Sugar-free desserts are a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat without worrying about the negative impacts of consuming too much sugar. They are a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, typically using natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. They also often include alternative flours like almond or oat flour in place of white flour, making them lower in carbohydrates and higher in fibre. Furthermore, sugar-free desserts are a great way to reduce calories and still enjoy delicious treats. Whether you're looking for a special treat or just want to enjoy something sweet without the extra sugar, sugar-free desserts are an excellent option.
Thankfully, there is a treasure trove of sugar-free dessert recipes shared by Shivam Bhagat, the director of Bhagat Halwai, waiting to be explored ensuring every bite is a guilt-free pleasure.
Sugar-Free Besan Laddu
Besan laddu, those delectable golden spheres of gram flour, have long held a cherished spot in Indian households. The sugar-free version of this classic treat retains all the original fibrous richness and aromatic charm. To make these, you'll need 2 cups of besan (gram flour), 1/2 cup of desi ghee (clarified butter), 1 cup of artificial sweetener, and 1 tsp of cardamom powder. Begin by roasting besan in ghee until golden, cool it, and mix in the sweetener and cardamom powder. Shape the mixture into laddus and savour the nostalgia without the sugar spike.
Sugar-free Kalakand
This delectable dessert offers a delightful twist, ensuring a sweet treat without the sugar rush. To create Kalakand, you need 2 cups of milk powder, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of your choice of artificial sweetener, 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder, and optional saffron strands and chopped nuts for garnish. It's a perfect choice for those determined to control their sugar intake.
To prepare, grease a plate or shallow pan, combine heavy cream and milk in a non-stick pan, and gradually add milk powder while stirring to prevent lumps. Add your preferred artificial sweetener, cardamom powder, and optional saffron strands as it thickens. Once it leaves the pan's sides, transfer it to the greased plate, garnish with nuts, cool it at the level of room temperature, refrigerate, and cut it into squares or diamonds. Enjoy this guilt-free, sugar-free dessert!
Nariyal Laddu
Coconut laddu, with its tropical sweetness, is a beloved confection. A sugar-free twist on this favourite requires only a cup of freshly grated coconut, 2 tbsp of ghee, 2 tsp of natural sweetener, 1/4 cup of coconut milk, a pinch of Himalayan salt, and a pinch of nutmeg (jayfal) powder. Toast the coconut in ghee, stir in coconut milk, sweetener, and nutmeg, and cook to a thick paste. Form these into petite laddus, and you've got a guilt-free indulgence that tastes like a vacation in a bite.
Lauki Ka Halwa
For a dessert that's not just sugar-free but also low-carb, look no further than LaukiKa Halwa. This healthy dessert calls for 2 gourds, 3 tbsp of desi ghee, cloves, raisins, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, 1 cup of milk, and 1 cup of jaggery powder. Grate the gourd, squeeze out the excess water, and sauté in ghee. Add milk and jaggery along with aromatic condiments, cook until thickened, and you've got a treat that showcases the delightful side of diabetes-conscious cooking.
Apple Rabdi
Fruits are nature's sweet gift, and Apple Rabdi makes the best use of this bounty. To whip up this diabetic-friendly delight, gather low-fat milk, grated apple with skin, cardamom powder, nutmeg (jaiphal) powder, and a sugar substitute. Simmer milk, add grated apple and spices, and let it cool. Top it off with a sugar substitute and refrigerate for an hour. This chilled apple rabdi is a testament to the fact that indulgence can be healthy, too.
Mixed Fruit Shrikhand
Lastly, the Mixed Fruit Shrikhand, a beloved Indian dessert made diabetes-friendly. This sweet dish is fibre-rich with chopped mixed fruits, low-fat hung curd, warm low-fat milk, saffron, sugar substitute, and cardamom powder. Mix curd with saffron milk, sugar substitute, and cardamom powder, refrigerate to set, and layer it with mixed fruits for a refreshing, guilt-free dessert that tempts the senses.
In a world where sugary temptations sprawl around every corner, these sugar-free desserts are beacons of hope for those who wish to enjoy sweetness without compromising their health. With creativity and the right ingredients, diabetes need not deprive anyone of the joy of dessert. So, whether you're catering to a diabetic diet or just seeking a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these sugar-free recipes will become your new favourites.
(With IANS Inputs)
