Sweeten Your Vrat: 5 Divine Desserts in 30 Minutes

Chaitra Navratri is a time for spiritual devotion, but let’s be honest, sometimes our sweet tooth throws a tantrum during the fast. Fear not, devotees! This year, we can appease both the divine and our taste buds with these 5 delectable vrat-friendly desserts. No more sugar blues – these recipes are ready in under 30 minutes, so you can whip up pure, guilt-free deliciousness without compromising your vrat.

We’ve curated a selection that caters to every craving, from creamy coconut concoctions to nutty delights. So, ditch the struggle and dive into a world of sweet satisfaction!

Sabudana Kheer – The Pearl of the Bunch

Sabudana kheer –– the name itself evokes a sense of creamy indulgence. This classic vrat dessert is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for satisfying both your sweet tooth and your soul. Here’s why it’s our top pick:

• Simple Ingredients: Sabudana (tapioca pearls), milk (almond or coconut), nuts and dry fruits – that’s all you need for this heavenly treat.
• Customizable Canvas: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add a touch of cardamom or saffron for extra flavour, or throw in some chopped dates for a delightful textural contrast.
• Nutritious Powerhouse: Sabudana is a good source of carbohydrates, keeping you energised throughout your fast.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sabudana (soaked for 2 hours)
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (cashews, pistachios, almonds)
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 2 tbsp jaggery (grated)
• A pinch of cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat the almond milk (or coconut milk) until simmering.
2. Add the soaked sabudana and cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the pearls become translucent.
3. Once cooked, add the jaggery and mix well until it dissolves.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped nuts, raisins, and cardamom powder.
5. Garnish with additional nuts or chopped fruits (optional) and serve warm or chilled.

Sabudana Ladoo – The Energy Ball Extraordinaire

Looking for a quick bite-sized treat to keep you going during your vrat? Look no further than sabudana ladoo! These little energy balls are packed with flavour and nutrition, making them the perfect guilt-free indulgence.

The beauty of sabudana ladoo lies in its versatility. You can customise the recipe with various nuts, seeds, and even chopped fruits. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sabudana (soaked for 2 hours)
• ½ cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
• ¼ cup chopped dates
• 2 tbsp grated coconut
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Ghee (for greasing)

Instructions:

1. Mash the soaked sabudana into a coarse paste.
2. In a bowl, combine the mashed sabudana, crushed peanuts, chopped dates, grated coconut, and cardamom powder.
3. Mix well and shape the mixture into small balls.
4. Heat a pan with a little ghee and lightly roast the ladoo on low heat until slightly golden brown.
5. Enjoy these delicious and nutritious energy balls throughout your vrat.

Makhana Kheer – The Rich and Creamy Surprise

Makhana, also known as fox nuts, adds a unique and delightful crunch to this creamy kheer. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a richer dessert experience.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup makhana (soaked for 4 hours)
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (cashews, pistachios, almonds)
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 2 tbsp chopped dates
• 2 tbsp chopped figs (optional)
• 2 tbsp jaggery (grated)
• A pinch of cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat the almond milk (or coconut milk) until simmering.
2. Add the soaked makhana and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft.
3. Once cooked, add the jaggery and mix well until it dissolves.
4. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped nuts, raisins, dates, figs (if using), and cardamom powder.
5. Garnish with additional nuts or chopped fruits (optional) and serve warm or chilled.

Apple Rabdi: A Heavenly Twist on a Classic

Apples – a symbol of good health and knowledge – take centre stage in this divine rabdi. Think creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness infused with the subtle sweetness and gentle tartness of apples. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!

Ingredients:

• 2 Apples (peeled and diced)
• 1 litre Low-fat milk (almond milk or cashew milk work too!)
• ¼ cup Jaggery powder (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
• A pinch of Salt
• 8-10 Almonds (blanched and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Raisins

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the diced apples, milk, and jaggery powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are softened and the milk thickens to a creamy consistency.
2. Stir in the cardamom powder and salt. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional jaggery powder if desired.
3. Garnish with chopped almonds and raisins for a touch of texture and visual delight.

Paneer Malpua: A Golden Journey for Your Taste Buds

Paneer malpuas are crispy golden pillows of fluffy paneer dipped in a fragrant sugar syrup. This delightful dessert is traditionally enjoyed during festivals, and Chaitra Navratri is no exception!

Ingredients

• For the malpuas:
  • ½ cup Semolina (rava)
  • ¼ cup All-purpose flour (maida)
  • ¼ cup Low-fat curd (beaten)
  • ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
  • A pinch of Salt
  • Water (as needed)
• For the sugar syrup:
  • 1 cup Water
  • ½ cup Jaggery powder
  • 2-3 Cardamom pods

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the semolina, flour, curd, cardamom powder, and salt. Add water gradually, mixing well, to form a thick batter with a dropping consistency.
2. Prepare the sugar syrup by heating water and jaggery powder in a saucepan until the jaggery dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Add cardamom pods for extra flavour.
3. Heat a non-stick pan with a little ghee or oil. Once hot, pour a spoonful of batter and spread it slightly to form a thin pancake. Fry on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
4. Immediately transfer the fried malpua to the warm sugar syrup. Let it soak for a few seconds, then remove and place on a plate.
5. Repeat with remaining batter, ensuring the sugar syrup stays warm.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts (optional) and serve warm.