The vibrant festival of Navratri is not just about fasting; it's also a time to explore and indulge in a variety of delectable dishes. These Navratri recipes can elevate your fasting experience, making it both nourishing and enjoyable. Here are nine dishes you can try this festive season to keep your energy levels high and your palate satisfied.
Buckwheat Pancakes
Begin your day with a twist by making Buckwheat Pancakes. Kuttu ka Atta (buckwheat flour) is a staple during Navratri due to its fasting-friendly nature. Here’s how you can prepare this dish:
- 1 cup of buckwheat flour
- 1⁄2 cup of mashed banana
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Mix the flour, mashed banana, cardamom, and salt. Gradually add water to make a smooth batter, ensuring there are no lumps. Heat a non-stick pan, pour a ladleful of batter, and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until both sides are golden brown.
🍌 Note: For a fluffier texture, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the batter.
Samak Rice Khichdi
For a comforting and sattvik meal, try Samak Rice Khichdi. Samak rice, also known as barnyard millet, is a fasting grain that’s easy to digest.
- 1 cup samak rice
- 1⁄2 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Rinse the samak rice. In a pot, heat some ghee, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle. Add potatoes, green chili, and sauté. Then, add the rice, salt, and enough water. Cook until the rice is soft. Garnish with coriander before serving.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is perhaps the most popular Navratri recipe. Here’s a simple version:
- 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- 1 medium potato, cubed
- 2 tbsp peanuts, roasted and crushed
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- Sugar (optional)
- Lemon juice for tang
Soak sabudana overnight. In a pan, heat ghee, add cumin seeds, then potatoes and chilies. Once potatoes are soft, mix in the sabudana, crushed peanuts, salt, and cook till translucent. Optionally add sugar for a sweet-salty taste.
Rajgira Thalipeeth
Rajgira Thalipeeth is a delightful flatbread made from amaranth flour.
- 1 cup Rajgira flour
- 1⁄4 cup mashed potato
- Green chilies, chopped
- 1 tbsp coriander, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Combine all ingredients into a dough. Divide into balls, flatten them on a sheet, and cook on a tawa with some oil until golden. Serve hot with yogurt or a fasting-friendly dip.
Phool Makhana Chaat
For a quick snack or starter, try Phool Makhana Chaat. Here’s how:
- 2 cups phool makhana (fox nuts)
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1⁄2 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Roast the makhana until crisp. In a bowl, mix them with spices, lime juice, peanuts, and garnish with coriander. This is a light, flavorful snack perfect for the festive atmosphere.
Kuttu ki Puri
Kuttu ki Puri is a delightfully crisp accompaniment to any fasting meal.
- 1 cup kuttu ka atta
- 1⁄4 cup mashed potatoes
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Mix the ingredients into a dough, adding water gradually. Divide into small balls, roll out, and deep fry until they puff up and turn golden. Serve with a fasting-friendly curry or simply seasoned yogurt.
Singhara Atta Halwa
End your meal with Singhara Atta Halwa, a delicious and nutritious dessert.
- 1 cup singhara atta (water chestnut flour)
- 1⁄2 cup ghee
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄2 tsp cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts for garnish
Heat ghee in a pan, add the flour, and roast until it turns golden. In another pot, boil water with sugar to make a syrup. Pour this into the flour mixture, stirring continuously. Add cardamom and nuts. Cook until the halwa thickens.
Fruit Salad with Sabudana Kheer
For a refreshing dessert, combine Fruit Salad with Sabudana Kheer.
- 1⁄2 cup sabudana
- 2 cups milk
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- Assorted fruits like bananas, apples, strawberries
Soak sabudana, then cook it with milk and sugar until creamy. Let it cool, then mix in the chopped fruits. Serve chilled for a sweet ending to your Navratri meal.
Cucumber Raita
Accompany your dishes with a cool and creamy Cucumber Raita.
- 2 cucumbers, grated
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed. This raita is perfect to balance the heat in your Navratri dishes.
Navratri is a celebration of renewal, devotion, and culinary creativity. These nine recipes not only adhere to the traditional fasting rules but also offer a delightful taste experience. Whether you're fasting or not, trying these dishes can provide a fresh perspective on what fasting food can be, enriching your Navratri with flavors and nutrition. Enjoy these dishes with family and friends, making this festive season a memorable one.
Can I eat these dishes if I’m not fasting?
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Absolutely! These recipes are designed to be light, nutritious, and flavorful, making them a great choice for anyone looking for healthy eating options.
What are some common Navratri fasting rules?
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During Navratri, many avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and grains like wheat and rice. Instead, fasting foods like buckwheat, water chestnut flour, and millets are used.
How can I make these dishes more appealing to children?
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Incorporate fun shapes and colors. Use cookie cutters for puris, or add a drizzle of honey to make halwa more kid-friendly. Presentation can also play a big role in enticing children.
