8 Creative millet-based sweets that are a must try this festive season

Indians and their love for sweets are beyond words, so much so that every region has some unique sweet treats that are prepared specially to celebrate the festivals. Interestingly, with festive season around the corner, preparations have already started, and if you too are planning to impress your loved ones with some homemade sweet treats, then try these easy millet-based sweet treats that make for a perfect balance of taste and health.

Why should you try millet-based sweet treats this season?
Festive indulgence often brings with it a wave of after-indulgence guilt, as most traditional sweet treats are loaded with fat, sugar and dairy-based ingredients, which together make the sweets a recipe for weight gain. Well, adding millets to your festive sweet treats can be the best game changer, as millets are not only delicious but are super nutritious. This is because these gluten-free grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that make them a perfect alternative to regular flour. Here are some delicious and creative sweet treats that can be made using millets.


Ragi Ladoo
Ragi, also known as finger millet, is naturally loaded with fiber, calcium and iron. These delicious ladoos can be made at home by roasting ragi flour in ghee and later mixing it with jaggery, grated coconut, and cardamom powder and nuts. These ladoos are easy to prepare and have a delicious nutty taste and melt-in-mouth texture.

Bajra Halwa
Bajra, also known as pearl millet, is yet another millet that is loved for its rich texture and delightful taste. This simple yet lucious halwa recipe can be made by roasted bajra flour in ghee and then combining it with sugar, dry fruits, nuts, subtle spices and milk. Cook the halwa til it turns rich and creamy in consistency. This halwa is flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts. The warmth and texture of bajra make it a comforting sweet that is perfect for winter festivities.



Foxtail Millet Kheer
Foxtail millet kheer is a creamy dessert made by simmering foxtail millet with milk and sweetening it with jaggery or sugar. To elevate the flavor, add cardamom, saffron, and a handful of nuts like cashews and almonds. This kheer is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to festive feasts.

Little Millet Payasam
Little millet payasam is a traditional South Indian dessert that features a rich, creamy base. Made with the goodness of little millet, coconut milk, and jaggery, this payasam is flavored with cardamom and topped with roasted nu and dry fruits. This sweet dish combines the health benefits of millets with the sweetness of coconut and jaggery.



Kodo Millet Pudding
Kodo millet pudding is a unique and nutritious dessert that can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Prepare it by cooking kodo millet in milk and sweetening it with honey or jaggery. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor, and top with fruits or nuts for a delightful twist. This pudding is not only delicious but also a great source of fiber.



Jowar Laddu
Jowar, also known as Sorghum, can be used to make some delicious laddoos. Made with jowar flour, jaggery, and a mix of grated coconut and nuts, these ladoos are rolled into bite-sized pieces. They are rich in fiber and have a pleasant nutty flavor, making them a perfect snack for festive gatherings.

Ragi and Peanut Chikki
Ragi and peanut chikki is a crunchy, nutty sweet that is both satisfying and nutritious. This treat is made by mixing roasted ragi flour with jaggery syrup and peanuts, then setting it into a flat layer and cutting it into pieces. It’s a delightful mix of taste, textures and flavors, which makes this sweet treat perfect for sharing during the festivities.

Millet Cookies
Millet cookies are a delicious alternative to traditional cookies. Using a mix of different millet flours, these cookies can be sweetened with honey or jaggery and flavored with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Adding nuts and dried fruits enhances their texture and nutritional value. These cookies make for a delightful snack during festive gatherings and can be paired with tea or coffee.