It’s that time of the evening when the chai is ready and the sweet craving hits. Instead of reaching for the biscuit tin, how about something you can make in twenty minutes, with no sugar, no jaggery, no flour and no oven? These soft pumpkin balls get all their sweetness from dates, and the pumpkin gives them a lovely, moist, almost halwa-like texture. A pinch of cinnamon and cardamom makes the kitchen smell wonderful. They’re also a good way to use up that leftover chunk of kaddu. Here’s how to make them step by step.
Remember that “no added sugar” doesn’t mean “no sugar”, since dates are naturally sweet, so it’s best to enjoy these in moderation. Pulse the dates in a mixer or food processor until they turn into a sticky ball. Add the cooled pumpkin, oats, chopped nuts and spices, and pulse a few times until the mixture is thick and scoopable. It shouldn’t be completely smooth, as little bits of oats and nuts give it a nice bite. If it feels too sticky, add a spoonful more of oats. If it looks dry and crumbly, add one more date, or a teaspoon of water. But as a quick, homemade fix for a sweet craving, you can’t go wrong with a snack that’s this easy, wholesome and made with things already in your kitchen.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Dates and pumpkin contain natural sugars, so people with diabetes or other dietary restrictions should consult a doctor or dietitian before making these a regular snack. Check the ingredients for nut allergies, and store the balls in the fridge to keep them fresh.