Navratri is a nine-day celebration wherein Hindus properly respect to the Goddess Durga by observing fasts. During this period, devotees avoid consuming grains, meats, onions, garlic, and alcohol, but they consume simple, pure satvik food, including fruits, vegetables, and milk products. This fast is believed to cleanse the body and mind. If you are craving something flavorful during these fasts, here are some easy recipes you can prepare during Navratri.
1.Mango Lassi
Lassi has a long history in India, and originated in Punjab. This mango-flavored lassi is the perfect treat during the Navratri festival. It is made from mangoes and yogurt and often flavored with rose water and cardamom powder. You can add saffron or pistachios to make it even better.
2.Basundi
Basundi is one of the most famous sweet desserts in the Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.It is prepared during Navratri and special celebrations in Gujarat. To make this basundi the milk is cooked on low flame for 30 minutes, and add nuts, cardamom, saffron, and some chopped nuts.
3.Sabudana Vada
These crispy Maharashtrian-style sabudana vadas are perfect for the Navratri fasting days. Tapioca pearls (sabudana) are added to the mashed potatoes, then mixed with crushed peanuts, spices and herbs, and then lemon, sugar, and salt are added to give it a unique flavor. Sabudana Vadas are crunchy on the inside and soft on the inside.
4.Sama Rice Pulao
It is one of the easiest dishes to prepare during Navratri fasting. Samvat rice is made from wild millet mixed with nuts, herbs and spices. This rice pulao is also vegan and gluten- free. Enjoy this delightful dish with a bowl of Vrat ki Kadhai or Vrat wale aloo for a quick and tasty lunch.
5.Sweet Potato Tikkis
Sweet potatoes contain high nutrients and dietary fiber. They are highly consumed during fasts to provide energy. These Sweet potato tikkis are perfect for fasts. These tikkis sweet potatoes are mixed with crushed peanuts, green chilies, singhara atta, spices, and herbs. Serve these sweet potato tikkis with falahari green chutney and coconut chutney.
6.Banana Chips
These snacks are prepared by frying bananas in a deep fryer until they are crunchy and crispy. They are then seasoned with a small amount of rock salt, black pepper, and other spices allowed during fasting. Banana Chips provide immunity to those who are fasting. This combination of saltiness and sweetness will be loved by you.
7.Gujarati Piyush
This Gujarati Piyush is one of the delightful beverages to consume during Navratri Vrat. This creamy blend of yogurt with buttermilk and sugar, and flavored with saffron and cardamom, garnish it with dried rose petals, chopped nuts, and nutmegs. This drink is perfect to keep you refreshed and energized while fasting.
8.Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a simple and delicious dish. It is packed with vitamins and nutrients. You just need to soak the tapioca pearls overnight, then cook it with cumin seeds, green chilies, boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, and approved spices for the fasting. Serve it hot or warm, and garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. Enjoy it with coconut chutney or yogurt.
9.Kaddu Ki Sabji
One of the easiest dishes to consume during fasts is this kaddu ki sabji. All you have to do is cut the pumpkin into small pieces, add some mild spices, and stir it all together. Sprinkle some fresh coriander and serve it hot with kuttu ki puri or sama rice.
10.Kuttu Ki Puri
These crispy flatbreads made with buckwheat flour are quite popular to consume with arbi curry or kaddu ki sabji. To make kattu ki puri mix it with water and spices. Then, knead it into a soft dough and roll it into small circles. Fry in hot oil until puffing and golden brown. They have a nutty texture, which makes them taste so good.
11.Arbi Curry
This flavorful dish is one of the most delicious dishes to prepare during any fast. In this dish the tender pieces of arbi cooked in a spicy sauce with spices and herbs. It’s usually made without onions or garlic, so you don’t have to follow the fasting rules. Arbi is rich in fiber and vitamins making it a healthy option for those keeping fast.
12.Almond Walnut Energy Balls
These small and tasty bites provide you instant energy during fasts.All you have to do is crush almonds, walnuts, powdered rock sugar, and ghee, then make small balls from the mixture, and your almond walnut energy balls are ready to eat. You can store them in a jar so that you can consume them anytime.
13.Makhane Ki Kheer
Makhane ki Kheer is another one of the delicious desserts prepared during fasts, since makhana contains minerals and vitamins. This yummy dish has makhana nuts, milk, ghee, sugar, and dried fruits. Serve it chilled or warm and garnished it with golden cashews and raisins. You can also add vanilla essence to enhance the flavor of the kheer.
14.Fruit Chaat
For those who want something refreshing and delicious, then this fruit chaat is for you. Since fruits are the best energy sources, minerals, vitamins, and protein, that’s why they are highly consumed during fasting days. Cut up some fresh fruits like apples, grapes and pears, bananas, pomegranates, strawberries and kiwis. Sprinkle some black pepper and rock salt on them for an additional taste.
15.Sabudana Bhel
Have you ever thought something spicy and delicious during your fasts? Then, it would be best if you tried this classic Sabudana Bhel recipe. It requires a few ingredients, such as tapioca pearls, potatoes, cumin seeds, green chilies, coriander leaves, rock salt, black pepper, and other spices. This dish keeps you full for a long time.
16.Singhare Ke Atte Ka Samosa
Craving for some crispy appetizer during Navratri, you must try these easy and delicious singhare ke atte ka samosa. This samosa will make you fall in love with its delicious flavors. You require only a few ingredients, such as water chestnut flour, arrowroot powder, chironji, sendha namak, etc. These samosas can also be served as a snack in the evening for those who are looking for a healthy and tasty snack in their everyday life.
17.Buckwheat Dosa (Kuttu Ka Dosa)
This delightful South Indian recipe is a real treat. You don’t have to spend a lot of time cooking Buckwheat Dosa because it’s so easy to make. Buckwheat is an excellent source of rich in fibre, a great source of iron and also it is diabetic friendly. All you have to do is mix buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta) with water and cumin seeds, and let it rest for half an hour. Cook it until crispy and serve it hot with yogurt.
18.Lauki Ka Halwa
A delicious and healthy treat to prepare during any fasts is Lauki Ka Halwa. It’s made with bottled gourd and milk, plus sugar and cardamom. To make it, you need to cook it in ghee until it’s tender, then mix it with milk to make it thick. Garnish with chopped nuts and enjoy this delicious dessert.
19.Lemon Rice
In south India, it is prevalent during Navratri or any other auspicious celebration to prepare this dish. It is made with cooked rice mixed with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and lemon juice. Add peanuts and cashews to this dish to get a crunchy texture.
20.Paneer Cutlets
Paneer is an excellent option for the Navratri fasting. Soft paneer is grated with mashed potatoes and then topped with cumin, rock salt, and a few other mild spices to make these delightful cutlets. These cutlets are packed with protein and calcium, so you’ll stay energized and on track with your fast. You can even top them off with some fresh coriander.
