6 Veggie-Based Indian Desserts That Are Low In Calories

Do you have a sweet tooth but also can’t stop counting calories? Then you need some low-calorie homemade mithai that has been made with vegetables! That’s right. You can totally make desserts and mithais with veggies if you’re creative enough. The only thing you have to look out for is the sugar content; it’s best to use natural sweeteners when you’re considering making low-calorie desserts at home. 

Certain veggies like carrots, beets, sweet potatoes etc have a natural sweetness which makes a great base ingredient for desserts. Even zucchini can be used to make a delicious homemade dessert. Here are some low-calorie desi dessert options when you want to eat smart but have a craving too!

Carrot Halwa

Who can resist a gajar ka halwa? This dessert celebrates the humble carrot in all its vibrant glory. Grated carrots are simmered in milk until tender, then sweetened with a touch of sugar or natural sweeteners like stevia or jaggery. Flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and a hint of rose water, carrot halwa has a rich aroma and creamy texture. It’s low in calories and high in fibre and vitamins and this guilt-free dessert offers a wholesome way to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Lauki Halwa

Lauki halwa, made from the nutritious bottle gourd, is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for anyone seeking a healthier alternative to traditional sweets. Grated bottle gourd is cooked down with milk and sweetened with a modest amount of sugar or natural sweeteners. Infused with aromatic spices like cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts, lauki halwa offers a delicate balance of flavours and textures.

Pumpkin Kheer

Pumpkin kheer is an amazing twist on the classic Indian rice pudding, featuring the natural sweetness and creamy texture of pumpkin. Pureed pumpkin is simmered with milk, rice, and sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup until thick and creamy. Enhanced with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, pumpkin kheer is a comforting treat that is both filling and nourishing. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, this low-calorie dessert is a guilt-free indulgence.

Beetroot Halwa

Beetroot halwa is a vibrant and nutritious dessert that celebrates the earthy sweetness of beetroots. For this dessert, you can cook down grated beetroots with milk, sweeteners, and aromatic spices until they form a thick, luscious pudding-like consistency. The natural vibrant color of beetroots lends a visually stunning appeal to this dessert, while the subtle sweetness and creamy texture work really well. It’s low in calories and rich in antioxidants and nutrients and can also be stored for 2-3 days.

Sweet Potato Laddoos

Sweet potato laddoos offer a wholesome alternative to traditional Indian sweets. Mashed sweet potatoes are combined with a touch of ghee, honey or jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom and nutmeg. Rolled into small balls and garnished with chopped nuts or coconut flakes, sweet potato laddoos are a treat that satisfies sweet cravings without guilt. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre, these low-calorie laddoos make for a nutritious and delicious dessert option.

Zucchini Halwa

If you have never tried zucchini halwa you have been mixxing out! Grated zucchini is cooked down with milk, sweeteners, and aromatic spices until it forms a thick, creamy pudding-like consistency. The mild flavour and tender texture of zucchini pair perfectly with the warm spices and subtle sweetness of the dish, creating a delightful dessert that is both satisfying and nourishing. Low in calories and rich in vitamins and antioxidants, zucchini halwa is an amazingly easy low-carb dessert.