Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India. It is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga and is marked by fasting, feasting, and various cultural activities. Navratri 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s time to start preparing for this auspicious occasion.
During Navratri, many people observe fasts where they abstain from eating certain foods like grains, meat, and alcohol. However, fasting doesn’t have to be boring or bland. There are plenty of delicious recipes that you can enjoy during this time, both for fasting and feasting. In this article, we will explore some mouth-watering recipes that you can try out during Navratri 2024.
Fasting Recipes:
1. Sabudana Khichdi:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
– 1 medium-sized potato, peeled and diced
– 1 green chili, chopped
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1/2 tsp rock salt
– 1/2 tsp sugar
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
– Lemon juice
Method:
1. Soak the sabudana in water for about 4-5 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the excess water and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
4. Add the diced potatoes and cook until they are soft.
5. Add the soaked sabudana, green chili, rock salt, and sugar.
6. Cook for a few minutes until the sabudana becomes translucent.
7. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
8. Serve hot with yogurt or green chutney.
2. Kuttu Ki Puri:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour)
– 1 boiled potato, mashed
– 1 green chili, chopped
– 1/2 tsp rock salt
– Water for kneading
– Ghee for frying
Method:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the kuttu ka atta, mashed potato, green chili, and rock salt.
2. Gradually add water and knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into puris.
4. Heat ghee in a pan and fry the puris until they are golden brown.
5. Serve hot with aloo sabzi or raita.
Feasting Recipes:
1. Paneer Tikka:
Ingredients:
– 200g paneer, cubed
– 1/2 cup yogurt
– 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tsp red chili powder
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– 1/2 tsp garam masala
– Salt to taste
– Lemon juice
– Oil for grilling
Method:
1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
2. Add the paneer cubes to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread the marinated paneer onto skewers and grill them until they are charred on all sides.
4. Serve hot with mint chutney and onion rings.
2. Aloo Gobi:
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized cauliflower, cut into florets
– 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 tomato, chopped
– 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 tsp red chili powder
– 1 tsp garam masala
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
– Oil for cooking
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
4. Add the chopped tomato, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
5. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
6. Add the cauliflower florets and potatoes to the pan and mix well.
7. Cover and cook on low heat until the vegetables are tender.
8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or rice.
FAQs:
1. Can I eat non-vegetarian food during Navratri?
No, Navratri is a period of fasting and purification, and it is customary to abstain from eating non-vegetarian food during this time.
2. Can I drink alcohol during Navratri?
No, alcohol is strictly prohibited during Navratri as it goes against the principles of purity and self-discipline that are observed during this festival.
3. Can I eat grains during Navratri?
Many people choose to abstain from eating grains during Navratri, but it ultimately depends on individual beliefs and customs. Some grains like buckwheat and amaranth are considered acceptable during fasting.
4. Can I eat garlic and onion during Navratri?
Garlic and onion are often avoided during Navratri as they are considered rajasic and tamasic foods that can interfere with the purity of the mind and body during this period.
5. Can I eat sweets during Navratri?
Yes, you can enjoy sweets made from ingredients like fruits, nuts, and dairy products during Navratri. Just make sure to use ingredients that are allowed during fasting.
In conclusion, Navratri is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration. By incorporating these delicious recipes into your Navratri menu, you can make the most of this auspicious occasion and enjoy the flavors of traditional Indian cuisine. Whether you are fasting or feasting, these recipes are sure to add a touch of joy and flavor to your Navratri celebrations in 2024.
