Health
Navratri, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, is a time for fasting, devotion, and a vibrant display of culture. During these nine nights, people follow strict dietary restrictions, avoiding grains, meat, and certain vegetables. However, despite the fasting, the celebration is never short of delicious treats, and one such indulgence that has become a favorite during this festival is Fruit Custard. It’s a refreshing and healthy dessert that’s perfect for the occasion, offering a burst of flavors while staying within the guidelines of the Navratri fast.
What is Fruit Custard?
Fruit Custard is a smooth and creamy dessert made with a mixture of fruits and custard, a rich and flavorful pudding. It’s typically served cold, making it an ideal treat, especially during the warm days of the festival. The base of the dessert is made with custard powder, milk, and sugar, and it can be mixed with a variety of seasonal fruits to enhance its taste and nutritional value. This recipe is simple, quick, and can be customized according to personal preferences or the fruits available.
Why Fruit Custard for Navratri?
During Navratri, many people opt for a satvik diet, meaning the food prepared is vegetarian, and free from onions, garlic, and other tamasic foods. Fruit Custard fits this beautifully. It’s light on the stomach, rich in vitamins and minerals, and provides a refreshing way to break the monotony of fasting meals like fruit chaat, sabudana khichdi, and kuttu ka atta paratha. Since it’s made with fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranates, and papayas, it not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also helps in maintaining hydration levels.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups full-fat milk
- 2 tbsp custard powder (vanilla flavor)
- 2-3 tbsp sugar (adjust according to taste)
- A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)
- Fresh fruits of your choice (banana, apple, pomegranate, papaya, grapes, or any other fruit allowed during Navratri fasting)
- Saffron strands (optional)
- Chopped dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and pistachios (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Custard:
Start by boiling the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. In a small bowl, mix the custard powder with a little cold milk (about 2-3 tbsp) to form a smooth paste. Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat and slowly add the custard paste, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy custard. If the custard seems too thick, you can add more milk to adjust the consistency.
2. Sweeten the Custard:
Add sugar to the custard while it is still warm. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. You can also add a pinch of cardamom powder for extra flavor. Let the custard cool down completely. To add a touch of luxury and fragrance, you can soak a few strands of saffron in warm milk and add them to the custard mixture.
3. Prepare the Fruits:
While the custard is cooling, chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Choose a variety of seasonal fruits that are allowed during Navratri. Ensure you remove any seeds from fruits like pomegranates and grapes. Be creative with your fruit mix to add texture and color to the dessert.
4. Combine and Chill:
Once the custard has cooled, gently fold in the chopped fruits, making sure they are well-coated with the custard. If you want a crunchier texture, you can also add some chopped dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and pistachios at this point.
Refrigerate the fruit custard for about 1-2 hours to chill it thoroughly. This dessert is best served cold, and it will be even more delicious after a few hours when the flavors have blended well.
Tips for the Best Fruit Custard
- Use Full-Fat Milk: To get a rich and creamy texture, always use full-fat milk. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Since different fruits have varying levels of sweetness, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar you add to the custard.
- Variety of Fruits: Feel free to use fruits that are available during the season, but ensure they are suitable for fasting. Avoid citrus fruits, as they may not always be part of the fasting menu.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best taste and texture, allow the fruit custard to chill for a few hours before serving.
Fruit Custard is an easy-to-make, healthy, and delightful dessert that can elevate your Navratri celebration. With its creamy custard base and the sweetness of fresh fruits, it offers the perfect balance of flavor, nourishment, and refreshment. Whether you’re fasting or simply celebrating the festive season, this dish is sure to bring joy to your table. Enjoy it as a dessert or a light snack, and it’s bound to become a favorite part of your Navratri meals!
