Chaitra Navratri 2024 begins on April 9 and ends on April 17. During this time, millions of Goddess Durga devotees around the world observe a 9-day fast. Since it's one of the biggest Hindu festivals, devotees refrain from consuming certain food grains and only stick to specific vrat-friendly foods. For example, people can temporarily stop eating gluten and switch to grains like kuttu (buckwheat) or rajgira (amaranth). It is a common myth that food consumed during the fasting period is high in calories and low in nutrition. For this reason, we have combined a list of 5 vrat-friendly kheer recipes that are packed with nutrition and can be served during Navratri.
Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: 5 Quick And Tasty Vrat-Friendly Desserts Ready In Under 30 Mins
Makhana kheer is tasty and easy to make.
Photo Credit: iStock
Navratri 2024: 5 Vrat-Friendly Navratri Kheer Recipes That Are Nutrient-Rich
1. Makhana Kheer
Rich in protein and nuts, makhana kheer is an easy-to-make dessert recipe for Navratri. The star ingredient of this dish, makhana (lotus seeds) is cooked in milk and nuts, making the kheer creamy and satisfying. All you have to do is roast makhanas until they are golden brown. In the meantime, boil milk with chopped nuts and dates. Add the makhanas and give it a good mix. Skip sugar to make it healthier or add jaggery to enhance its taste. Garnish with cardamom powder and enjoy! View the full recipe here.
2. Sabudana Kheer
One of the most common types of kheers made in Navratri, sabudana kheer is a delicious dessert recipe that will be loved by kids and people who fast alike. Made with tapioca pearls (sabudana), this kheer recipe is light yet filling, and you can add chopped nuts and fruits over it for extra flavour. Sabudana is high in healthy carbohydrates and calories, so it will keep you full for longer periods. To make Sabudana Kheer, wash and drain the tapioca pearls. Saute chopped nuts in ghee along with boiled milk and washed tapioca pearls. Skip sugar if you want to make it healthier. Cook until it thickens and serve! Find the full recipe here.
3. Singhaada Kheer
Tasty and nutritious, Singhaada Kheer is made from water chestnuts (singhaada) and is a healthy and unique option for your fasting days. Singhaada kheer has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that is perfect for people who like subtle taste. To make singhaada kheer, add water chestnut flour to milk and mix. Add a little bit of jaggery and chopped nuts to the mixture and cook until it thickens. Garnish with cardamom powder and serve!
Singhaada kheer has a unique taste and flavour.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Rajgira Kheer
Gluten-free and super delicious, rajgira kheer is packed with nutrition and taste. It is rich in protein and fibre, and when combined with the goodness of milk, makes for a delicious dessert. Unlike other kheers which have a smooth texture, this kheer has a crunchy texture. This crunch comes from the amaranth grains. To make rajgira kheer, roast the flour in ghee and chopped nuts until fragrant. Gradually add milk to the pan and keep stirring. Cook until the Rajgira kheer thickens and serve!
5. Lauki Kheer
If you want to make a dessert that isn't just tasty but also nutritious, then lauki kheer can come to your rescue. While some might think it is an unusual kheer ingredient, the results, trust us, are amazing. Lauki or bottle gourd adds a surprisingly pleasant flavour and texture to the dessert. Lauki is naturally sweet and low in calories, so you can enjoy this dish without any guilt. All you have to do is cook the grated bottle of gourd in ghee until it softens. Once done, add milk and keep stirring. Add chopped nuts and keep stirring until the kheer thickens. Skip sugar if you want to make it healthier or add jaggery instead. Garnish with cardamom powder and serve! Check out the recipe here.
Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: How To Make Vrat-Friendly Kuttu Paratha
Which is your favourite kheer to consume during your Navratri fast? Let us know in the comments below!