Navratri with the rituals and dietary restrictions can be challenging if you've just turned vegan or if you've been a committed vegan for years-long. Many of the desserts from kheer to halwa contain dairy; however, you don't have to miss out on the yummy treats as going without does not mean missing out. If you are seeking vegan alternatives to traditional dairy milk, you're in luck. So, whether you have been a vegan for some time or just made the switch, here is your guide to the best vegan milk to ensure that your dietary choices don't take away the festive fun of Navratri, especially while fasting with wholesome ingredients.
Almond Milk
A good source of dairy-free milk that could be utilized in many Navratri dishes is almond milk. It has a slightly nutty taste and a fairly creamy texture, so it can be well used for desserts like kheer or payasam for which milk forms an integral part. It can be utilised for smoothies or shakes as well to break your fast. Being rich in vitamin E and low on calories, almond milk is a great nutritious and fasting-friendly choice. You can always use the same amount of almond milk instead of dairy milk while preparing kheer to make a luscious dessert.
Coconut Milk
With its richness in texture, coconut milk will simply prove ideal for rich and indulgent Navratri sweets like sabudana kheer or halwa. It gives a light coconut flavour to the dishes which gives an altogether new character to the traditioal dishes. Coconut milk can also be used in savoury dishes such as alternatives to paneer-based curries or coconut chutneys. It is naturally full of healthy fats and provides an indulgent, silky base to so many recipes. When using coconut milk in dishes that require boiling, remember to stir it frequently, as it can separate if left unattended.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is a plant-based protein-rich milk used pretty often as a cow's milk substitute while cooking or baking. It tastes neutral, so it is rather handy for making all kinds of preparations for Navratri. You can use soy milk to make vegan lassi, thandai, or even sabudana kheer. This makes soy milk as useful in recipes requiring some richness and creaminess as dairy milk. When soy milk is used in desserts, a little extra sweetness may have to be added to it since it can be slightly bitter all by itself.
Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is very creamy and smooth; hence it will prove very useful in rich, indulgent dishes like makhane ki kheer or rasmalai. It has a subtle sweetness to it, which is quite nice in combination with traditional Indian sweets. Also, cashew milk can be used in the preparation of vegan paneer for fasting-friendly curries or stir-fries. Cashew milk goes well in those recipes where one wants to have a rich, silky texture, and the milk can even be mixed with spices like cardamom or saffron for enhanced flavours.
Oat Milk
Oat milk has gained popularity for its creamy texture and mild, neutral flavour. It is versatile, and can be used just as easily in sweet or savoury Navratri dishes. You could make sabudana khichdi or even kuttu dosa batter with it. Oat milk also adds creaminess to your vegan chai or fruit-based smoothies when breaking a fast. It is naturally full of fibre and a good source of vitamins, making it the best choice when fasting. It goes well with both sweet and savoury foods, so it can be used with any vegan milk recipe.
Rice Milk
Rice milk is a lighter and a little bit sweeter version of the dairy milk. It is ideal for the lighter desserts, as in fruit custards or milkshakes. Use it to make falooda or badam milk with vegan-friendly ingredients. Rice milk is hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with nut or soy allergies during fasting. It's not as creamy as almond or coconut milk; however, it still presents a good base for sweet dishes. You can use it for making vegan malai or rabri by simmering until it is thick.