Navratri, a Hindu festival celebrated for nine nights, is a time when many people observe fasts and enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious recipes. Navratri Recipes are not only in line with religious and cultural traditions but also offer a great opportunity to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine.
Here are some popular Navratri recipes:
1. Sabudana Khichdi:
This dish is a staple during Navratri fasts. It’s made from soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana), and typically includes peanuts, green chilies, cumin seeds, and fresh cilantro. It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Sabudana Khichdi preparation :
Soak sabudana (tapioca pearls) in water for a few hours until they become soft. Drain excess water.
In a pan, heat some ghee or oil, add cumin seeds, green chilies, and crushed peanuts.
Add the soaked sabudana and cook until they turn translucent and non-sticky.
Season with sendha namak (rock salt) and garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Kuttu Ka Dosa:
Buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta) is commonly used during Navratri. These dosas are easy to prepare and are a great alternative to regular wheat dosas. They are usually served with aloo (potato) filling.
Kuttu Ka Dosa preparation :
Mix kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) with water to make a batter, similar to dosa batter. Add sendha namak.
Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladle of batter to make a thin dosa.
Cook until it turns golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve with aloo filling.
3. Singhare Atta Roti:
Water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta) is another popular ingredient during Navratri. It’s used to make gluten-free rotis that are typically served with potato sabzi or yogurt.
Singhare Atta Roti preparation :
Combine singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) with water to make a soft and pliable dough.
Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into small rotis.
Cook on a hot griddle until they puff up and are cooked on both sides.
4. Aloo Jeera:
A simple yet flavorful dish, it consists of boiled and sautéed potatoes with cumin seeds, green chilies, and fresh coriander. It’s a quick and easy accompaniment to your fasting meals.
Aloo Jeera preparation :
Boil potatoes, peel them, and cut into cubes.
In a pan, heat ghee or oil, add cumin seeds and green chilies.
Add the boiled potato cubes, season with sendha namak, and sauté until they are nicely coated with the cumin and chili flavors.
5. Makhana (Fox Nuts) Snacks:
Makhana is a healthy and filling snack option during Navratri. You can roast them with a little ghee and season them with rock salt, or even make a makhana kheer for a sweet treat.
Makhana (Fox Nuts) Snacks preparation :
Heat some ghee in a pan and roast makhana until they become crispy.
Season with sendha namak and your choice of spices like pepper, red chili powder, or chaat masala.
6. Samvat Rice Pulao:
Samvat rice, also known as barnyard millet, is a nutritious and gluten-free grain. You can make a delicious pulao with it by adding spices, vegetables, and groundnuts.
Samvat Rice Pulao preparation :
Wash and soak samvat rice for a while.
In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil, add cumin seeds and chopped vegetables (like potatoes, peas, and carrots).
Add soaked and drained samvat rice, sauté for a while, and then add water, salt, and spices.
Cook until the rice is done.
7. Fruit Chaat:
A refreshing and healthy snack, a fruit chaat made with a variety of fruits and chaat masala is perfect for keeping your energy up during fasting.
Fruit Chaat preparation :
Dice a variety of fruits (e.g., apples, bananas, pomegranate seeds) and toss them in a bowl.
Season with sendha namak, black salt, and chaat masala. Squeeze some lemon juice for added flavor.
8. Kheer:
A traditional Indian rice pudding, kheer can be made using samvat rice, tapioca pearls, or even sabudana. It’s sweetened with sugar or jaggery and flavored with cardamom or saffron.
Kheer preparation :
Cook samvat rice or sabudana with milk, stirring until it thickens.
Sweeten with sugar or jaggery, and add cardamom or saffron for flavor.
9. Sama Chawal Idli:
Idli made from sama chawal (barnyard millet) is a light and fluffy alternative to regular rice idli. Serve it with a flavorful coconut chutney.
Sama Chawal Idli preparation :
Mix sama chawal (barnyard millet) with water and yogurt to make idli batter.
Pour the batter into idli molds and steam until they are cooked.
10. Coconut Ladoo:
These sweet coconut balls are made with desiccated coconut and condensed milk. They are a delightful dessert option for Navratri.
Coconut Ladoo preparation :
Mix desiccated coconut and condensed milk in a pan and cook on low heat until it thickens.
Shape the mixture into small balls and garnish with chopped nuts.
These recipes should help you prepare some delicious and fasting-friendly dishes for Navratri. Adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Remember that during Navratri, most people abstain from using certain ingredients like onions, garlic, and certain grains, so it’s essential to plan your meals accordingly. Also, use sendha namak (rock salt) in place of regular salt during fasting.
Whether you’re observing a strict fast or simply looking to enjoy the diverse flavors of Indian cuisine, these Navratri recipes offer a delightful range of options to savor during this auspicious festival.
also read :
Foxtail Millet Recipes : Refreshing, Healthy and Nutritious
Quick and Easy 5-Minute Indian Breakfast Recipes