Craving for a cheesy indulgence on Diwali? Try these quick and healthy recipes

Diwali is not just a festival of lights, it’s a festival of feasting as well. This festival of flavours is celebrated widely across the nation in different ways, and people love relishing some of the most lip-smacking dishes. From sweet to salty – there are various options with which you can greet your guests for the festival of lights.

But with so much to do in the days leading up to the big festival, there isn’t much time to prepare lavish dishes for the guests. So you need something that’s delicious and can be prepared quickly. Isn’t it? Eshanka Wahi, Dubai and Delhi-based wellness advocate and nutrition coach, has shared some interesting and quick recipes with HealthShots. 

Eshanka says, “We celebrate the festival and our love of food at the same time. So if you want to serve something different to your guests, the only way to do so is to keep a list of some delicious yet unique recipes on hand that can be made quickly.” 

So here are the most ubiquitous and savoury dishes which will take only few minutes to make:

1. Fluffy Creamy Cheesecake

Fluffy creamy cheesecake is a super simple, delicious, and extremely healthy, under 10-minute recipe for anyone with a sweet tooth! Eshanka says, “This recipe is Keto friendly, Paleo friendly, Diabetic friendly, Whole 30 friendly, Gluten free, Sugar free and Grain free. It brims with strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.”

Berries of all types are high in antioxidants, which helps to prevent cell damage and lower the risk of certain diseases. Many of the health-promoting properties of berries are due to the antioxidants found in them. 

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp cream cheese
• 4 cold heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sour cream
• 3 tbsp monk fruit/ granulated stevia/ date paste/ healthy sweetener of your choice 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For decoration

1/3 cup chopped strawberries/blueberries/blackberries 

Also, read: Diwali 2021: 8 tips for asthma patients to beat air pollution woes

Directions:

1. At medium-low speed, combine the cream cheese and sweetener until the mixture is creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract and sour cream and beat until well blended.
3. Add heavy cream and continue to blend until the mixture is fluffy.

2. Baked Zucchini with seasoning mix and grated cheese

A super simple, delicious, and extremely healthy under 10-minute recipe for anyone with a tangy taste! Eshanka says, “This recipe is low carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Zucchini is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains a lot of fiber and has a low calorie count. Fiber aids digestion and may reduce the likelihood of suffering from a variety of GI issues.”

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of zucchini
• 1/4th cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of your favorite seasoning mix
• 1/4th cup of grated cheese
• 2 tbsp of chopped onions

Also, read: Binged during Diwali? Try this nutritionist recommended 7-day detox plan

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and toss to coat the zucchini evenly. 
2. Place the zucchini on a baking sheet that has been greased. 
3. Bake for 10 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius in a preheated oven.
4. Serve warm, sprinkled with your preferred seasoning.

So make your task easy and receive a lot of compliments for your food from family and friends.