Navratri is a vibrant and auspicious Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights, dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. During this time, many people observe fasting as an act of devotion and purification. While fasting, it’s essential to consume wholesome and nutritious food that adheres to the dietary restrictions. In this blog, we will explore some traditional Navratri fasting recipes or easy recipes for fasting that are not only delicious but also fulfill the requirements of fasting.

1. Sabudana Khichdi (Sabudana Recipe for Navratri Fast):

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
2. 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
3. 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely ground
4. 2-3 green chilies, chopped
5. 1 tsp Badshah Whole Jeera
6. A handful of fresh coriander leaves chopped
7. Ghee (clarified butter) for tempering (use oil for a vegan version)

Method:

1. Soak sabudana in water for 4-5 hours, then drain and keep aside.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add Badshah Whole Jeera. Once they splutter, add chopped green chilies.
3. Add diced potatoes and cook until they are soft and slightly crispy.
4. Add the soaked sabudana and cook, stirring continuously, until they turn translucent.
5. Mix in the coarsely ground peanuts and salt.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

2. Kuttu Ki Puri:

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta)
2. Sendha namak (rock salt) to taste
3. Water for kneading
4. Ghee or oil for frying

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine buckwheat flour and sendha namak.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a soft, pliable dough.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into puris using a rolling pin.
4. Heat ghee or oil in a pan and fry the puris until they turn golden brown.
5. Serve with aloo sabzi or raita.

3. Singhara Atta Cheela (Water Chestnut Pancakes):

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup singhara atta (water chestnut flour)
2. 1 small potato, grated
3. 1 green chili, chopped
4. Sendha namak (rock salt) to taste
5. Water for batter
6. Ghee or oil for cooking

Method:

1. In a bowl, mix singhara atta, grated potato, chopped green chili, and sendha namak.
2. Add enough water to make a thick, smooth batter.
3. Heat ghee or oil in a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of batter to make a small pancake.
4. Cook on medium heat until both sides are golden and crispy.
5. Serve hot with yogurt or green chutney.

4. Samak Rice Khichdi:

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup samak rice (barnyard millet)
2. 1/2 cup diced potatoes
3. 1/2 cup diced pumpkin
4. 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
5. 1 tsp Whole Jeera
6. Sendha namak (rock salt) to taste
7. Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
8. Ghee or oil for tempering

Method:

1. Wash and soak samak rice for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add Whole Jeera by Badshah.
3. Add diced potatoes and pumpkin and sauté for a few minutes.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
5. Add the soaked and drained samak rice and sauté for a minute.
6. Add water and salt, cover, and cook until the rice is tender.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.

5. Vrat Ke Aloo (Potatoes for Fasting):

Ingredients:

1. 4-5 small boiled and peeled potatoes
2. 1 tsp cumin seeds
3. 1-2 green chilies, chopped
4. Sendha namak (rock salt) to taste
5. 1/2 tsp Badshah red chili powder (adjust to taste)
6. A pinch of black pepper powder
7. Ghee or oil for cooking

Method:

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
2. Add chopped green chilies and boiled potatoes.
3. Stir-fry the potatoes until they turn golden and slightly crispy.
4. Add sendha namak, Badshah red chili powder, and black pepper powder. Mix well.
5. Cook for a few more minutes until the spices coat the potatoes evenly.
6. Serve hot as a side dish or snack.

These traditional Navratri fast recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. They provide the necessary nutrition to keep you energized throughout the fasting period. Whether you’re observing Navratri or simply looking for some wholesome and tasty recipes, these dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. 

Enjoy the festive season with these delightful fasting foods!
You can head to our recipe page for more such interesting recipes. Keep Cooking with Spices ka Badshah!