Forget adulterated mawa and try these 9 besan sweets this Diwali

With Diwali around the corner, mithai shops across India come alive with trays of golden laddoos, barfis, and pedas. But every festive season also brings with it an unsettling reality of adulterated mawa (khoya) flooding the market. From added starch to synthetic milk solids, the news of adulterated mawa is disturbing. So, it's better to go safer and find something equally delicious. How about using besan (gram flour) for the sweet tooth? The humble ingredient that can single-handedly redefine your festive dessert table. Packed with protein, fiber, and nutty goodness, besan makes for the perfect festive sweet base — wholesome, aromatic, and naturally rich. Here are 9 besan-based sweets to light up your Diwali platter, without the fear of adulteration.

It is a timeless classic made with roasted besan, ghee, and sugar rolled into golden spheres of bliss. One can add chopped nuts for crunch or saffron strands for luxury.

With a longer shelf life, these are soft, fudgy, and melt-in-the-mouth square delight that can be layered with chocolate or coconut for a modern twist.

It is a comforting spoonful of nostalgia, where besan is slow-cooked in ghee with milk and sugar. A dash of cardamom transforms it into festive heaven.

These are protein-packed cousin of kaju katli, where besan is blended with saffron and almond powder for a rich, nutty flavor.

This is a tropical combination where roasted gram flour meets coconut for a chewy, aromatic treat.

This is a popular one from Rajasthan, which is coarser, richer, and full of desi ghee goodness. It is best enjoyed with a pinch of crushed jaggery.

This is a Punjabi winter favorite that doubles up as a festive treat, where besan is cooked with ghee, edible gum, and nuts to keep you energized all day.

Inspired by the popular milk cake, this version swaps adulterated khoya with roasted besan, giving a dense, caramelized flavor that’s pure indulgence.

These are soft on the inside, crisp on the edges and make for a tempting mini pancake, which is dipped in syrup and topped with pistachios. A royal end to your Diwali meal.

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