Navratri is a nine-night festival celebrated in India to honor the goddess Durga. It is a time for fasting, prayer, and celebration. During Navratri, many people choose to fast and abstain from eating certain foods as a way to purify the body and mind. Fasting during Navratri is not only a spiritual practice but also a way to detoxify the body and give it a break from heavy, processed foods.
One of the key aspects of Navratri fasting is the focus on eating sattvic foods, which are considered pure, light, and easy to digest. These foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and grains like buckwheat, amaranth, and quinoa. During Navratri, many people also avoid eating onions, garlic, and certain spices to maintain the purity of their food.
If you are fasting during Navratri and looking for delicious recipes to enjoy during this festive season, look no further! In this article, we will share some mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for Navratri fasting.
1. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi is a popular dish made with tapioca pearls, peanuts, and spices. It is light, flavorful, and easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for Navratri fasting. To make sabudana khichdi, soak the tapioca pearls in water for a few hours, then sauté them with roasted peanuts, cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
2. Kuttu Ka Dosa
Kuttu ka dosa is a savory pancake made with buckwheat flour, potatoes, and spices. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a delicious and filling meal for Navratri fasting. To make kuttu ka dosa, mix buckwheat flour with mashed potatoes, green chilies, ginger, and salt. Spread the batter on a hot griddle and cook until golden brown. Serve with a side of coconut chutney or yogurt.
3. Lauki Ki Kheer
Lauki ki kheer is a creamy and comforting dessert made with bottle gourd, milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for Navratri fasting. To make lauki ki kheer, grate the bottle gourd and cook it in milk until soft. Add sugar, cardamom, and nuts of your choice, and simmer until the kheer thickens. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of saffron on top.
4. Arbi Fry
Arbi fry is a simple and delicious side dish made with taro root, spices, and herbs. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal during Navratri fasting. To make arbi fry, peel and slice the taro root, then sauté it with cumin seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt until golden brown. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
5. Makhana Kheer
Makhana kheer is a rich and creamy dessert made with fox nuts, milk, sugar, and nuts. It is a decadent treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during Navratri fasting. To make makhana kheer, roast the fox nuts in ghee until crispy, then cook them in milk until soft. Add sugar, cardamom, and nuts of your choice, and simmer until the kheer thickens. Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
6. Rajgira Paratha
Rajgira paratha is a gluten-free flatbread made with amaranth flour, potatoes, and spices. It is soft, fluffy, and flavorful, making it a great alternative to regular wheat parathas during Navratri fasting. To make rajgira paratha, mix amaranth flour with mashed potatoes, green chilies, ginger, and salt. Roll out the dough into flatbreads and cook them on a hot griddle until golden brown. Serve with a side of yogurt or pickle.
7. Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is a popular Indian appetizer made with marinated paneer cubes, vegetables, and spices. It is a protein-rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for Navratri fasting. To make paneer tikka, marinate paneer cubes and vegetables in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Skewer the marinated paneer and vegetables and grill them until charred and fragrant. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon and fresh mint chutney.
8. Sweet Potato Chaat
Sweet potato chaat is a tangy and spicy snack made with roasted sweet potatoes, spices, and chutneys. It is a healthy and satisfying dish that is perfect for munching on during Navratri fasting. To make sweet potato chaat, roast diced sweet potatoes in the oven until crispy, then toss them with chaat masala, lemon juice, green chilies, and fresh coriander. Drizzle with sweet tamarind chutney and mint chutney, and serve immediately.
9. Samak Rice Pulao
Samak rice pulao is a fragrant and flavorful dish made with barnyard millet, vegetables, and spices. It is a light and nutritious meal that is perfect for Navratri fasting. To make samak rice pulao, sauté diced vegetables in ghee, then add soaked barnyard millet, water, and spices. Cook until the millet is tender and fluffy, then garnish with fresh herbs and nuts. Serve hot with a side of yogurt or raita.
10. Makhane Ki Sabzi
Makhane ki sabzi is a creamy and indulgent dish made with fox nuts, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is a rich and flavorful curry that is perfect for special occasions during Navratri fasting. To make makhane ki sabzi, roast the fox nuts in ghee until crispy, then cook them in a tomato-onion gravy flavored with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and garam masala. Simmer until the curry thickens, then garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or roti.
Navratri FAQs:
Q: Can I eat grains during Navratri fasting?
A: Yes, you can eat certain grains like buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, barnyard millet, and samak rice during Navratri fasting. These grains are considered sattvic and are allowed during the fasting period.
Q: Can I eat dairy products during Navratri fasting?
A: Yes, you can eat dairy products like milk, yogurt, paneer, and ghee during Navratri fasting. Dairy products are considered sattvic and are allowed during the fasting period.
Q: Can I eat fruits and vegetables during Navratri fasting?
A: Yes, you can eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables during Navratri fasting. Fresh fruits and vegetables are considered sattvic and are highly recommended during the fasting period.
Q: Can I eat nuts and seeds during Navratri fasting?
A: Yes, you can eat nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds during Navratri fasting. Nuts and seeds are considered sattvic and are a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Q: Can I eat fried foods during Navratri fasting?
A: It is best to avoid fried foods during Navratri fasting as they are heavy, greasy, and difficult to digest. Instead, opt for roasted, baked, or steamed foods that are lighter on the stomach.
In conclusion, Navratri is a time for fasting, prayer, and celebration, and it is important to choose foods that are pure, light, and easy to digest. These delicious recipes for the fasting season are perfect for satisfying your hunger and nourishing your body during Navratri. Whether you are looking for a savory pancake, a creamy dessert, or a protein-rich appetizer, these recipes have got you covered. Enjoy the festive season with these mouthwatering dishes and feel the blessings of the goddess Durga in every bite.
