Simple and stress-free recipes to try this festive season

The festive season is all about sharing joy, indulgence, and the warmth of enjoying homemade treats with loved ones. As the festive and wedding season is in full swing, the cravings for some delightful snacks and mouth-filling sweets will be at its peak. But the constant worry for your health runs parallel. So, to dive into the festivities without any guilt, it's time to add a touch of creativity and flavor to your celebrations. From the rich indulgence of chocolate Turkish hazelnut barfi to the crispy delight of baked macadamia nuts spring rolls, and the perfect party snack- masala hazelnuts, these recipes offer a delightful twist on traditional favorites. They are not only packed with flavor but also feature wholesome ingredients, making them the perfect fusion of health and indulgence to enjoy with family and friends during this special time of the year. Put on your aprons and try these recipes this festive season: Chocolate Turkish Hazelnut BarfiChef details: Neha Deepak ShahIngredients:700 gm grated Mawa (Khoya)1 cup powdered sugar4 Tbsp cocoa powder1 cup roasted and chopped hazelnutsMethod:Roast the hazelnuts: Begin by dry roasting hazelnuts over a low flame, stirring constantly to ensure they are evenly toasted. Once fragrance, allow them to cool to room temperature and chop them roughly.Prepare the barfi base: In a pan, cook the mawa over low heat. Stir continuously until it starts melting and releases ghee.Add cocoa: Once the mawa softens, mix in the cocoa powder. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.Sweeten the mix: Add the powdered sugar and continue cooking for a few minutes. The sugar will dissolve, adding a touch of sweetness to the rich base.Incorporate the hazelnuts: Stir in ¾ of the roasted hazelnuts, ensuring they are well-distributed.Set the barfi: Transfer the mixture into a lined tray and press it down evenly. Sprinkle the remaining hazelnuts on top, pressing gently to secure them.Let it set: Allow the barfi to set for 30-45 minutes. Once firm, cut it into your desired shape and enjoy a slice of chocolatey, nutty heaven! Baked Macadamia Spring RollsChef details: Chef Varun InamdarDetails:Difficulty level: IntermediateServes: 4-6 peoplePrep time: 20 minsCooking time: 15 minsIngredients: Spring roll sheets (keep under a damp cloth)For the Stuffing:1/2 cup macadamia nuts, chopped1/2 cup mawa (khoya)4 tbsp jaggery powder2 tbsp raisins1/2 tsp cardamom powder2 tbsp saffron milkMethod:Prepare the stuffing: In a bowl, mix together the chopped macadamia nuts, mawa, jaggery powder, raisins, cardamom powder, and saffron milk to create a uniform stuffing.Assemble the spring rolls: Place a spring roll sheet on a flat surface. Spoon the prepared stuffing onto the sheet, then roll it tightly. Seal the edges with a flour-and-water paste to ensure the rolls hold together during baking.Bake the spring rolls: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Arrange the spring rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then lightly brush them with olive oil.Bake: Bake for 12 minutes, or until the spring rolls turn golden and crispy.Cool and serve: Allow the spring rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as a delicious and sweet snack!Masala HazelnutsChef details: Neha Deepak ShahIngredients:1 cup Hazelnuts¼ cup Gram Flour (Besan)1 tsp Red Chili Powder2 pinches Turmeric Powder (Haldi)2 Tbsp Rice Flour2 tsp Ginger-Garlic-Green Chili Paste2-3 Tbsp Lime JuiceSalt, to tasteOil for brushingSeasoning:½ tsp Chaat Masala½ tsp Red Chili PowderMethod:Coat the hazelnuts: In a mixing bowl, combine hazelnuts with gram flour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add the ginger-garlic-green chili paste and drizzle in lime juice little by little, mixing until the flour mixture sticks to the hazelnuts, forming a sticky coating.Cooking options: You can choose to air fry, bake, or deep-fry the coated hazelnuts. If air frying, brush the hazelnuts with oil after a few minutes for a crispy exterior.Season to perfection: Once cooked, sprinkle the chaat masala and extra red chili powder over the hot hazelnuts for a tangy and spicy kick.Cool and store: Let the masala hazelnuts cool to room temperature before consuming or storing them in an airtight container.These unique yet delicious recipes are an ideal way to bring a fresh, health-conscious twist to your festive spread. Whether you are treating your guests to the richness of hazelnut-infused chocolate barfi, offering crispy baked spring rolls, or snacking on spiced masala hazelnuts, you will create a memorable, flavorful experience. We hope that these recipes inspire your festive cooking with a balance of indulgence and mindful eating, keeping the spirit of celebration alive while embracing wholesome goodness.Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock