Just a week more to go to indulge in sinful delicacies and snacks. Yes, you got us right. Diwali has already knocked on our doors and many of us are going to celebrate this festival with toddlers.
It is a time when everyone enjoys delicious sweets and snacks in various flavors and shapes. But when it comes to toddlers, the taste is not the only factor to be considered. The nutritional value of the foods we give them is equally important.

Diwali snacks are filled with lots of sugar, fats, and refined flour. They aren’t much nutritious and have very limited nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. These are essential for your toddler’s growth and development. You can’t stop your toddlers from hogging sweets during festivitiess. The only thing that you can do is to enhance the nutritional level with some smart tweaks. Go ahead and delight your little one with nutritious sweets and snacks that will help make the occasion a memorable one.

Wondering how to transform festival goodies into nutritious delights? We have got you covered. In this article we have curated some healthy sweet and savory recipes for your little ones to enjoy this festive season.

#1. Ragi dates laddoo:

Ragi dates laddoo is a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, and amino acids. This recipe does not require additional sugar as it contains dates, which are a natural sweetener. Quick and simple to make, this recipe can be made with basic ingredients.

Ingredients:
● 1/2 cup ragi flour
● 1 cup seedless dates
● 1 tbsp sesame seeds
● 1 tbsp chopped almonds
● 1 tbsp chopped pistachios
● 1 tbsp ghee

Method:
● Soak dates in lukewarm water for a few minutes. Drain and grind the dates in a blender.
● In a pan, dry roast the chopped almonds, pistachios, and sesame seeds. Keep aside.
● Heat one tablespoon ghee and roast the ragi flour on a low flame.
● Add the dates, sesame seeds and cook for two minutes.
● Add roasted almonds and pistachios and mix well. Turn off the flame.
● Grease your palms, take small portions of the mixture, and roll into balls.

#2. Coconut Cookies

Ingredients:
● 1 cup whole wheat flour
● 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
● 1/2 cup powdered jaggery
● 3 tbsp oil
● Water as needed
● 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
● 1/4 tsp baking powder

Method:
● In a bowl, sieve the wheat flour and baking powder.
● Add coconut oil and mix well.
● To this, add powdered jaggery, cardamom powder, and mix well.
● Add water to the mixture and knead the dough.
● Make small-sized balls from the dough and place them on a greased tray.
● Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
● Bake the cookies for 20 minutes till the tops are golden brown.
● Cool the cookies at room temperature and store them in an airtight jar.

#3. Almond Barfi:

Almonds are a good source of magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamins A and E. The essential amino acids in almonds help with brain development. Also, as it is high in dietary fiber, it helps prevent constipation in children.

Ingredients:
● 1 cup almond
● Milk
● 1 cup jaggery
● 1/4 cup water
● 1 tsp cardamom powder
● 2 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)

Method:
● Soak the almonds for two hours. Drain well and peel.
● Blend almonds in a mixer along with milk and cardamom powder into a smooth paste.
● In a pan, dissolve jaggery with water. Filter to remove impurities. Boil the jaggery syrup till it reaches a ‘soft-ball stage. Add the almond paste, mix well and cook for five minutes on a slow flame, while stirring continuously.
● Transfer the mixture to a greased tray. Spread evenly and sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
● Cut the barfi with a knife or a cookie cutter into desired shapes. Cool and keep aside for one hour and serve.

#4. Fruit kheer:

Fruit kheer provides carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, B6, and B12.

Ingredients:
● 3 tbsp rice
● 250 ml milk
● Chopped bananas
● Apples (peeled and chopped)
● 1 tsp sugar
● A pinch of cardamom powder

Method:
● Soak the rice for half an hour. Drain water and grind it to a coarse paste in a blender.
● Boil milk in a pan. Add the rice paste to the milk and stir gently, making sure there are no lumps. Simmer for 10 minutes.
● Once the rice is cooked well, add sugar and cardamom powder and cook for two minutes.
● Remove from flame, cool, and add chopped banana and apple.

The Takeaway

Notice, your toddler’s immunity is still developing. Keeping a track of the nutritional value is crucial at this stage. So, this Diwali, you must ensure she gets the best nutrition available. These sweets and snacks are not only delicious but also, mark high on the health quotient as well. Here’s wishing your toddler a happy and healthy Diwali!

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