Navratri 2024: 5 Delicious Vrat-Friendly Desserts to Try

Navratri is a time of devotion, celebration, and fasting. But fasting during Navratri doesn’t mean you have to give up on flavor. In fact, it’s an opportunity to try new and exciting vrat (fasting) recipes that are as delicious as they are satisfying. Whether you’re a fan of laddus or love indulging in creamy kheers, we’ve rounded up five easy-to-make desserts that will make your Navratri fasts extra special this year. Ready to cook?

1. Vrat ke Laddu (Peanut and Water Chestnut Flour Laddu)

Laddus are a classic Indian sweet, and this vrat-friendly version by Chef Kunal Kapur is not only easy to make but also packed with healthy ingredients like peanuts, dry fruits, and coconut.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup skinless peanuts
• ¾ cup ghee
• 1 cup singhara atta (water chestnut flour)
• ½ cup desiccated coconut
• 1 cup breakfast sugar
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• Handful of chopped dry fruits
• Handful of melon seeds

Method:

1. Dry roast the peanuts in a pan until light brown. Allow them to cool slightly, then grind into a coarse powder.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and add the singhara atta. Cook until browned and fragrant.
3. Add the peanut powder and mix well. Allow it to cool.
4. Once cooled, add desiccated coconut, sugar, dry fruits, and melon seeds.
5. Shape the mixture into laddus. If too dry, add melted ghee for easier shaping.
6. Roll the laddus in desiccated coconut for extra flavor, and serve.

2. Singhare Atte Ka Halwa (Water Chestnut Flour Halwa)

Singhare atta is a staple during Navratri fasting. This halwa recipe is a simple and quick way to enjoy a comforting dessert, courtesy of Food Love.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp desi ghee
• ½ cup water chestnut flour
• 1 tbsp chopped cashews and almonds
• 1 tsp cardamom powder

Method:

1. Prepare sugar syrup by boiling 1 cup of water with ½ cup brown sugar.
2. In a pan, heat ghee and roast the water chestnut flour until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped nuts and sugar syrup, and mix well.
4. Cook until the mixture stops sticking to the pan.
5. Stir in the cardamom powder and garnish with fried nuts. Enjoy your Singhare ka Halwa warm.

3. Makhana Kheer (Lotus Seed Kheer)

This creamy kheer made with puffed lotus seeds, or makhana, is a popular Navratri dessert. The recipe by Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana will help you whip up a rich and satisfying dessert that can be served warm or chilled.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup puffed lotus seeds (makhana)
• 1 liter milk
• 2 tbsp ghee
• ½ tsp green cardamom powder
• 6-7 saffron strands
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Method:

1. Boil the milk in a deep pan, reducing it by half.
2. Lightly crush the makhanas and sauté them in ghee until crisp.
3. Add the roasted makhanas to the milk and cook for 5-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the cardamom powder and saffron strands.
5. Add sugar, mix well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Let the kheer cool slightly, then serve chilled, garnished with remaining roasted makhanas.

4. Aloo Halwa (Potato Halwa)

Potatoes in a dessert? Yes! This unique halwa, shared by Chef Kunal Kapur, is a delightful surprise. The creamy texture of potatoes combined with ghee, jaggery, and dry fruits makes this dish a must-try during Navratri.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp ghee (for nuts)
• 4 tbsp ghee (for halwa)
• 750 gms potatoes
• 500 ml milk
• ¾ tsp cardamom powder
• ¼ tsp nutmeg powder
• 1 cup jaggery, grated
• 2 tbsp chopped almonds, pistachios, cashews, and walnuts

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes, peel, and mash them until smooth.
2. In a pan, heat ghee and fry the chopped nuts. Remove and set aside.
3. Add more ghee to the pan and fry the mashed potatoes until they turn golden brown.
4. Stir in the milk and cook until it boils.
5. Add cardamom, nutmeg, and jaggery. Cook until the halwa thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
6. Garnish with fried nuts and serve hot.

5. Dry Fruit Mawa Laddu (Khoya Laddu with Dry Fruits)

If you love rich desserts, this dry fruit mawa laddu by Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana is perfect. It’s packed with dry fruits and coated with almond powder for a crunchy finish.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup chopped almonds
• Chopped walnuts as required
• ½ cup chopped figs
• 1 cup unsweetened mawa (khoya)
• 5 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• Few saffron strands
• Ghee for greasing
• Almond powder for coating

Method:

1. Heat the mawa in a pan, add sugar, and cook until the sugar melts.
2. Stir in cardamom powder and saffron strands. Allow the mixture to cool.
3. Blend the figs and mix with chopped almonds, walnuts, and remaining cardamom powder.
4. Shape the dry fruit mixture into small balls.
5. Grease your hands with ghee, take portions of the mawa mixture, and stuff them with the dry fruit filling.
6. Shape into laddus and coat with almond powder before serving.

Conclusion

Navratri is all about balance—nourishing the body while maintaining the spiritual fast. These five vrat-friendly desserts ensure that you don’t miss out on the joy of indulging in sweets while observing your fast. Simple to make and packed with festive flavors, these recipes are a must-try this season. So, which one will you make first?

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