Food & Beverages
Top 9 Places To Party In Mumbai On New Year’s Eve Of 2025
Don’t drop the ball on the city’s craziest holiday—check out the best New Year’s Eve events in Mumbai to ring in 2025
The festive season is coming up, but don't despair! You can still enjoy delicious treats without sacrificing your health.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Oats sesame laddoo
Oats sesame laddoo is a healthy and delicious Indian sweet made with oats, sesame seeds, jaggery, and other nuts and spices. It is a popular snack or dessert, and is often made for special occasions such as Diwali and Holi. Oats sesame laddoo is a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It is also a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Step 1: Dry roast the oats on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
Step 2: Dry roast the sesame seeds in the same pan for 2 minutes, or until light golden brown. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
Step 3: In a blender, combine the roasted oats, sesame seeds, and dates. Blend until the mixture is a coarse powder.
Step 4: Add the jaggery and blend again until the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the peanut powder, pistachio powder, and cardamom powder. Mix well.
Step 6:Add the melted ghee and mix until the mixture is well combined.
Step 7: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into roundels.
Step 8: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
2. Anjeer basundi
Anjeer basundi is a traditional Indian dessert made with milk, sugar, figs, saffron, and cardamom. It is a rich and creamy dish that is often served chilled.
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the figs and warm milk. Let stand for 30 minutes, or until the figs are soft.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until the milk comes to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the milk has reduced by half and thickened.
Step 4: Stir in the sugar, figs and their soaking liquid, and cardamom. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 5: Serve chilled, garnished with saffron strands, if desired.
3. Coconut and pineapple rice
Coconut and pineapple rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with rice, coconut milk, pineapple, and a few simple seasonings. The coconut milk gives the rice a rich and creamy texture, while the pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. This dish is also very versatile and can be served with a variety of proteins, such as grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp.
Quick recipe:
Step 1: Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 2: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the pineapple and cilantro.
Step 5: Serve immediately.
4. Kuttu Khichdi
Kuttu khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made with kuttoo, a type of millet, and rice. It is a popular dish during the Navratri festival, when many Hindus abstain from eating grains. Kuttu khichdi is a nutritious and filling dish that is easy to digest.
Step 1: Heat ghee in a non-stick pan, add cumin seeds and sauté till they change colour.
Step 2: Add green chilli and ginger, mix and sauté for a few seconds. Add potatoes and sauté for two to three minutes or till the potatoes become crisp from the edges.
Step 3: Add peanuts and sauté for half a minute. Add buckwheat, mix well and sauté for one to two minutes.
Step 4: Add two cups water, sugar and salt. Mix well, cover and cook on low heat till fully done.
Step 5: Add coriander leaves and mix well. Add lemon juice and mix well.
Step 6: Serve hot with a lemon wedge.
5. Kele ke Laddoo
Kele ke Laddoo, or banana ladoo, is a popular Indian sweet made from bananas, sugar, and ghee. It is a soft, chewy, and flavorful sweet that is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Step 1: Heat a non-stick pan, add mashed bananas and stir. Add 2 tbsps ghee, mix well and cook till the banana leaves the side of the pan.
Step 2: Add sugar, mix well and cook till it reaches a dough like consistency.
Step 3: Add cardamom powder and mix well. Add remaining ghee, mix well and cook, stirring continuously, till the mixture dries up. Switch off heat and cool down to room temperature.
Step 4: Grease your palms with ghee, divide the cooked banana mixture into equal portions and shape into small laddoos.
Step 5: Coat some laddoos with sesame seeds, some with coconut and some with cocoa powder/drinking chocolate. Arrange them on a serving plate and serve.
6. Sabudana Khichdi with a Twist:
A classic Navratri fasting dish, Sabudana Khichdi, gets a delightful twist with the addition of roasted peanuts, fresh coconut, and a dash of lemon.
Step 1: Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Step 2: Add chopped green chilies, boiled potatoes, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Step 3: Add soaked and drained sabudana, roasted peanuts, and salt. Cook while stirring continuously until the sabudana pearls turn translucent.
Step 4: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a splash of lemon juice. Serve hot and enjoy your twist on the classic Sabudana Khichdi!
7. Singhara Atta Ki Roti:
Replace regular wheat flour with Singhara (Water Chestnut) flour to make soft and gluten-free rotis. These go perfectly with vrat-friendly curries.
Step 1: Mix shingara flour, salt, and water in a bowl to form a smooth, pliable dough.
Step 2: Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls.
Step 3: Roll out each ball into a thin roti using a rolling pin.
Step 4: Heat a griddle or a non-stick pan. Cook the rotis with a little ghee until they are golden brown on both sides.
Step 5: Serve hot with your favorite sabzi or yogurt.
8. Kuttu Paneer Pakoras:
Craving crispy snacks during Navratri? Try Kuttu (Buckwheat) Paneer Pakoras for a crunchy, protein-packed treat.
Step 1: In a bowl, mix kuttu flour, red chili powder, ajwain, and salt. Add water gradually to make a thick batter.
Step 2: Heat oil in a deep pan. Dip paneer cubes in the batter and fry them until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Remove the pakoras and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
Step 4: Serve hot with green chutney or yogurt dip.
9. Sweet Potato Chaat:
Enjoy the goodness of sweet potatoes with a tangy twist. This chaat is a crowd-pleaser and a great source of energy during fasting.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine boiled sweet potatoes, chopped onion, chopped tomato, and fresh coriander leaves.
Step 2: Add chaat masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Garnish with a splash of fresh lemon juice and top with sev if desired.
Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of sweet potato chaat.
10. Coconut Almond Ladoo:
A guilt-free dessert that combines the richness of coconut and almonds. These ladoos make for a perfect conclusion to your vrat meal.
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine desiccated coconut, almond flour, condensed milk, and cardamom powder. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round ladoos by rolling between your palms.
Step 3: Garnish each ladoo with a chopped almond on top.
Step 4: Allow the ladoos to set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Enjoy these delicious and healthy coconut almond ladoos as a festive treat!
So go ahead and enjoy the festive season without guilt! With these healthy treats, you can have your cake and eat it too!
FAQS:
Q: Can I eat non-vegetarian food during Navratri?
A: No, Navratri is a period of fasting and abstaining from non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.
Q: What are some common Navratri foods?
A: Some common Navratri foods include Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ka Dosa, Singhara Atta Poori, and Fruit Chaat.
Q: Can I consume dairy products during Navratri fasting?
A: Yes, dairy products like milk, yogurt, and paneer are allowed during Navratri fasting.
Q: Is there a specific way to prepare Navratri dishes?
A: Yes, Navratri dishes are prepared using ingredients like buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, and rock salt, avoiding regular grains and table salt.
Q: Can I eat sweets during Navratri fasting?
A: Yes, you can enjoy sweets made from permissible ingredients like fruits, milk, and certain flours during Navratri.
Q: Are fried foods allowed during Navratri?
A: Fried foods made from permitted ingredients like potato or buckwheat are allowed but should be consumed in moderation.
