Date & Fig Basundi? Saffron-infused dessert recipes to add sweetness this season

Updated On: 12 October, 2023 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Ainie Rizvi

Mumbai chefs share a selection of fasting sweet recipes that offer a balance between taste and tradition

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5 unique saffron-infused dessert recipes for Navratri. Image Courtesy: iStock

In the vibrant Mumbai city, Navratri ushers in a unique blend of spirituality and culinary celebration. Beyond the dynamic dances and folk melodies, it also serves as a time of introspection and self-purification, where devotees observe fasts as a means to cleanse the mind, body and soul.

During Navratri, fasting is not merely a dietary practice – it’s an act of spiritual discipline, an offering to the divine. Devotees abstain from regular grains and embrace a nourishing diet that aligns with the festival`s sacred nature. The choice of ingredients and the preparation of fasting recipes reflect the rich tapestry that turns Mumbai into a melting pot of delectable delights.

The art of eating right during Navratri goes beyond sustenance; it is about honouring tradition, seeking purity and finding spiritual upliftment through food. In this feature, we explore a selection of fasting sweet recipes that offer a balance between taste and tradition.

Navratri fasting sweet recipes:

Singhare ka Halwa

Ingredients:
Chestnut flour with water (singhare ka atta), 1 cup
Jaggery, 1/2 cup
Ghee, 1/4 cup
Chopped mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios), 1/2 cup
Cardamom powder, 1/4 teaspoon
Saffron strands, a pinch
Water, 1 1/2 cups

Method:
1. Start by heating the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
2. Add the water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta) to the ghee. Roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, heat the water and bring it to a boil. You can add saffron strands to the water at this stage for added flavour and colour.
4. Gradually, add the hot water to the roasted water chestnut flour while stirring continuously. Be careful as it may sputter.
5. Add jaggery to the mixture and keep stirring. The mixture will thicken and start to leave the sides of the pan.
6. Add cardamom powder and mix it well.
7. In a separate small pan, lightly roast the chopped mixed nuts in a little ghee until they become golden.
8. Garnish the halwa with the roasted nuts.
9. Serve the Singhare ka Halwa hot and enjoy the sweet, nutty and aromatic flavours of this Navratri delicacy.
Recipe by Chef Rahul Punjabi, Masala Library

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Home / Lifestyle / Food / Article / Date & Fig Basundi? Saffron-infused dessert recipes to add sweetness this season