When it comes to Ganesh Chaturthi, modaks instantly come to mind. Those dome-shaped treats, best enjoyed steamed with fillings of jaggery and coconut are considered to be Bappa’s favourites too.

But with wholesome, naturally sweet treats getting more popular than highly-processed, sugar-loaded treats, we recommend you try some traditional sweets with healthy tweaks.

According to the Godrej Food Trends Report 2022, bitesized, portion-controlled desserts and desserts with healthier claims top consumer demand for 2022. Sweets will continue to hold pride of place on home menus in 2022, but with an approach of controlled indulgence and moderation.

“The Indian consumer who has travelled extensively is seeking a contemporary version of mithai today. They want dessert experiences that marry traditional mithai with newer flavour combinations and textures and mithai that delivers on flavour with natural sweeteners as well as no-refined sugar, in line with the philosophy of moderation. Which is why taking the road less travelled we have reimagined Indian mithai, yet again - with the latest – Cheat Sweets collection made using 100% vegetarian ingredients and only natural sugars like dates, jaggery and coconut sugar,” says Yash Bhanage, Founder, Bombay Sweet Shop.

So, let’s take a look at such traditional mithais with unique spins we can make this Ganesh Chaturthi!

Moti paak

A popular sweet treat from Rajasthan and Gujarat, it is essentially a boondi laddu made in the form of a burfi with a khoya. Take a cue from Bombay Sweet Shop’s fruity twist to this traditional sweet. In this mithai, in between two layers of boondi, a rich layer of mango pista kalakand is made with the pulp of the best mangoes of the season!

Kaju paneer barfi

Barfi is always a hit during the festive season. Although, we usually see paneer or cottage cheese used in sandesh or rasmalai, it can also be used to make instant barfi! You will need some Godrej Jersey Paneer, cashew milk, ghee and some sugar. Grind the cashews along with milk in a mixing jar and make a fine paste. Add sugar to the paste, followed by crumbled paneer. Preheat a non-stick pan and melt two teaspoons ghee. Add cashew-sugar-paneer paste. When the mixture gets thick in consistency and ghee starts separating from it, then the mixture is ready.

Transfer the mixture to a lined greased pan and garnish the top with cardamom powder, saffron, assorted nuts. Refrigerate for one hour.

Dudhi barfi

Made from bottle gourd, this barfi is really easy to make. It’s a spin on the more traditional dessert, lauki or dudhi halwa. Take this one a step further by making bitesize cubes of the halwa to facilitate portion control!

Ragi and dates laddu

This nutritious, sugar-free, and healthy alternative to regular laddus is a must-try. In a pan, dry roast ragi flour on a low flame, set it aside and let it cool. Pour a cup of Godrej Jersey Ghee into the same pan and then add pulped dates. Cook on a low to medium flame and add the roasted ragi flour once it forms a thick mixture. Stir well on a low flame. Then add roasted almonds or walnuts to the mixture.

Coconut and almond barfi

Add some Godrej Jersey Ghee to a non-stick pan on low-medium heat. Then add a mixture of freshly grated coconut and almond flour. Mix well until it lumps as one mass. Add sugar to this mixture. Stir for a few minutes on a low flame, then remove the mixture onto a greased plate. Mix the dough with greased hands and pat into neat squares with a rolling-pin. After cooling, cut them into equal squares.

Read the full GFTR 2022 here

What are some other healthy offerings you recommend? Let us know in the comments.