Diwali is hailed as the brightest of all festivals celebrated in India. Every household is illuminated in glimmering lights and an aura of joy and festivity surrounds everyone. To live up to this grand festival it is only fair to enjoy food extravaganza. A vibrant sweet dish that has earned a place in this elaborate affair is Beetroot Halwa. This silky smooth, maroon mithai captures the essence of Diwali through its rich flavors and vivid colour. Diwali usually falls in late October or early November when the weather is hot and humid so this refreshing beetroot halwa is fitting for this festival. Here we have a recipe that has been tweaked such that it can be enjoyed by people with diabetes after consultation with a doctor.

To make this wonderful dessert, mix together 2 teaspoons of oil and 2 teaspoons of ghee in a small bowl before adding it to a heavy-bottomed pan. Stir this mixture over a medium-high heat and add 8 unsalted cashews and ¼ cup of raisins. Stir until cashews turn golden brown. Remove this from the heat and set aside to cool. Add 200 grams of grated beetroots and sauté for 10 minutes. To this, add 240 ml of milk while turning down the heat and cook for 5 minutes until the milk is absorbed. Add ¼ cup of Stevia granules or jaggery and ½ teaspoon of cardamom and mix well. Continue to simmer over medium-low heat until the Stevia granules or jaggery melts and the beetroot mixture begins to thicken and glisten. When the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, add roasted cashews and raisins. Mix well and serve hot.

Contrary to popular belief, beetroot does not cause a spike in sugar levels. It is high in folate, vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid and can be extremely beneficial for people with diabetes who suffer from nerve damage. While its glycemic index is 64, the natural sugars in beetroot don’t readily convert into glucose too quickly. This recipe gives 4 servings ( 75 gm each) of beetroot halwa.

 

Energy	132kcal
Protein	3.6gm
Carbohydrate	10.3gm
Fat	7.95gm
Calcium	86.2gm

 

It is vital to stick to proper meal plans and exercise routine, and monitor sugar levels consistently. While this recipe is suitable for people with diabetes, it is advisable to monitor your blood sugar levels before you eat and after 2 hours of consuming your meal. One should use glucometers to test the readings and store data in order to observe patterns in fluctuations if any. Consulting with a physician/doctor is advised whenever required.

This article is validated by dietitian Geeta Shenoy (BSc - Dietitics / Nutrition, Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics, Registered Dietician /Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, 29 years of experience), Previously Geeta Shenoy was associated with S. L. Raheja Hospital, All India Institute of Diabetes.

Disclaimer: Information provided is void of any representation and warranty as to the reliability, accuracy, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy or suitability of the information provided and is not a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment for medical conditions, actions, applications of medication. For personalized medical advice consult a doctor or other appropriate medical professional . Always seek advice from physicians/ doctors for queries regarding any medical conditions.