#FITRecipe: This Diwali Make Ladoos of Dry Fruit, Oats & Chocolate

It is that time of the year when celebrartions are on our mind with lots of sweets and lights. Diwali is almost here with promises of endless taash parties and worries of our diet’s going out of the window.

First, here is a dessert recipe to kickstart your planning for that perfect Diwali party.

Recipe: Dry Fruit, Oats & Chocolate Ladoos

For the preparation of the ladoos, you will need the following ingredients:

Method

• Pulse the nuts in a food processor a few times.
• Add the remaining ingredients and pulse (scraping down the sides and stirring a few times in between) until the dates are puréed and the mixture comes together.
• Form the mixture into bite-sized balls. You can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes for easy rolling.
• Roll the balls in cocoa powder & dry rose petals if you wish and enjoy as a perfect healthy dessert or as an edible gift to friends and family.

But why should celebrations always mean we have to throw the fitness goals out of the window. I think it is absolutely possible to achieve both. Wondering how?

So here are some tips to help you organise a healthy Diwali party which will be the talk of the town till next year.

Keep a Tab on Drinks

I think drinks is one part where we most often forget the amount of sugar and preservatives we are taking in. All packaged juices contain far more sugar than a slice of cake. So whether it is the cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks stay away from the packaged juices.

Replace package juices with lemon juice, tender coconut water, kokum juice. Add some herbs like mint, basil, thyme to it and see the drinks transform.

Snacks

Let’s admit chips are what get eaten most at parties, followed by greasy deep fried kababs that do the rounds as starters. So this Diwali, change them for something healthier.

Have dips like hummus, tzatziki, guacamole, various Indian chutneys and serve them vegetable sticks. Alongside the vegetables toast some thepla, parantha or thalipeeth in the oven to have delicious crackers instead of chips.

Or if you want the lazy way out, use the ready khakra. Avoid deep fried snacks and instead serve their panfried or baked versions. I think this alone can turn your Diwali party from an indulgent to a healthy affair.

Go Easy on Mithai

I know, I know Diwali is the same as mithai and how can one skip that. But let’s pick them wisely. Choose the ones with jaggery, get someone to make those mithais at home where you know what exactly is going into it. And last but not the least, make a healthier dessert to end your party.

Pan dipped in dark chocolate for the adults, chocolate coated strawberries or fruit skewers with honey can be excellent options for kids. If you still want to go traditional, replace the white sugar in your kheer or ladoo with jaggery and feel less guilty.

Hope you guys have a Happy Diwali and a very fit year ahead!

(Monika Manchanda is an ex-IT professional turned into a food blogger, consultant, home baker and an amateur food photographer. She loves music, writing, food, and travel, but not necessarily in that order! She can be reached at [e-mail])