Navratri fasting brings traditional favourites like sabudana khichdi, kuttu puris, makhana and fruit chaat to the table. This festive season, Chef Neha Deepak Shah suggests introducing a refreshing twist to your vrat thali with cranberries. Their naturally tart flavour and vibrant colour can complement familiar fasting ingredients, making everyday recipes feel a little more exciting.

Here are two simple recipes to try this Navratri.

1. Cranberry and Makhana Chaat

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup makhana
  • 2 tbsp dried US cranberries
  • 1 small boiled potato, diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped cucumber
  • 1 tbsp roasted peanuts
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Rock salt and roasted cumin powder, as permitted during fasting
  • 1 tsp ghee

Method:

  1. Heat ghee in a pan and roast the makhana until crisp.
  2. Allow them to cool slightly, then combine with diced potato, cucumber, peanuts and dried cranberries.
  3. Add lemon juice, rock salt and roasted cumin powder.
  4. Toss gently and serve immediately to retain the crunch.

The sweet-tart cranberries balance the savoury ingredients, while makhana and peanuts add a satisfying crunch. Check that all ingredients comply with your fasting traditions.

2. Cranberry and Coconut Ladoos

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup desiccated coconut
  • ¼ cup dried US cranberries, finely chopped
  • 6–8 soft dates, deseeded
  • 2 tbsp warm milk or a permitted plant-based alternative, if needed
  • 1 tbsp chopped almonds

Method:

  1. Blend the dates into a thick paste, adding a little warm milk only if required.
  2. Transfer to a bowl and mix with desiccated coconut, chopped cranberries and almonds.
  3. Shape the mixture into small ladoos using your hands.
  4. Roll each ladoo in a little extra coconut and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving.

These naturally sweet ladoos offer a festive alternative to sugar-heavy desserts, with cranberries adding a tangy contrast to the coconut and dates.

Both recipes are easy to prepare at home and can bring variety to your Navratri menu. Choose unsweetened dried cranberries where available, check labels for added ingredients, and adapt the recipes to your family’s fast guidelines.