Traditional Indian Sweets Made Healthier with Cold-Pressed Oils

Indian celebrations can never be completed without sweets. From Diwali, Raksha Bandhan to Holi, Eid, and every other festival is celebrated with an assortment of traditional Indian sweets which are not only tasty but also symbolic. Sweets represent happiness, affection, and cultural connection, and that is why they are so closely associated with the celebrations. But with taste and tradition, we also need to keep our health in mind, and seek healthier alternatives to snacking. 

One way to make traditional sweets healthier is by using cold pressed oils for cooking, as they are highly nutritious in nature and very much healthy for human consumption. Gramiyaa is here to share how to prepare traditional Indian sweets in a healthier way by using the cold-pressed oils and why it is the best thing to do.

Traditional Indian Sweets – The Heart & Soul of Indian Festivals

Indian people place great importance on sweets. It is offered to gods, used as gifts between families and friends, and included in every festival. Every part of India specialises in certain traditional sweets which are prepared and served through generations, be it the decadent gulab jamun from the north, the soft spongy Sandesh from the east or the rich Mysore pak from the south.

Sweets are not only treats; they are symbols of happiness and celebration. Most of the conventional sweets contain a substantial amount of sugar, saturated fats, and are dense in calories, which are not suitable for consumption by people who are seeking improved health. 

But does it mean we should give up on these yummy treats? Let’s find out!

Why It’s Important to Eat Healthier Versions of Traditional Sweets of India

It is OK to have a treat once in a while, but constantly having sweets made from refined oils and too much sugar may lead to many health issues such as obesity, diabetes and even cardiovascular diseases. One of the easiest and tastiest ways to tackle this is to shift to cold pressed oils. 

Cold pressed oils used in cooking are more nutritious and have better natural tastes because they are filtered using cold pressing technology. This makes them a better option for making sweets as they have health benefits and not a compromise to the taste. Cold-pressed oils contain higher amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats in comparison to refined oils.

Cold-pressed oil in India: a healthier choice

The demand for cold-pressed oil in India is growing as more people become aware of its health benefits. Choosing the best cold-pressed oil for cooking and baking, especially when making sweets, is a small but powerful step towards healthier eating. Gramiyaa offers a range of cold pressed oil in India that is perfect for your kitchen.

Benefits of using cold-pressed oils in sweets

• Rich in Nutrients: Cold-pressed oils contain vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats which may not be found in refined oils.
• Natural Flavours: These oils have an amazing natural flavour which works in enhancing the taste of traditional Indian sweets without overpowering them.
• Better Digestion: Cold-pressed oils are easier to digest compared to hydrogenated oils, making the sweets lighter on the stomach while retaining their delicious taste.
• Supports Heart Health: Cold-pressed oils like groundnut and sesame are known for their heart-healthy properties, which help in maintaining good cholesterol levels.
• No Harmful Chemicals: Cold pressed oils at Gramiyaa are made using traditional wood-pressing methods, without involving any heat or chemicals – which means they are pure, healthy as well as tasty.

Now that you know how cold pressed oils can transform the way we look at and eat our sweets, let’s see some of the easiest ways in which these oils can be incorporated in our traditional Indian sweets.

Traditional Indian Sweets Made with Cold-Pressed Oils

Check out these super-easy ways in which we can prepare sweets with cold pressed oils - 

• Ladoo: Laddoos are the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when we say “traditional sweets of India”. These popular sweets come in various flavours and can be made with different ingredients. Using cold-pressed coconut oil can make ladoos healthier and more nutritious. Coconut oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, and gives a mildly sweet and nutty flavour.
• Jalebi: Another favourite of young and old alike, these intricate spiral-shaped sweets are traditionally deep-fried in refined oil. Using cold-pressed groundnut oil or mustard oil can make jalebis healthier without compromising their taste. Groundnut oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, while mustard oil is known for its health benefits and unique flavour.
• Gulab Jamun: These golden brown deep fried sugar coated balls are every sweet-lover’s paradise! It’s a classic Indian sweet made with milk solids, and can be made healthier by using cold-pressed groundnut oil or ghee to fry the jamun balls instead of refined oil. Groundnut oil adds a touch of nutty flavour, while ghee provides essential fatty acids and promotes digestive health. Yummy!!
• Barfi: This dense, fudge-like sweet is often made with refined sugar and unhealthy fats. By using cold-pressed coconut oil or ghee, you can create a healthier and more flavourful barfi. Coconut oil adds a natural sweetness and a hint of coconut flavour, while ghee provides essential fatty acids and promotes digestion.
• Chikki - Chikki is a traditional Indian sweet made with jaggery and peanuts, or other nuts like cashews, almonds and the likes. Cold-pressed groundnut oil can enhance its nutty flavour and offer a healthier fat option, making it a perfect crunchy snack for people of all ages. It is probably one of the best combinations of sweetness and proteinaceous snacks.

Tips for Making Healthier Sweets

Apart from replacing your regular oils with cold pressed oils, here are a few other things that you can do to make your sweets healthier - 

• Use natural sweeteners like honey, palm sugar or jaggery instead of refined sugar.
• Add in nuts, seeds, or whole grains into your sweets for added fiber and nutrition.
• Opt for natural food colouring instead of artificial dyes.
• Try using different cold-pressed oils and natural sweeteners to create unique and delicious flavours.

By incorporating cold-pressed oils into your traditional Indian sweets, you can enjoy the festive flavours while making healthier choices. With Diwali around the corner, we are sure you must be planning about the sweets and savouries you will make to celebrate the festivals. So, indulge in the sweetness of the festive season without compromising your health. Shop now at Gramiyaa and bring home the finest quality cold pressed oils.