Wholesome Delights: Healthy Diwali Snacks to Light Up Your Festivities

This Diwali, you might find yourself thinking about how to enjoy the celebrations while making healthier choices. It’s easy to get carried away with all the delicious sweets and snacks, but this time, you may be aiming for a bit more balance. By choosing lighter, wholesome versions of your favorite treats, you can still indulge in the flavors of Diwali Festival Food without feeling weighed down. It’s a small way to embrace the festivities while staying mindful of your health.

Festive Nut Mix Recipe with Special Spice Blend

This Diwali, enjoy a crunchy, flavorful nut mix that’s both healthy and satisfying. The special spice blend adds a festive touch while keeping things light and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 150 gm almonds
• 150 gm cashews
• 75 gm walnuts
• 75 gm pistachios
• 50 gm sunflower seeds
• 15 gm olive oil or ghee

For the Special Spice Mix:

• 5 gm cumin powder
• 5 gm chaat masala
• 2 gm smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 gm turmeric powder
• 1 gm cinnamon powder
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan on medium flame and dry roast the almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, and sunflower seeds separately until golden brown, about five to seven minutes each. Set them aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cumin powder, chaat masala, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
3. In the same pan, heat olive oil or ghee. Turn off the heat, add the roasted nuts and seeds, and sprinkle the spice mix over them. Toss well until evenly coated.
4. Let the mix cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy it fresh or over the course of a week!

Roasted Makhana: A Guilt-Free, Crunchy Delight for Diwali

Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a powerhouse of nutrition. Rich in protein and fiber, this light and crunchy snack is perfect for those looking to indulge mindfully during the festive season. Makhana is known for being low in calories and packed with antioxidants, making it great for heart health, digestion, and even weight management. So this Diwali, swap out the deep-fried snacks for a wholesome bowl of roasted makhana with a flavorful twist!

Ingredients:

• 100 gm makhana (fox nuts/lotus seeds)
• 10 gm ghee or olive oil
• 2 gm cumin seeds
• 1 gm turmeric powder
• 1 gm red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 gm chaat masala
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick pan on low-medium heat. Dry roast the makhanas for about 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until they turn crispy and golden. You’ll know they’re ready when they snap easily when broken.
2. Once the makhanas are roasted, set them aside. In the same pan, heat ghee or olive oil and add cumin seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
3. Lower the heat and add turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the oil. Stir for a few seconds to blend the spices, making sure they don’t burn.
4. Return the roasted makhanas to the pan and toss them in the spiced oil mixture. Stir until all the makhanas are well-coated with the spices. Finally, sprinkle the chaat masala and toss again for extra flavor.
5. Allow the roasted makhanas to cool completely before serving or storing them in an airtight container.

Berry Chia Pudding Recipe

This berry chia pudding is not only delicious but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your festive celebrations!

Ingredients:

• 60 gm chia seeds
• 240 ml almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 15 gm honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 100 gm mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl or jar, combine chia seeds, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
2. Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and swell, creating a thick, pudding-like consistency.
3. If using strawberries, chop them into smaller pieces. You can mix all the berries together or layer them for a beautiful presentation.
4. Once the chia pudding has set, give it a good stir to break up any clumps. In serving glasses or bowls, layer the chia pudding with the mixed berries. You can alternate layers for a pretty effect or simply top the pudding with the berries.
5. Optionally, drizzle some extra honey or maple syrup on top for added sweetness. Enjoy your berry chia pudding as a healthy dessert or a refreshing breakfast!

Also, Sandesh, a traditional Bengali sweet made from fresh chhena, can be a surprisingly healthy Diwali Festival Food when enjoyed in moderation. Rich in protein and low in fat, it offers a delightful treat that satisfies sweet cravings while providing essential nutrients.