10 Delicious and Easy Navratri Recipes for a Flavorful Experience
These wholesome and nutritious dishes, ranging from snacks to desserts, will keep you energized and satisfied throughout the nine days of Navratri!
Navratri is a time of devotion, fasting, and celebration, where many people observe dietary restrictions by avoiding grains, onions, and garlic. However, fasting doesn’t mean compromising on taste! We bring you 10 delicious and easy-to-make Navratri recipes that are perfect for your vrat (fasting) days. From light and nutritious meals to satisfying desserts, these dishes are made using ingredients like sabudana, kuttu, and amaranth flour. They ensure that you stay full and energized throughout the day. Whether you're looking for traditional or creative options, these recipes will make your Navratri fasting flavorful and enjoyable!
Rajgira Paratha Thaali
A nutritious and gluten-free Indian flatbread made from rajgira (amaranth) flour, perfect for fasting during festivals like Navratri. Its slightly nutty flavor, combined with the earthy taste of amaranth, creates a delicious and wholesome meal. Typically, it's prepared with mashed boiled potatoes, green chilies, cumin seeds, and rock salt, adding a burst of flavor. Pair this paratha with some aloo ki sabzi cooked without onions and garlic, and your thaali is set!
Kuttu Ka Cheela
Cooking can be a challenge during fasting, especially when you need variety. This buckwheat cheela, made with kuttu ka aata (buckwheat flour), green chilies, and ginger, is a quick and satisfying solution. Just prepare a pancake-like batter and cook it on a hot pan. Serve with yogurt or vrat-friendly chutney for a simple, tasty meal.
Moraiya Ka Dosa
Barnyard millet, also known as moraiya, sama ke chawal, or bhagar, is a fasting staple. A runny batter made with moraiya flour makes a light and crispy dosa you can enjoy as a snack or a whole meal. You just need to prepare a peanut and coriander chutney or a vrat-friendly aloo sabzi to elevate your simple dosa to a masala masterpiece!
Farali Dhokla
Who said dhokla isn't a fasting snack? Farali Dhokla, made with moraiya (barnyard millet) and sabudana (tapioca pearls), is a delightful twist on the classic. Steamed until fluffy, it’s light yet filling and pairs perfectly with green chutney made from fasting-friendly ingredients like coriander, mint, and ginger.
Singhare Ke Pakode
Singhare Ke Pakode is a type of crispy, golden fritter made from singhara (water chestnut) flour and potatoes. Singhara atta makes the perfect batter for a crispy pakoda filled with spiced and mashed potatoes. Light and crunchy, these pakoras make a perfect snack during fasting. Enjoy them guilt-free with some rock salt and green chutney for an extra burst of flavor!
Fada ni Lapsi
A traditional Gujarati dessert made of cracked wheat or dalia to keep your woes away! This sweet treat is cooked with ghee, sugar, cardamom, and some raisins. The rich aroma while it’s cooking is just irresistible! It’s often garnished with nuts like almonds and cashews, adding a nice crunch. It is satisfying and nutritious. Once you try it, you’ll be craving more!
Singharo no Halvo
If halwas are your go-to and you wish to try something new, then you are at the right place. Made from singhara (water chestnut) flour, this halwa is rich and indulgent without being too heavy. Cooked with ghee, milk, and sugar, it transforms into a creamy, sweet treat that melts in your mouth. Flavored with cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts, it provides the perfect nutrition for you to keep dancing during Navratri.
Kesar Pista Shrikhand
Want a creamy sweet dish that cools you down after your garba session? Look no further, cause a kesar pista Shrikhand has you covered. Made from thick, strained yogurt, this rich treat is flavored with aromatic saffron (kesar) and topped with crunchy pistachios. The saffron gives it a beautiful golden hue and a delicate flavor, while the pistachios add a delightful texture.
Makhana no Halvo
For a salty snack, we fry the makhana in ghee, but what if we tell you that you can use the same makhana to create a sweet dish for you to savor after your meal? The roasted foxnuts are cooked in ghee and simmered with milk and sugar to create a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth halwa. Garnish with nuts for a satisfying, energy-boosting treat.
Farali Tikki
There are varieties of farali tikkis that can be made, but this one really hits the spot! They are made from a blend of unripe bananas, boiled potatoes, sabudana flour (tapioca pearls), and kuttu ka aata (buckwheat flour). This crispy tikki is spiced with green chilies, ginger, and cumin, offering a delightful kick. Shallow-fried to golden perfection, these tikkis are perfect for fasting during Navratri. Serve them with a side of refreshing yogurt or mint chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
These Navratri recipes offer a perfect balance of nutrition and taste, making your fasting experience both enjoyable and satisfying. Whether you prefer light snacks or hearty meals, these dishes ensure that your vrat is filled with wholesome flavors. Try them out this festive season and celebrate Navratri with food that not only nourishes the body but uplifts the spirit. Happy fasting!