Prasad, an essential part of Indian culture, holds a significant place in religious ceremonies and festivities. It is a blessed offering, often presented to devotees in temples, during kirtans, and jagrans, especially during auspicious occasions like Navratri. Fruits, being a common type of prasad, are often offered to the deities and later distributed among devotees as a sign of divine blessings.
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These fruits, rich in nutrients and flavour, are versatile and can be transformed into various vrat-friendly recipes that align with fasting guidelines during festivals. Instead of consuming these fruits as is, you can creatively reuse them to prepare delicious and wholesome dishes that are not only tasty but also nourishing during your fasts.
7 Ways To Reuse Prasad Fruits For Vrat-Friendly Recipes
Fruit Chaat
Fruit chaat is a quick and easy dish that can be made with prasad fruits like apples, bananas, papayas, or pears. Chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a mixture of rock salt, roasted cumin powder, and a dash of lemon juice. You can add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavour. This refreshing and tangy dish is not only light but also filled with vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect option for a midday snack during fasting.
Smoothies
Turn your prasad fruits into a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Take fruits like bananas, apples, or pomegranates, blend them with yoghurt or coconut milk, and add a bit of honey or jaggery for sweetness. You can also include in a handful of nuts or seeds for added nutrition. Smoothies are a great way to stay hydrated and energised during your fast, and they’re quick to prepare. Additionally, they’re rich in fibre, which helps you stay full for a longer time.
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Fruit Pudding
If you’re craving something sweet, a fruit pudding made from prasad fruits is a great option. You can use bananas, mangoes, or even papayas for this recipe. Mash the fruits and mix them with a little milk or coconut milk and a natural sweetener like jaggery or honey. Add cardamom powder for an aromatic flavour, and let the mixture set in the refrigerator for a few hours. This creamy and indulgent pudding is perfect as a dessert or an evening snack during your fast.
Fruit Popsicles
Fruit popsicles are a refreshing treat, especially if you're fasting during warmer months. To make them, simply puree fruits like watermelon, mango, or banana with some water or coconut water. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze them for a few hours. You can even add chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey before freezing to enhance the flavour. These popsicles are not only cool but also provide a burst of energy, keeping you hydrated and refreshed throughout the day.
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Kheer
Kheer, a traditional Indian dessert, can be made vrat-friendly by using fruits like bananas or apples along with sabudana (tapioca pearls) or barnyard millet. Cook the sabudana or millet in milk until it softens, and then add mashed prasad fruits and a touch of jaggery or sugar for sweetness. Garnish with cardamom powder and chopped nuts like almonds or cashews. This creamy, fruit-infused kheer is a comforting and satisfying dessert option during fasts, offering both taste and nutrition.
Fruit And Nut Energy Balls
For a quick energy boost during fasting, you can make fruit and nut energy balls using prasad fruits. Simply chop dried fruits like dates, raisins, or figs and mix them with mashed prasad fruits like bananas or apples. Add crushed nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts, along with a little desiccated coconut. Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate them for an hour. These energy balls are packed with nutrients and are a convenient on-the-go snack during fasting.
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Fruit Salad With Yoghurt
A simple fruit salad with yoghurt can be a nutritious and filling meal during your fast, especially for a lunch meal. Take your prasad fruits, chop them into small pieces, and mix them with fresh yoghurt. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour. You can also top the salad with chia seeds or chopped nuts for added crunch. This dish is light yet packed with protein, fibre, and probiotics, making it an excellent option to keep you energised throughout the day.