Singhare ka Cheela
Singhare ka Cheela is a delightful pancake crafted from water chestnut flour. It is a favored food during Navratri, as it aligns with fasting traditions.
The preparation often includes a mix of singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), spices, and sometimes potatoes or other acceptable vegetables. The batter is cooked to a golden hue and crispy texture. The resulting cheelas are a quick and satisfying meal or snack to break the fast. This dish is particularly appealing because of its light texture and the subtle sweetness of the water chestnut flour, making it a welcome change from heavier options. It’s a versatile dish that is easily customizable, with variations in spices and accompaniments like yogurt or chutneys.
Sama Ke Pulao
Sama ke Chawal, or barnyard millet, is another significant ingredient during Navratri. Sama ke Chawal Pulao is a flavorful rice-like dish made from barnyard millet, a grain permitted for consumption during fasts. It is prepared with ingredients like potatoes, spices, and often vegetables. The millet is first sautéed and cooked with aromatic spices to enhance its taste. The pulao offers a satisfying and healthy alternative to regular rice dishes. This dish offers a light yet filling meal that is easy to digest, making it a perfect choice during fasting periods. Variations often involve adding nuts and dry fruits for added texture and richness. It is a delicious, nutritious, and easily prepared option that appeals to those observing the fast.
Lauki Halwa
Lauki Halwa, a sweet dish made with bottle gourd, is frequently prepared during Navratri. The preparation involves grating the lauki (bottle gourd) and then cooking it with sugar, milk, and a variety of spices like cardamom. It’s slowly simmered until the lauki softens and blends with the other ingredients, creating a rich, creamy texture. Garnishing with nuts like almonds or cashews adds to the dish's visual appeal and taste. This halwa presents a comforting and delicious way to end a meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a popular dessert, which is both satisfying and flavorful. Lauki Halwa, prepared carefully, becomes a festive treat appreciated by many during Navratri.
Kuttu ki Puri
Kuttu ki Puri, a deep-fried bread made from buckwheat flour, is a staple during Navratri. Kuttu flour is a permissible alternative during fasting, making this dish a favorite. The dough is prepared with water and spices, then rolled out and deep-fried until it puffs up and becomes golden brown. These puris are often eaten with aloo sabzi (potato curry), which is prepared without onion and garlic. The contrast of the crispy puri and the soft sabzi is incredibly delicious. Kuttu ki Puri offers a filling and satisfying meal that adheres to fasting restrictions. The preparation of the puri requires skillful frying to achieve a perfect, puffed-up texture, and the combination with aloo sabzi creates a complete and balanced meal for those observing fasts.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi, a dish made from tapioca pearls, is another popular choice during Navratri. The preparation begins with soaking sabudana (tapioca pearls) until they are soft and fluffy. These pearls are then cooked with potatoes, peanuts, and spices like cumin and green chilies. The khichdi is cooked until the sabudana becomes translucent and the flavors meld together. Garnishing with fresh coriander adds a fresh and vibrant taste. This dish is both light and satisfying, making it a favored option during fasting. Sabudana Khichdi’s simplicity and ease of preparation make it accessible to everyone. The addition of peanuts gives it a nutty flavor, which balances out the light texture and adds a good source of protein.
Makhana Kheer
Makhana Kheer, a dessert made with lotus seeds, is a delightful treat for Navratri. The preparation involves roasting makhana (lotus seeds) and then simmering them in milk. Sugar, cardamom, and occasionally nuts like almonds and cashews are added to enhance the flavor. The mixture is cooked until the makhana softens and the milk thickens into a creamy consistency. This kheer provides a sweet and soothing end to meals during this festive period. The combination of crunchy makhana with the creamy texture of the kheer offers a pleasing sensory experience. This dessert is nutritious and light, which makes it suitable for those observing fasts. Makhana Kheer is simple yet delicious, providing a delightful way to celebrate Navratri.
