Millet Magic: Healthy Diwali Delights!

Millets are highly nutritious grains that offer various health benefits. They are gluten-free, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. Absolutely, celebrating Diwali with millet-based recipes is a fantastic way to enjoy the festival while incorporating healthier food choices. Here’s a diverse menu using millets to make your Diwali celebration special:

Millet Halwa
Ingredients:
1 cup mixed millet flour (such as foxtail millet, finger millet, or pearl millet)
1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 cup jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Chopped nuts for garnish (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
Raisins for garnish

Instructions:
Toasting Millet Flour:
Dry roast the mixed millet flour in a pan on low heat until it turns aromatic and slightly changes color. Set aside.
Making the Halwa:
In a separate pan, boil water and add jaggery or sugar. Stir until it dissolves completely to form a syrup.
In another large pan, heat ghee. Add the roasted millet flour and sauté for a few minutes until it starts releasing a nutty aroma.
Slowly pour the jaggery or sugar syrup into the millet mixture while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until the halwa thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
Add cardamom powder and mix well.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the millet halwa with chopped nuts and raisins. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Millet Laddu
Ingredients:
1 cup mixed millet flour (bajra, foxtail millet, or any preferred millet flour)
1 cup grated jaggery or sugar
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
Raisins for garnish

Instructions:
Toasting Millet Flour:
Dry roast the millet flour in a pan on low heat until it becomes aromatic and changes color slightly. Set aside.
Preparation:
Heat ghee in a pan. Add grated coconut and roast until it turns light golden.
Making the Laddu Mixture:
Add the roasted millet flour to the pan and mix well with the coconut.
Add jaggery or sugar and cook on low flame until the mixture thickens and starts to come together.
Add cardamom powder, chopped nuts, and mix thoroughly.
Shaping the Laddus:
Allow the mixture to cool until it’s warm enough to handle.
Grease your palms with ghee and shape the mixture into small round balls (laddus). If the mixture is dry, add a little warm ghee to help bind the laddus.
Garnish each laddu with a raisin on top.
Serve:
Once shaped, let the laddus cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
This millet laddu recipe is a healthier alternative to the traditional sweet laddus and is perfect for celebrating Diwali. The nutty flavor and nutritious value of millets add a special touch to these delightful sweet balls.