas can be made from jowar flour and jaggery too, Ananya Banerjee discovered. Crunchy, yum and satisfying.

Please find the recipe here: Jowar Shakarparas

Pic: Ananya Banerjee for Rediff
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