New Delhi, September 26: Navratri, one of the biggest Indian festivals, is being observed with great fervour across the nation. The nine-day festival heightens one's spiritual belief by observing a fast and worshipping different avatars of Goddess Durga. In Hinduism, fasting is believed to be a way to pay gratitude to the Goddess and is observed as per their beliefs. Generally, people alter grains, meat, alcohol, onion, garlic and stale foods from their diet and opt for foods like Kuttu atta, singhara atta, fresh vegetables, fruit, milk products and dry fruits. Delicacies such as Sabudana Khichdi, fruit chaat, kheer and Kuttu ki poori are some of the most popular dishes cooked during Navratri. So, as you prepare for the nine-day fasting period, here are some easy-to-make and delicious recipes. Navratri 2022 Bhog for 9 Days: From Ghee to Sesame Seeds, List of Prasad To Offer to 9 Forms of Goddess Durga During Sharad Navratri Festivities.
1. Sabudana Khichdi
Human bodies tend to have low immunity during seasonal changes. So, dishes prepared with Sabudana as a key ingredient could prove to be beneficial as it is a staple food rich in protein and fibre and can also help in improving digestion.
Sabudana khichdi is made with soaked sabudana, potato, ghee, grated coconut, green chillies, roasted peanuts and coriander as the main ingredients. Loaded with carbohydrates, this dish will keep you full for longer and will also give you instant energy. Also, Sabudana Kheer and Sabudana Vada, also work as great fasting snacks. First Day of Navratri 2022 Bhog For Shailputri Puja: From Kheer to Sabudana Khichdi, White Food Items You Can Try.
2. Samak ki Tikki
Along with Sabudana, Samak ke chawal, also known as millets, are used during fasting days as recipes with this ingredient are easy to make and it's quite versatile. The Tikki is made by adding ingredients like cumin seeds, green chillies, washed Samak ke chawal, and water in a pressure cooker. After one whistle, remove the cooker from the heat and let it cool down. Now, mix potato, green chillies, roasted peanuts and coriander with rice and then refrigerate for some time. Finally, shallow fry the Tikkis until they are crisp and turn golden brown. Serve them hot with mint-yoghurt dip.
3. Millet Uttapam
Next, you can try Uttapam with millet (Samak ke chawal), this dish can be consumed as a snack due to its crunchy texture. For a tangy twist, you can add chopped tomatoes to the batter and cook it on a hot griddle. Sprinkle chopped coriander and it's ready to serve with any dip of your preference.
4. Sama Idli
This savoury rice cake dish is made by steaming a batter consisting of Sama rice and spices used during fast. Serve the idlis with coriander chutney and have it as your 'fast food' for dinner or breakfast.
5. Kuttu Dosa
Move over the usual Kuttu ki puri and aloo ki sabzi, and rustle up something new this Navratri. A bite of hot crispy dosa filled with potato filling will be enough to satiate the taste buds and your cravings to have something delicious during the fast. The method is the same, just substitute rice flour with Kuttu flour. Serve it hot with coriander, coconut or homemade tomato chutney.
6. Vratwale Dhokla
Try this light dhokla recipe during your fasting days. It is made with steamed Samwat ke chawal, whole red chillies, cumin, ghee and curry leaves and served with mint chutney.
7. Makhana Kheer
Any festival is dull without a dessert, so we have mentioned the most scrumptious dish to relish during the festivity. This utterly creamy dish is made almost the same way you prepare rice kheer. All you have to do is just substitute the rice with makhana, which is also a great healthy snack to have during the fast as they are low in cholesterol, rich in potassium and hence good to control blood pressure.
Enjoy your fast with these delicious treats on these nine days. Wishing everyone a very Happy Sharad Navratri 2022!