Sweeten Your Diwali with Stevia

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for joy, celebration, and indulgence. However, the traditional sweets and desserts often come loaded with sugar, which can be harmful to health. This Diwali, why not opt for a healthier alternative? Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, is an excellent choice. It's calorie-free, sugar-free, and has a negligible impact on blood sugar levels.

Understanding Stevia

Stevia is a plant native to South America, and its leaves have been used for centuries as a natural sweetener. Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia is derived from a natural source and has a clean, sweet taste. It's also heat-stable, making it suitable for cooking and baking.

How to Use Stevia as a Sugar Substitute

Here are some tips on how to use stevia as a sugar substitute in your Diwali recipes:

1. Stevia Powder:

   • Direct Replacement: You can use stevia powder as a direct replacement for sugar in many recipes, but you may need to adjust the quantity. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
   • Baking: Stevia powder can be used in baking, but it might not have the same browning properties as sugar. You may need to adjust baking times and temperatures.

2. Liquid Stevia:

   • Drinks and Sauces: Liquid stevia is ideal for sweetening drinks, sauces, and other liquid-based recipes. A few drops can significantly sweeten your beverage.
   • Baking: Liquid stevia can be used in baking, but it's important to follow specific recipes that have been adjusted for liquid sweeteners.

3. Stevia Tablets:

   • On-the-Go Sweetening: Stevia tablets are convenient for sweetening tea, coffee, or other beverages on the go.
   • Cooking: Stevia tablets can be dissolved in water and added to recipes, but they may not be suitable for all types of dishes.

Diwali Recipes with Stevia

Here are a few Diwali recipe ideas that you can make with stevia:

1. Stevia-Sweetened Kheer

• Ingredients:

  • 1 liter milk
  • 1/4 cup rice
  • 2-3 tablespoons stevia powder or liquid stevia
  • A pinch of cardamom powder
  • A few strands of saffron

• Instructions:

  • Wash the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
  • Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pot.
  • Add the soaked rice and cook until the rice is soft and the milk has reduced.
  • Add the stevia, cardamom powder, and saffron.
  • Stir well and cook for a few more minutes until the kheer reaches your desired consistency.
  • Serve hot or chilled.

2. Stevia-Sweetened Ladoo

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup besan (gram flour)
  • 1/4 cup ghee
  • 2-3 tablespoons stevia powder
  • A pinch of cardamom powder

• Instructions:

  • Heat the ghee in a pan.
  • Add the besan and roast it until it turns golden brown.
  • Add the stevia and cardamom powder and mix well.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • Shape the mixture into small balls.

3. Stevia-Sweetened Halwa

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup semolina (sooji)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ghee
  • 2-3 tablespoons stevia powder
  • A pinch of cardamom powder
  • A few strands of saffron

• Instructions:

  • Heat the ghee in a pan.
  • Add the semolina and roast it until it turns golden brown.
  • Add the milk and cook until the semolina is cooked and the mixture is thick.
  • Add the stevia, cardamom powder, and saffron.
  • Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.
  • Serve hot or cold.

Tips for Using Stevia

• Start Slowly: When using stevia for the first time, start with a small amount and gradually increase it to your desired sweetness level.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of stevia and different recipes.
• Consider Other Sweeteners: While stevia is a great option, you can also consider other natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

By incorporating stevia into your Diwali recipes, you can enjoy a healthier and guilt-free festive season. Happy Diwali!