Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi, a beloved staple, is a must-have during Navratri. This dish, made from sago pearls (sabudana), is naturally light and easy to digest.
Preparing sabudana khichdi involves soaking the sago pearls until they soften, then tempering them with cumin seeds, green chilies, and sometimes peanuts for added crunch. Cooked with potatoes and seasoned with salt, this dish offers a satisfying and fulfilling meal. The textures and flavors blend harmoniously, making it a popular choice across India. It's a great option for those seeking a filling yet easily digestible food during their fasts, providing sustained energy throughout the day. Sabudana Khichdi is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile, with regional variations adding unique spices and ingredients.
Fruit Yogurt Bowl
A Fruit Yogurt Bowl is a refreshing and nutritious choice to include in your Navratri fasting menu. This is incredibly simple to prepare and delivers a burst of flavors and essential nutrients. The base typically consists of creamy yogurt, which can be either homemade or store-bought, provided it meets fasting guidelines. Fresh fruits like bananas, apples, mangoes (when in season), and pomegranates add natural sweetness and vitamins. A sprinkling of nuts such as almonds or walnuts provides a delightful crunch and healthy fats. It's an easily customizable option that satisfies both sweet cravings and nutritional needs. This simple yet delightful dish is perfect for a quick breakfast or a light lunch during busy days.
Sabudana Vadas
Sabudana Vadas are a delicious snack option, often enjoyed during fasting periods. They are made with soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, peanuts, and flavorful spices, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. For a healthier alternative, they can also be air-fried or pan-fried. To prepare these, you typically combine the ingredients, form small patties, and fry them until they are well-cooked and crispy. These vadas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and are typically served hot with a side of chutney or curd. They're a delightful way to enjoy a savory treat while maintaining fasting requirements. The combination of textures and tastes, from the crunchy exterior to the soft interior, makes it a satisfying snack.
Fruit & Nut Mix
A Fruit & Nut Mix is an ideal snack for Navratri fasting, offering a blend of energy and nutrients. This simple mix includes a variety of fresh fruits and a selection of nuts. Common fruit options include apples, bananas, and seasonal fruits, providing natural sugars and vitamins. The nuts, like almonds, cashews, and walnuts, add healthy fats, protein, and crunch. The mix can be pre-prepared and portioned for convenience, making it easy to carry and consume during busy office hours. This mix is great to satiate hunger and provide sustained energy to keep you going throughout the day, and is easily customized to suit individual taste preferences.
Makhana Roast
Makhana Roast, or roasted fox nuts, is a healthy and satisfying snack that is popular during fasting. Makhana is a nutrient-rich snack made from lotus seeds. To roast makhanas, they are typically dry roasted or lightly toasted with a bit of ghee or oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper or a mix of spices. The result is a crunchy, light snack that is easy to make and digest. They are a good source of fiber and nutrients and are very light and easy to prepare in advance. Makhana roast makes a great addition to other fasting snacks and can be a filling option to keep you energized throughout the day. Adding spices or simple ingredients can transform them into a tasty snack.
Rajgira Laddoos
Rajgira Laddoos, also known as amaranth ladoos, are a sweet and nutritious treat perfect for Navratri. These laddoos are made with rajgira flour, mixed with jaggery or sugar, and often combined with nuts and seeds. The ingredients are typically roasted and then shaped into small balls. Rajgira flour is a great source of protein and is often used during fasting periods. The jaggery or sugar provides sweetness, while nuts and seeds add texture and flavor. They are rich in essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice to keep you energized. These laddoos are not only delicious but also offer a boost of energy that can be beneficial during busy office days. Their small, manageable size makes them perfect for a quick snack.
Flavoured Buttermilk
Flavored Buttermilk, or chaas, is a refreshing and hydrating drink that is perfect for breaking a fast or enjoying during hot days. It is made by blending yogurt with water and spices. The basic preparation includes yogurt, water, and sometimes a pinch of salt. Flavored buttermilk includes various additions, such as roasted cumin powder, green chilies, or ginger, which give it a delicious twist. This drink is not only a refreshing beverage but also aids digestion and can help in replenishing electrolytes. It’s a light, easy-to-digest drink, which makes it ideal for fasting days. You can adjust the spices to fit your personal tastes, and you can make large quantities of this and keep it chilled for quick refreshment.
Kuttu Paratha
Kuttu Paratha, made from buckwheat flour, is a nutritious and filling alternative to traditional parathas during fasting. Buckwheat flour is permitted during Navratri fasting and is rich in nutrients. The dough is usually made with buckwheat flour, water, and salt, and can be seasoned with spices like green chilies and cumin. This dough is then rolled out into parathas and cooked on a griddle with ghee or oil until golden and cooked. These parathas are often served with curd or a fasting-friendly chutney. The parathas are great in taste and are a filling option. They are a filling and satisfying part of a fasting meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a simple yet enjoyable part of the meal.
Sweet Potato Chaat
Sweet Potato Chaat is a flavorful and tangy snack suitable for Navratri fasting. It involves cooking sweet potatoes, either by boiling, roasting, or air-frying, and then combining them with various flavors. The chaat is typically seasoned with lemon juice, green chilies, and other fasting-friendly spices. The sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that is nicely balanced by the tangy flavors. The chaat can be garnished with coriander leaves for added freshness. This makes a quick, refreshing, and light meal during the fasting period. This delightful snack offers a medley of flavors and textures.
Dry Coconut Chutney
Dry Coconut & Peanut Chutney with Cucumbers is a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to your fasting meals. This chutney is made from dry coconut, peanuts, green chilies, and sometimes a few other spices, all blended into a paste with a little water. Fresh cucumbers can be added for additional freshness and crunch. The dry coconut and peanuts provide a rich flavor and texture, while the spices and chilies add a pleasant kick. The chutney is usually served with kuttu parathas or other fasting snacks, enhancing their taste. It is an excellent way to add a touch of flavor to your fasting meals.
