Maha Shivratri 2024: 5 Kheer Recipes For Your Vrat
Maha Shivratri is among the most important Hindu festivals in India and it is celebrated worldwide. The emotions of Hindus are connected with religious beliefs and traditional customs.
This festival is referred to as the wedding of Lord Shiva. The sacred time when the new moon is born on the 14th dark fortnight of February-March Hindu Lunar Month is considered auspicious, marking the commencement of Holi celebrations.
Fasting during Maha Shivratri is significant to Hindus as it represents self-control and cleanliness of spirituality. Devotees perform fasting, don’t eat food, and eat certain vegetables to a bare minimum. After the whole day of fasting, people eat fruits and other fasting food to complete their fast. It is important to stay hydrated during fasting, and what to eat after fasting is also important.
The recipe for the Indian favourite dessert, Kheer, plays a significant part in the menu of this celebration. Produced with milk, rice, grains, and nuts, it is a most loved treat. Thus, this dish is also distributed as ‘Prasadam’ after prayers in many temples. This dish is a perfect example of sweetness and prosperity. Let’s focus on the top five healthier kheer recipes people can make and eat during Maha Shivratri fasting.
Easy Kheer Recipes For Maha Shivratri Fasting
1. Quinoa Kheer
Image Credit: Freepik
Quinoa, a protein-giving grain, is a great substitute for rice when making kheer. First, wash the quinoa several times and add milk to the cooking pot, which should remain boiling until the quinoa softens. Add a hint of cardamom and natural jaggery or honey to sweeten it for a healthy version. Quinoa, in terms of protein, fiber, and minerals, contains all the necessary nutrients that make this kheer a great, delicious, and healthy dessert for a fasting day.
2. Oats And Dates Kheer
Image Credit: Freepik
If you’re looking for a highly fibrous choice with a smooth and sweet taste, try oats and dates. Cook oats in milk until soft, then add softened dates for sweetness. Dates are an amazing source of energy and vital minerals, while oats provide a long-term fuel release that makes people full for a longer time. Sprinkle the nuts in bits and pieces to create a nice crunch for texture and better nutrition.
3. Sabudana Kheer
Image Credit: Freepik
Similarly, Sabudana is most preferred during fasting days because it can be easily adapted for different recipes and is very fast to cook. Cook the sabudana in milk until they become translucent, and then sweeten them to taste with sugar or honey. Add a pinch of saffron for flavour and sprinkle with crushed pistachio, cashew, and almonds. Sabudana is very easily digestible and gives an instant energy shot during fast.
4. Coconut Milk Kheer
Image Credit: Freepik
Instead of dairy, go for coconut milk, which serves as a rich and lovely base for kheer. Combine coconut milk with soaked rice until rice is soft, then use jaggery or maple syrup to sweeten. Coconut milk has a high nutritious fat content. Finish by topping with ground coconut for additional texture and flavour. Add some nuts and seeds and enjoy the festival.
5. Almond And Millet Kheer
Image Credit: Freepik
This kheer is a new favourite of all kheer lovers. It is very good in taste and also very healthy. Simmer millet and almonds in milk until tender. Add some almond flour to add flavour and richness. Avoid using sugar and instead use honey or maple syrup. Lastly, finish it off with a hint of cinnamon. Almonds are typically rich in antioxidants, non-dairy fats, and carbohydrates, making this a wholesome and satisfying option after fasting the whole day.
This Maha Shivratri, try these kheer recipes for fasting traditions while at the same time opting for healthy and tasty recipes. Make it by using easily available favourite ingredients as per choice. May the Maha Shivratri festival Mahadev bless everyone with good health.
