Ganesh Chaturthi food: 10 healthy dishes to indulge during the festival

Mumbai is all set welcome Lord Ganesha on August 25. The dishes prepared during the festival vary from day to day and from place to place. Here is a list of 10 healthy and utterly delicious vegetarian dishes you can try in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi.

1. Rajgira laddoo: Rajgira or Ramdana grain is a powerhouse of nutrients. The grain is a rich source of iron, magnesium and Vitamin A, B and C, calcium and protein. It contains soluble fibre and unsaturated fatty acids, which helps to reduce cholesterol level and retain a healthy heart. Those looking for a healthy yet delicious meal plan during Ganesh Chaturthi can savour Rajgira laddoos guilt free. The healthy and delicious Rajgira laddoos are available in almost all grocery outlets across the city. Also, you can try your hands on these at home.

Rajgira Laddu

2. Gur Nariyal Vadi: The super delicious Gur nariyal vadi is a must have during Ganesh Chaturthi, especially if you are looking for a healthy meal plan during the festival. It is made with grated coconut and gur (jaggery). It is easy to make, tastes great, and is also healthy to eat. Several sweet shops in Mumbai prepare Gur Nariyal Vadi during Ganesh Chaturthi. This scrumptious dessert is also recommended for diabetics.

3. Sabudana Kheer: This is probably the most popular dessert served on festivals and fasting days. Also, if you are looking for a healthy diet on Ganesh Chaturthi, indulge in a plate of sabudana kheer. Sabudana is rich in carbohydrates and therefore provides ample energy when eaten. It is low in calories and so is a perfect light meal option. If you are planning to indulge in low fat, healthy and light meals during Ganesh Chaturthi, opt for Sabudana Kheer. Though it is available in many restaurants in Mumbai, yet it can be made at home.

Sabudana Kheer. Pic courtesy/YouTube

4. Rishi Bhaji: Rishi Panchami bhaji is an old and popular dish made with assorted vegetables on the auspicious day of Rishi Panchami, next day of Ganesh Chaturthi. Rishu Bhaji is a healthy and scrumptious cocktail of vegetables that can be savoured with chapatti. Since there is no exact proportion of vegetables that are to be added to make the semi-dry dish, you can add the same as per your requirement.

Rishi Bhaji. Pic courtesy/YouTube

5. Thalipeeth: One of the healthiest dishes to indulge in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi is Thalipeeth. One of the popular Maharashtrian snacks, Thalipeeth is a multi-grain pancake made from chana daal, urad daal, wheat, and rice. You can even twist the usual recipe by adding oats, green chillies and ginger. The multi-grain Thalipeeth is served with butter, ghee or yogurt. Binge on this healthy delicious savoury on Ganesh Chaturthi and stay fit during the festivity.

Thalipeeth

6. Varanfal: This is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made of atta dumplings and cooked in a sweet, sour and spicy toor daal curry. Made of whole wheat, the comfort food is easy to make, tastes good and healthy to consume. It requires less oil and is therefore highly recommended for those on a diet or is simply searching for healthy food items to indulge in during Ganesh Chaturthi.

7. Chawli usal: This is one of the prominent dishes loved by Maharashtrians. The spicy creamy usal is best paired with steamed rice or poori. Chawli or cow peas are packed with nutrients that help to lose weight, controls blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol levels and aids digestion. If you are looking for a full course healthy meal to savour during Ganesh Chaturthi try Chawli usal. It is readily available in restaurants specialising in Maharashtrian cuisine.

8. Baked samosa: Who said that samosa is always fattening and is a strict no for health-conscious ones? Ditch the deep-fried samosas for its baked form this Ganesh Chaturthi. You can even increase the calorie content of baked samosa by substituting potato with other vegetables like peas, carrot, beans, sweet potatoes and broccoli. Prepare baked samosas at home and carry them along during pandal hopping on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Baked samosa. Pic courtesy/ YouTube

9. Churma na laddoo: Laddoo can be healthy too if you choose the right ingredients. The traditional Churma na Laddoo is one of those healthy laddoos that is synonymous with Ganesh Chaturthi. The deep fried wheat flour dough balls are sweetened with jaggery instead of sugar. The churma is further enhanced with coconut and sesame seeds to increase the nutritional value of the dessert. You will find this sweet delicacy in almost all sweet shops in Mumbai. Churma na Ladoo is also easy to make at home.

Churma na Laddoo

10. Dhokla: Made from yogurt and chickpea flour (besan), Dhokla is a highly recommended healthy snack to munch during Ganesh Chaturthi. It is a rich source of protein and Vitamin B. If you are looking out for fat-free healthy food items during the festival season, include dhokla in your list. It is available in every restaurant serving Gujarati food. You can also prepare it at home, pack them along and munch while pandal hopping.

Dhokla

In case you are the health-conscious ones who love to indulge in healthy delicacies, then do not forget to include these snacks, desserts and wholesome meals in your menu.