With the festival of lights drawing near, it is hardly fair that we compromise on nutrition for tradition. How about combining both? Gorging on sweets and treats during Diwali festivities might make you rush through the guilt later. How about eating something healthy without compromising on taste. Here are 6 superfoods that you can add to your festive spread that will help you shine as bright as the diyas this Diwali:
1. Amaranth / Rajgira
Gluten-free, high in protein, and packed with necessary nutrients; can be used both in savoury and sweet dishes.
Idea: Amaranth-based tikkis or amaranth laddoos appeal to the healthy yet traditional festive food .
2. Moringa
Along with its high content of vitamins and minerals, moringa provides a health boost to the dish prepared with it. It's light and easy to be incorporated with an earthy flavour to be added to the cuisine.
Idea: Serve moringa chutneys on the side or roasted nuts coated with moringa as a snack to add that extra edge to your Diwali menu.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are full of magnesium and good fats, so they can easily enhance both savoury and sweet dishes. They are also very cost-effective and have a good texture.
Idea: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds in festive salads or heap pumpkin seed brittle on Diwali sweets such as kheer or phirni for a healthy indulgence.
4. Coconut
According to Anjali Midha, Chef and owner, Kitchen Roast, “Coconut is a versatile superfood filled with healthy fats and antioxidants. It works beautifully and can be incorporated into both desserts and savoury dishes, making it a winner in every way.”
Idea: Coconut-based desserts like coconut ladoo and coconut barfi are options for Diwali parties. Coconut curry or coconut-based dips could be a great accompaniment to your appetite-full appetisers.
5. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds contain many omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, which can be added to baked dishes, snacks, or even main dishes, making them an imperceptible nutritious addition.
Idea: Add some flaxseed powder to the Diwali mathri or simply mix it with ladoo to add that extra crunch and health benefits
6. Dates
Dates are sweet yet nutritious rich in fibre and iron. They are an excellent sweetener and the base for many traditional sweets.
Idea: Fresh date-based rolls or date and nut bites instead of sugar-coated sweets. These would answer the health-conscious clients who desire rich desserts with no refined sugar content.
7. Chia Seeds
These easily accessible seeds are a powerhouse of good fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Idea: You can add them to any dessert, yoghurt, fruit, or even beverage to make them healthier and more delicious. Another way to use chia seeds is to make a pudding with mangoes and coconuts.
8. Beetroots
This excellent source of antioxidants is not only colourful to look at but can also be fermented, cooked, or easily incorporated into smoothies.
Idea: Beetroots can also be used in salads or to make a fancy-looking dip without any food colouring.
9. Greek yogurt
This is a fantastic and tangy way to get more protein into your foods. You can make dips or good old raita with this to which you can also add beetroots and cucumbers.
Idea: They are perfect when paired with spicy foods or in general.
10. Mixed nuts
Cashews, Walnuts and Almonds are staples during Diwali which are not only wholesome but also satisfying.
Idea: You can mix all these by toasting them with chosen spices to make a delectable crunchy snack.
11. Dark chocolate
One of the best and most effective ways to satisfy your sweet tooth is dark chocolate which is loaded with antioxidants.
Idea: Have it as it is, or make chocolate-dipped fruits or add melted dark chocolate to pastries to avoid sugary frostings.
12. Edamame
These premature soybeans are packed with protein and are so fun to eat! It is best when added to salads for a crunchy element or eat it as is.
Idea: Eat them sprinkle with sea salt or toss them in chilli garlic oil.
Fun tip this Diwali
This Diwali set up a fun station for guests to make their own sweet treats with superfoods like dark chocolate, chia seeds, fruits, nuts etc. This Diwali let nutrition bring people together. Happy celebrating!
1. Amaranth / Rajgira
Gluten-free, high in protein, and packed with necessary nutrients; can be used both in savoury and sweet dishes.
Idea: Amaranth-based tikkis or amaranth laddoos appeal to the healthy yet traditional festive food .
2. Moringa
Along with its high content of vitamins and minerals, moringa provides a health boost to the dish prepared with it. It's light and easy to be incorporated with an earthy flavour to be added to the cuisine.
Idea: Serve moringa chutneys on the side or roasted nuts coated with moringa as a snack to add that extra edge to your Diwali menu.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are full of magnesium and good fats, so they can easily enhance both savoury and sweet dishes. They are also very cost-effective and have a good texture.
Idea: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds in festive salads or heap pumpkin seed brittle on Diwali sweets such as kheer or phirni for a healthy indulgence.
4. Coconut
According to Anjali Midha, Chef and owner, Kitchen Roast, “Coconut is a versatile superfood filled with healthy fats and antioxidants. It works beautifully and can be incorporated into both desserts and savoury dishes, making it a winner in every way.”
Idea: Coconut-based desserts like coconut ladoo and coconut barfi are options for Diwali parties. Coconut curry or coconut-based dips could be a great accompaniment to your appetite-full appetisers.
5. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds contain many omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, which can be added to baked dishes, snacks, or even main dishes, making them an imperceptible nutritious addition.
Idea: Add some flaxseed powder to the Diwali mathri or simply mix it with ladoo to add that extra crunch and health benefits
6. Dates
Dates are sweet yet nutritious rich in fibre and iron. They are an excellent sweetener and the base for many traditional sweets.
Idea: Fresh date-based rolls or date and nut bites instead of sugar-coated sweets. These would answer the health-conscious clients who desire rich desserts with no refined sugar content.
7. Chia Seeds
These easily accessible seeds are a powerhouse of good fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Idea: You can add them to any dessert, yoghurt, fruit, or even beverage to make them healthier and more delicious. Another way to use chia seeds is to make a pudding with mangoes and coconuts.
8. Beetroots
This excellent source of antioxidants is not only colourful to look at but can also be fermented, cooked, or easily incorporated into smoothies.
Idea: Beetroots can also be used in salads or to make a fancy-looking dip without any food colouring.
9. Greek yogurt
This is a fantastic and tangy way to get more protein into your foods. You can make dips or good old raita with this to which you can also add beetroots and cucumbers.
Idea: They are perfect when paired with spicy foods or in general.
10. Mixed nuts
Cashews, Walnuts and Almonds are staples during Diwali which are not only wholesome but also satisfying.
Idea: You can mix all these by toasting them with chosen spices to make a delectable crunchy snack.
11. Dark chocolate
One of the best and most effective ways to satisfy your sweet tooth is dark chocolate which is loaded with antioxidants.
Idea: Have it as it is, or make chocolate-dipped fruits or add melted dark chocolate to pastries to avoid sugary frostings.
12. Edamame
These premature soybeans are packed with protein and are so fun to eat! It is best when added to salads for a crunchy element or eat it as is.
Idea: Eat them sprinkle with sea salt or toss them in chilli garlic oil.
Fun tip this Diwali
This Diwali set up a fun station for guests to make their own sweet treats with superfoods like dark chocolate, chia seeds, fruits, nuts etc. This Diwali let nutrition bring people together. Happy celebrating!
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