Gudi Padwa: Follow these four sweets recipes to celebrate with a healthy twist

Festivals like Gudi Padwa are synonymous with indulgent sweets but celebrating tradition doesnrsquot have to mean compromising on mindful eating a way of life that many people have adopted over the years With modern cooking methods like air frying itrsquos easier than ever to recreate festive favourites with lighter ingredients and minimal oil while still preserving their comforting flavoursUsing an air fryer home cooks can enjoy crisp textures rich aromas and perfectly balanced sweetness without deep frying The result Desserts that feel festive flavourful and a little more wholesome As many people celebrate Gudi Padwa today here are four delightful air fryer sweets that BSH Home Appliances believe can bring a touch of creative flair for your Gudi Padwa celebrationsSaffronPistachio Puran Poli MilleFeuilleA creative spin on the classic Maharashtrian favourite this layered dessert transforms puran poli into a delicate pastrylike treat Crisp airfried wheat sheets are stacked with fragrant chana dal puran and a creamy pistachio yogurt filling creating a dessert that feels surprisingly lightTo prepare the puran cook chana dal until soft and mash it smoothly Heat it gently with grated jaggery saffron strands and cardamom powder until the mixture thickens and becomes aromatic Meanwhile knead whole wheat flour with ghee salt and water to form a soft dough and allow it to rest for about 20 minutes Roll the dough into thin sheets and cut them into small rectanglesPlace these in the air fryer and cook at 180 degrees Celsius for fivesix minutes until crisp Blend pistachios into a powder and mix them with thick Greek yogurt and honey to create a creamy filling To assemble layer the crisp poli sheets with the puran mixture and pistachio cream stacking them like a millefeuille pastry Finish with a light drizzle of saffron syrup for an elegant festive presentationMini Saffron Shrikhand CheesecakeShrikhand is a beloved festive dessert and this version turns it into delicate mini cheesecakes that feel both indulgent and refreshing Start by mixing almond flour melted ghee and honey to form a crumbly crust Press the mixture into silicone muffin moulds to create a base For the filling combine thick Greek yogurt with honey saffron strands and cardamom powder until smooth and fragrant Pour the mixture over the prepared crust and air fry at 150 degrees Celsius for about seven minutes until lightly set Once cooked refrigerate the cheesecakes for two to three hours to allow them to firm up Before serving garnish with crushed pistachios and a few saffron strands for a dessert that looks as celebratory as it tastesSweet Potato Peda BruleePedas are a festive staple but this version introduces sweet potato for natural sweetness and added nutrition The caramelised topping gives it a delightful bruleestyle twist Begin by combining mashed steamed sweet potato with almond flour jaggery powder and a pinch of cardamom Mix until the ingredients come together into a soft doughlike consistency Shape the mixture into small pedas and place them in the air fryer Cook at 170 degrees Celsius for about seven minutes until lightly golden Sprinkle a thin layer of coconut sugar on top and torch it gently until it caramelises into a crisp golden crust Serve with a spoon so guests can crack the caramel layer before enjoying the soft fragrant peda underneathPistachio Oats Ladoo with Rose CreamFor those looking for a lighter festive sweet these pistachio oats laddoos offer a wholesome alternative packed with flavour and texture Start by mixing powdered oats with date paste and chopped pistachios Combine well and shape the mixture into small laddoos Place them in the air fryer and cook at 160 degrees Celsius for around five minutes allowing them to firm up while developing a slightly toasted aroma For the accompaniment whisk together Greek yogurt rose water and dried rose petals to create a fragrant rose cream Serve the warm laddoos with a swirl of rose yogurt cream for a dessert that balances earthy nuttiness with delicate floral notes