Navratri, a vibrant and spiritually significant festival, is a celebration of the divine feminine energy and the triumph of good over evil. Over the nine days, devotees honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga, each representing different virtues such as courage, compassion, wisdom, and strength. The festival serves as a reminder of the power within each of us to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Here are some simple and delicious Navratri fasting recipes that you can enjoy while observing the vrat:
1. Sabudana Khichdi
- Ingredients: 1 cup soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), 1 boiled potato (diced), 2 tbsp peanuts (roasted and crushed), 1 green chili (chopped), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2 tbsp ghee, salt (sendha namak), and chopped coriander leaves.
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Instructions: Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Add green chili and boiled potato, sauté for a few minutes. Add soaked sabudana, salt, and crushed peanuts. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
2. Kuttu Ki Puri (Buckwheat Flour Puri)
- Ingredients: 1 cup kuttu (buckwheat) flour, 1 boiled potato (mashed), sendha namak, water, and ghee/oil for frying.
- Instructions: Mix the kuttu flour, mashed potato, and salt. Knead into a dough using little water. Roll into small puris. Deep fry in hot oil/ghee until golden. Serve with curd or potato curry.
3. Samak Rice (Vrat Ke Chawal)
- Ingredients: 1 cup samak rice, 2 cups water, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 green chili (chopped), 1 boiled potato (diced), ghee, and sendha namak.
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Instructions: Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds and green chili. Add diced potato and sauté for a few minutes. Add samak rice, water, and salt. Cook until the rice absorbs all the water. Serve with yogurt.
4. Aloo Ka Halwa (Potato Halwa)
- Ingredients: 3 boiled potatoes (mashed), 4 tbsp ghee, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, and chopped nuts (almonds, cashews).
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Instructions: Heat ghee in a pan, add mashed potatoes, and sauté until golden. Add sugar and mix well. Cook for another 5-7 minutes. Add cardamom powder and chopped nuts. Serve hot.
5. Fruit Chaat
- Ingredients: 1 apple, 1 banana, 1 pear, a handful of pomegranate seeds, 1 tsp lemon juice, sendha namak, and roasted cumin powder.
- Instructions: Chop all the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Add lemon juice, sendha namak, and cumin powder. Mix well and serve fresh.
These recipes are ideal for Navratri fasting, as they avoid grains and use ingredients that are traditionally allowed during this period.
As Navratri concludes, we are reminded to carry forward the spirit of resilience, faith, and optimism into our everyday lives. It inspires us to embrace challenges with courage, believe in our abilities, and stay connected to our spiritual roots.
