Navratri, a nine-day holy festival, is celebrated with joy and gaiety throughout the country. Where it is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Durga in the eastern states of India, on the other side, this festival is celebrated by playing Ras Garba and Dandiya in the western states of India. If we look up in the northern states, on these days of this festival, most of the household members keep fast and meditate on Mother Durga, while in the south the 'Jhaakiya' is taken out.
This festival of victory of truth over untruth is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the country. It is celebrated twice in a year –
First during the autumn season which is usually post-monsoon (September – October). Thus, known as Sharada Navratri.
Second during the spring season, which is post-winter (Marsh – April) and thus known as Chaitra Navratri.
As fasting is observed in many homes during these nine days as a symbol of celebration and devotion, therefore the food cooked during the fast is not the same as daily. These dishes are usually termed as 'Satvik Aahaar'.
Only Falahaar - Fructivore or a meal based on the consumption of fruits.
They are cooked using less oil and spices.
No use of Garlic and Onion.
Scientifically, Navratri is an opportunistic season to get back to the roots and deviate from the daily hustles of life. Ingredients like Kuttu ka atta, Singhare ka Atta, Fresh Vegetables, milk, yoghurt and Makhana (Foxnuts) are considered to be light for the digestive system of a human body as they are pure and unprocessed. Besides, rock salt (sendha namak) is suggested to regulate the blood pressure as it is low in iodine level. In fact, all these vegetarian diets help to detox your body.
Therefore, enjoy the season of the festival with the following best Navratri Vrat recipes and embrace good health. Here are some delicious vrat recipes for Navratri.
Vrat wale Aloo Rasedar
How to Make Vrat Wale Aloo Rasedaar
Heat the ghee, add cumin seeds and when they begin to splutter.
Stir-fry till the ghee separates.
Add ginger powder (optional), salt and chilli powder. Stir a few times, till well mixed.
Now add the potatoes and turn over high heat, till they look slightly fried.
Add about 2 cups of water and bring to boil.
Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, till tender. Serve hot with Poori.
Sabudana Khichdi
How to make Sabudana khichdi?
Sabudana (Tapioca) is one of the best sources of protein. It keeps the blood pressure under control, especially during the fasts. Sabudana keeps the fatigue away and provides the necessary energy to a human body.
Ingredients –
1 cup of Sabudana (tapioca)
2 medium-sized boiled potatoes
½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
1 green chilli, slit.
2 tablespoon cooking oil.
Sendha Namak (Rock Salt), as per to taste.
Method of cooking –
Soak the Sabudana for approximately 2 hours to make them soft and moisten. Once done, drain out the water and keep it aside.
Heat the cooking pan on a medium flame and put the cooking oil. Let the oil be heated. Now add cumin seeds to the oil and let them splutter a bit and also add green chilli too. Make sure, do not let them dark.
Now add mashed boiled potatoes in the cooking pan and mix them well with the cumin seeds. Add sendha namak as per to the taste.
Once the potatoes are sufficiently cooked, add those soften sabudaana. Mix all these ingredients wells and cover the lid for 3 minutes on a low flame. Once done, switch off the gas flame.
Serve hot.
Sabudaana khichadi can be also be served along with curd.
Makhana kheer (Foxnut Desserts)
Makhana, also known as Foxnuts or Lotus Seeds, is a popular dish during Navratri and other auspicious occasions. Makhanas are low in cholesterol, fat and Sodium, hence, become ideal desserts option during a fast. It keeps the blood pressure level regulated and is also beneficial for a diabetic person. They are gluten-free and their natural properties provide benefit to the kidneys as well.
How to make Makhana Kheer?
Ingredients –
Adequate quantity of Makhana (Foxnuts)
½ cup of crushed cashew nuts
2 teaspoons of Desi ghee (Clarified Butter)
Sendha Namak (Rock Salt) – to sprinkle.
½ teaspoon of cardamom powder.
3 cups of Milk.
Sugar – as per to the taste.
Any other dry fruits – chopped.
Method of preparation -
Roast makhana with crushed cashew nuts in a frying pan in desi ghee. Sprinkle rock salt over it and keep sautéing. Once done keep it aside.
Take a separate deep pan to boil the milk. Add cardamom powder and sugar according to the taste. Keep stirring it unless the sugar is properly mixed.
Now at the end, add roasted makhana and cashew nuts and any other dry fruits into the milk and stir them until makhana gets soft and tender.
Serve hot/cold.
Banana Walnut Lassi
This is one of the most nourishing drink while having fasted. It gives instant energy to the body fighting against the fatigue. Moreover, the goodness of yoghurt and banana keeps the digestive system on track.
Just simply blend yoghurt, banana, honey walnut and sugar (as per to the taste). Blend all these ingredients until the consistency becomes smooth and creamy. Transfer this lassi to the glass and garnish the same with the crushed walnuts or banana slices.
Hoping the above recipes are going to be helpful for you all. Try out these recipes and share your experience in the comments section below.
Enjoy this festive season with these delightful recipes and do take care of yourself.
Happy Navratri 😊
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