Navratri is the time for deep, earnest prayers and fasting with a pure heart. For all those of you who fast during these nine days, here are some delicious recipes that you can try this year to tickle your taste buds.
Although different parts of India have their unique way of worshipping Goddess Durga, some basic things are common to all. In North India, the following ingredients are mainly consumed during fasting.
- Buckwheat flour (Kuttu ka atta)
- Amaranth flour (Rajgira atta)
- Water chestnut flour ( Singhare ka atta)
- Barnyard millet (Vrat ke chawal)
- Sago ( Sabudana)
- Peanuts
- All nuts and dry fruits
- Fruits
- Rock salt
- Some vegetables such as Bottlegourd, Tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkin etc.
Some Popular Dishes
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi is the most popular snack during fast and is quite simple to make.
Ingredients – One cup Sabudana, peanuts, two medium-sized potatoes, 1-2 green chillies, , ½ cup peanuts, 3 tablespoons oil or ghee, ½ teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon jeera and rock salt to taste.
Preparation
Soak sabudana overnight and strain the excess water. Boil and cut potatoes into small pieces and keep aside. Roast peanuts separately in a little ghee and crush them a little. Take oil/ghee in a heavy pan and add jeera and green chillies cut in small pieces, Stir fry on medium heat and then add boiled potatoes. Stir for 2-3 minutes and then add sabudana and crushed peanuts. Add rock salt and sugar and keep stirring for 3-5 minutes. Add lemon juice and take off the heat.
Kaddu ki Sabji
Ingredients – Yellow pumpkin, 1-2 green chillies, 3 tablespoons oil or ghee, ½ teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon jeera and rock salt to taste.
Preparation
Take the pumpkin (Kaddu) and peel and cut it into small pieces and keep aside. Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add jeera and green chillies and fry for a while on medium heat. Add chopped pumpkin, rock salt and sugar and mix well. Add one cup water and close the cooker with its lid and llet it cook for 8-10 minutes. Open the cooker and cook till pumpkin is mushy. Add a little amchur and your dish is ready.
Final words:
Navratri fast recipes are quick to prepare and easy to digest as well. These traditional vrat recipes not only nourish the body but also allow you to detox and rejuvenate during this auspicious period. Enjoy the essence of Navratri with these easy-to-digest dishes that align with the spiritual goals of the festival.
