Farali Pattice from Gujarat
This popular Gujarati snack is a delightful treat during fasting. Farali Pattice consists of a crisp outer layer made from mashed potatoes, which is then filled with a sweet and savoury mixture of grated coconut, peanuts, and assorted nuts and spices.
These golden orbs are typically deep-fried, resulting in a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavourful centre. Often served with a cooling yogurt-based chutney, this dish is a perfect example of how fasting food can be both indulgent and comforting, providing a burst of energy and a medley of textures in every bite.
Moraiyo Khichdi from Gujarat
A staple in Gujarati households during Navratri is Moraiyo, also known as Sama ke Chawal or barnyard millet. This gluten-free grain is used to make a wholesome and light khichdi. The preparation is simple yet satisfying, involving cooking the millet with potatoes and peanuts, and tempering it with cumin seeds, green chillies, and ginger. Seasoned with sendha namak (rock salt), it's a one-pot meal that is easy to digest and provides steady energy, making it an ideal dish for those observing the fast.
Kuttu ki Puri with Aloo from North India
In North India, Navratri fasting is almost synonymous with Kuttu ka Atta, or buckwheat flour. This nutrient-dense flour is used to make deep-fried puris that are both hearty and delicious. These dark, nutty-flavoured breads are typically paired with a simple yet flavourful curry made from boiled potatoes, tomatoes, green chillies, and rock salt. This classic combination is a fulfilling meal that provides warmth and sustenance. The earthy taste of the kuttu puri complements the tangy potato curry perfectly, making it a much-anticipated festive meal.
Shakarkandi ki Chaat from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
A beloved street food snack gets a 'vrat-friendly' makeover during Navratri. Shakarkandi, or sweet potato, is boiled or roasted until tender, then cut into cubes and tossed with fasting-approved spices. A generous squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of rock salt, black pepper, and sometimes roasted cumin powder, transforms the humble sweet potato into a tangy, spicy, and sweet chaat. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and fibre, offering a healthier snack option that doesn't compromise on flavour.
Javvarisi Payasam from South India
In South India, sweet preparations are an integral part of festive offerings. During Navratri, Javvarisi Payasam, made from tapioca pearls (sabudana), is a popular dessert. The translucent pearls are slow-cooked in milk until they turn soft and plump, creating a creamy, pudding-like consistency. Sweetened with sugar or jaggery and delicately flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and garnished with fried cashews and raisins, this kheer is a divine conclusion to a fasting meal. It's a comforting sweet that is both light and rich in taste.
