6 Easy-To-Make And Delicious Navratri Fasting Recipes

Navratri and its Significance

Navratri is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The word “Navratri” means “nine nights” in Sanskrit, and it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Navratri festival is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga and her various incarnations. During these days, devotees observe fasts and perform Navratri pooja to seek the blessings of the goddess.

Each day of Navratri is associated with a different form of the goddess and is worshiped with great devotion and reverence. The festival is marked by elaborate rituals, colorful decorations, vibrant dance performances, and delicious Navratri recipes.

Navratri festival is celebrated in unique ways in different parts of India. Eastern India witnesses the life-sized idols of Maa Durga. The pandals can be as imaginative and yet real. Pujo fever is so palpable. At the other end of the country, Navratri means garba wherein the traditional attire is ghagra-choli and kurta pajama, and the motto is to dance all night. The northern part of the country sees Navratri as a pious time. People conduct religious bhajans as a part of the nine-day jagrata (without sleep). While in the south, Navratri is celebrated by placing various dolls on portable steps. This is called Golu, which symbolizes the life cycle and various aspects of human life.

Importance of Fasting During Navratri

Fasting during Navratri is an integral part of the nine-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Fasting offers numerous benefits for both the body and the mind. It helps in detoxification and cleansing of the system and gives your digestive system a much-needed break. Fasting is also believed to have positive effects on mental health. The practice of mindfulness and introspection during fasting promotes a sense of inner peace and spiritual well-being. Additionally, fasting during Navratri is said to enhance one’s spiritual connection with the goddess and increase devotion. If you’re curious and want to learn more about the cool benefits of Navratri fasting, check out our blog post right here.

The Navratri recipes we have curated for you are not only delicious but also adhere to the dietary guidelines followed during this time. By incorporating these Navratri recipes into your fasting, you can stay true to the traditions while enjoying a variety of flavors.

Key Ingredients for Navratri Fast Recipes

Before we dive into the Navratri recipes, let's take a look at some key ingredients that are commonly used in Navratri special food. These ingredients not only add flavor but also provide essential nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day.

1. Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls): Sabudana is a popular ingredient used in Navratri fast recipes. It is rich in carbohydrates and provides instant energy. Sabudana is commonly used to make dishes like Sabudana Khichdi and Sabudana Vada.
2. Kuttu Atta (Buckwheat Flour): Kuttu Atta is a gluten-free flour made from buckwheat. It is a staple in Navratri food and is used to make various dishes like Kuttu Ki Poori and Singhare Ke Atte Ka Samosa.
3. Singhare Atta (Water Chestnut Flour): Singhare Atta is another gluten-free flour that is widely used in Navratri fast recipes. It is packed with essential nutrients and is used to make dishes like Singhare Ke Atte Ka Samosa and Singhare Ke Atte Ki Puri.
4. Makhana (Fox Nuts): Makhana is a healthy snack option during fasting. It is low in calories and high in fiber. Makhana is commonly used to make desserts like Makhana Kheer.
5. Rajgira Atta (Amaranth Flour): Rajgira Atta is a nutritious flour made from amaranth seeds. It is rich in protein and essential amino acids. Rajgira Atta is used to make dishes like Rajgira Paratha and Rajgira Halwa.
6. Sendha namak (Rock salt): Used instead of regular salt, it is believed to have purifying properties and is considered suitable for fast recipes.

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the key ingredients, let’s move on to the Navratri food. We have compiled a list of 6 easy-to-make and mouthwatering Navratri recipes without compromising your dietary restrictions. Whether you follow a strict fast or simply want to try something new, these fast recipes are perfect for you. From crispy and flavorful Potato Discs to delectable Papaya and Apple Salad, each recipe is designed to offer a burst of flavor and wholesome nutrition. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and indulge in these scrumptious Navratri recipes. Be prepared to savor every bite and make your fasting experience truly enjoyable.

1. Whole Green Gram Sweet Sundal

Ingredients:

• Whole green gram: 1 ½ cup
• Jaggery: ½ cup (as per taste)
• Coconut scraping: ½ cup
• Green cardamom powder: ½ tsp.
• Ghee: 1 tbsp.
• Salt: a pinch

Recipe:

1. Soak the whole green gram dal for about 30 minutes.
2. Pressure cook it till 1 whistle comes. The dal should hold its shape and should not be mushy.
3. Spread the cooked dal on a plate and let it cool.
4. Grate jaggery and sprinkle on the cooled dal. Sprinkle coconut scrapings, green cardamom powder, and salt. Gently mix well. Take care not to turn the dal into a mushy mass. Top it up with a tablespoon of warm ghee.
5. The sundal recipe is not overly sweet. It should have just a bit of sweetness and a bit of savouriness. But the choice is purely individualistic.
6. One can serve this warm or at room temperature.

2. Potato Discs

Ingredients for spice mix:

• Fennel seeds: 1 tsp.
• Cumin seeds: ½ tsp.
• Black peppercorn: ½ tsp.
• Coriander seeds: ½ tsp.

Ingredients for the discs:

• Curd: ¼ cup
• Kashmiri red chili powder: 1 tsp.
• Sendha Namak: to taste
• Baby potatoes: ½ kg
• Ghee: 1 tbsp. + some for frying
• Spice mix: 1 tbsp.

Recipe:

1. To prepare a spice mix, take the ingredients and dry roast them lightly in a pan. Cool and crush them coarsely in a mortar and pestle and keep the spice mix aside.
2. Whisk the curd until smooth and creamy. Add Kashmiri red chili powder and salt to the curd.
3. Boil the baby potatoes till just done. Ensure not to overboil it. Peel and prick the potatoes with a fork.
4. Soak the boiled potatoes in the curd for about an hour.
5. Take individual potatoes and press them in between the palms to resemble a disc. Repeat it with other potatoes.
6. Heat some ghee in a wok and deep fry the potato discs.
7. Take them out on absorbent paper.
8. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee and add in a tablespoon of the prepared spice mix. Swirl it and pour over the fried discs. Mix well. Serve the discs hot.

3. Paneer and Makhana Curry with Buckwheat Flour Poori

Ingredients to grind to a paste:

• Cashew: 4-5 pieces
• Green cardamom: 1
• Clove: 2
• Bay leaf: 1
• Cumin seeds: 1 tsp.
• Poppy seeds: ½ tsp.
• Milk: ¼ cup

Ingredients for curry:

• Paneer: 200 grams
• Makhana or lotus seeds: ½ cup
• Ghee: 2 tbsps.
• Pepper powder: ½ tsp.
• Sendha salt: to taste
• Milk: ¼ cup
• Cream: 2-3 tbsps.

Ingredients for Poori:

• Buckwheat flour: 2 cups
• Boiled and peeled potato: 2
• Sendha salt: to taste
• Ghee for frying

Recipe:

For paste:

1. Heat a teaspoon of ghee in a pan and fry up cashew nuts, green cardamom, clove, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Warm up the milk and soak the fried ingredients along with poppy seeds for about 30 minutes.
2. Grind them into a fine paste.

For Curry:

1. Cut the paneer into small cubes.
2. Heat about a couple of tablespoons of ghee.
3. Fry the lotus seeds till they are nice and golden. Add in the paneer and sauté well.
4. Add in the seasonings and mix.
5. Add the finely ground paste to the lotus seeds and paneer.
6. Adjust the consistency with milk and cream. The consistency should be just right. Not too thick or not too thin or watery.

For Poori:

1. Mash up the boiled potatoes well.
2. Add in the flour and the seasoning.
3. Knead into a tight dough for the poori.
4. Roll out the pooris and fry them in hot ghee.
5. Serve hot with the curry.

4. Raw Papaya and Apple Salad

Ingredients:

• Raw papaya: 1
• Peanuts: ½ cup
• Apple: 2 small
• Green chili: 1 (can add more according to taste)
• Lemon: 1
• Sendha salt: to taste
• Sugar: ½ tsp.

Recipe:

1. Wash, peel, and cut the papaya into big chunks. Boil them for a couple of minutes. Cool and grate them.
2. Roast the peanuts and rub them to take the skin off. Crush them coarsely.
3. Chop the apples, not too finely.
4. Take a bowl and throw in the grated papaya and apples.
5. Finely chop the green chili and mix it in with papaya and apples.
6. Squeeze in the lemon and season well with salt and sugar.
7. Add the crushed peanuts for crunch. More peanuts can also be added.

(Tip: Turn this salad into a raita by adding curd.)

5. Cucumber and Ginger Mojito with Coconut Water

Ingredients:

• Cucumber: 1
• Ginger: ½ inch
• Lemon: 2
• Mint leaves: few sprigs
• Sugar: to taste
• Sendha salt: to taste
• Tender coconut: 4

Recipe:

1. Wash, peel, and grate the cucumber.
2. Grate ginger and wash mint leaves.
3. Squeeze out the juices of the lemons.
4. Take tall glasses and add in grated cucumber and ginger. Add a few mint leaves and some lemon juice. Crush them with a wooden spoon. Add sugar and salt and top it up with coconut water.
5. Serve chilled.

6. Fruit Salad with Yogurt Dressing

Ingredients:

• Assorted fruits (apple, banana, pomegranate, grapes, etc.)
• 1 cup yogurt (preferably hung yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Recipe:

1. Wash, peel, and chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy.
3. Add honey and cardamom powder to the yogurt and mix well.
4. In a serving bowl, combine the chopped fruits and pour the yogurt dressing over them.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve the fruit salad chilled.

Takeaway:

Navratri is a time of joy, devotion, and celebration. By preparing these easy-to-make and delicious fast recipes, you can indulge in the flavors of Navratri 2023. Since the ingredients are limited, one has to scratch the brain to go creative with Navratri recipes. But the fun is all about eating things that are not just nutritious but also delicious to eat. So, embrace the festive spirit, enjoy the festivities, and relish the special upwas food while seeking the blessings of the goddess Durga.

Remember to buy Navratri recipes ingredients from edobo – your one-stop shop for all your festival and Navratri pooja needs. Happy Navratri!