Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Diabetic-Friendly Desserts to Relish This Festive Season

GANESH CHATURTHI 2023: The 10-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is set to commence on September 19 this year. During this auspicious period, Lord Ganesha is worshipped, the deity associated with prosperity and good fortune. Devotees engage in prayer rituals and offer an array of delectable foods to seek the Lord’s blessings and appease him.

The presence of diverse desserts is an essential element of the festive spread, and, like any other celebration, devotees eagerly savor these delicacies following the religious ceremonies. However, for those who must refrain from their favourite sweets due to diabetes, here are some alternative options they can explore.

Kalakand

Kalakand is a beloved delicacy crafted from condensed milk, sugar, and ghee. Unfortunately, individuals dealing with diabetes often have to forgo this common and popular dessert, missing out on its delightful flavors during festive occasions. To provide a sweet alternative, here’s a sugar-free kalakand recipe for you to experiment with at home.

Ingredients- Ricotta cheese, whole milk, powdered erythritol, heavy whipping cream, Ground cardamom, ghee, slivered pistachios or almonds and rose water.

How To Make:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, combine ricotta cheese, erythritol, rose water, and heavy cream. Set the heat to medium.
2. Cook the mixture for 10-12 minutes, or until it has reduced by half. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent sticking or burning.
3. When the mixture becomes fudgy and no longer sticks to the pan, stir in the ghee and ground cardamom. Then, remove it from the heat.
4. Grease a setting pan with ghee and line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Pour the kalakand mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle slivered nuts over the top and gently press them into the kalakand using a spatula.
6. Place the kalakand in a cool, dark place for about 2 hours, or until it has fully set.
7. Once set, cut the kalakand into squares using a sharp knife. Remember to wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat squares.

Pedas

Another common dessert seen during this festival is pedas. But while one may like the grainy sweetness to melt in the mouth, the high sugar content may not be very healthy for a diabetic. Therefore, try this diabetic-friendly Malai Peda by Tarla Dalal this festive season:

Ingredients: Full-fat milk, low-fat milk (99.7% fat free), corn flour, saffron strands, citric acid, cardamom powder, Sugar Substitute

How To Make:

1. In a bowl, mix cornflour and low-fat milk. Set it aside.
2. In another bowl, combine saffron threads with two spoons of warm milk.
3. In a separate bowl, mix citric acid and water. Set it aside.
4. In a deep pan, add the full-fat milk and low-fat milk. Bring it to a boil on high heat, stirring occasionally. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Reduce the flame to medium and continue to cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the milk reduces to half. Be sure to keep stirring and scraping the sides of the pan.
6. Add the saffron mixture and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.
7. Now, add the cornflour and milk mixture along with the citric acid mixture. Cook for another 12 minutes while stirring continuously.
8. Once done, transfer the mixture to a plate, spread it evenly with the help of a spatula, and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
9. Add cardamom powder and the sugar substitute to the mixture and mix well.
10. Divide the mixture and shape it into pedas or any other desired shape.