Rosewater Tarts That Bring a Floral Twist to Maha Shivratri Desserts

Maha Shivratri is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to the Lord Shiva, known as the god of destruction and regeneration. This festival is held on the 14th day of the dark fortnight (begins after the full moon, when the moon wanes day by day until it becomes completely dark) in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna or Magha, usually falling in February or March. Devotees pray, fast, and perform various spiritual activities on this day to seek divine blessings and inner peace. Om Namah Shivaya" is chanted in every temple across India, and the air is filled with devotion.

Fasting forms the core of the rituals and is often combined with sattvic foods, which nourish both the soul and the body. Although traditional offerings include fruits, milk-based sweets, and dry fruits, why not spice it up this year? Think of something unusual, Rosewater Tarts. These tarts balance fasting requirements while introducing an aromatic, floral dimension to your Maha Shivratri celebrations.

Why Add Rosewater to Tarts for Maha Shivratri Desserts?

The floral aroma of rosewater has been a traditional ingredient in Indian desserts. It complements the sattvic diet for Maha Shivratri very well with its refreshingly contrasting flavor; it also provides a cooling effect, much required during fasting. The rosewater's delicate essence adds sweet, fragrant appeal without overpowering the dessert. Thus, the rosewater tart is aesthetically pleasing and more than that a unique offering that symbolizes spirituality for the worship of Lord Shiva.

Rosewater Tart for Maha Shivratri Dessert

Ingredients

• 200g crushed digestive biscuits
• 100g melted unsalted butter
• 200ml heavy cream
• 200ml condensed milk
• 1 tsp rosewater
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)
• Fresh rose petals or dried edible roses
• 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water

Method:

Start by making the tart crust. In a bowl, combine crushed digestive biscuits with melted butter until the mixture looks sticky and binds well.

Press into a tart tin, make sure it fills the base and sides, set in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Warm the heavy cream over a low heat. It needs to just steam. Do not let it boil.

Add the condensed milk and mix together to make a thick base, smooth and creamy.

Add rosewater and powdered sugar to the mixture. Add to taste, since it should be only slightly sweet to highlight the rosewater fragrance.

If using food coloring, add a few drops for a pale pink color. Mix gently until the color is evenly dispersed.

Slowly add the cornflour slurry, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Take the tart crust out of the fridge and pour the filling into the prepared base. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

Let the tart cool down to room temperature and refrigerate it for 3-4 hours or until set completely.

Garnish the tart with fresh rose petals or edible dried roses before serving. Cut into slices and serve chilled.

8 Delicious Ways to Elevate Maha Shivratri Desserts with Rosewater

Rosewater Lassi

Mix chilled yoghurt, milk, rosewater, and sugar in a small blender. Slightly thicken the lassi by adding crushed pistachios, rose petals, and have a hydration drink that is sattvic and flavorful.

Rosewater Kheer

Add a teaspoon of rose water to your conventional rice kheer while serving. This subtle flavor enhances the aroma of this dessert and the creaminess that it leaves on the palate.

Rosewater Peda

Knead the milk peda dough with some rosewater. Proceed to shape into discs and top them with a single rose petal and silver varq for a sweet dish that looks tempting.

Rosewater Coconut Ladoos

Add rosewater to coconut ladoo batter to bring out the floral flavors in it. Roll the ladoos in desiccated coconut and sprinkle edible rose dust to finish it elegantly.

Rosewater Malpua

The soaked malpuas can be dressed up by including rosewater to the sugar syrup. This little creativity imparts the malpua with an excellent floral flavor.

Rosewater Phirni

Add the rosewater into the phirni when it is cooling. Serve in clay pots, garnished with rose petals and slivered almonds for the divine touch.

Rosewater Barfi

Transform the traditional barfi by adding rosewater to its batter. The garnishing of pistachios and edible roses will give this classic dessert a modern twist.

Rosewater Milkshake

Blend cold milk, sugar, rosewater, and a few strands of saffron. Top it with some crushed nuts to make a beautiful garnish as the drink quenches thirst perfectly while fasting for Maha Shivratri.