Sabudana Khichdi: The Instant Energy Booster
Sabudana, or tapioca pearls, is a staple during Navratri for a good reason. It's packed with carbohydrates, which provide a quick and sustained source of energy to combat fasting fatigue. While high in calories, it’s also easy to digest, making it gentle
on the stomach during a fast. To make it a more balanced meal, it is often paired with peanuts, which add protein and healthy fats, helping to slow down the release of sugar and keep you full for longer. A simple recipe involves soaking the sabudana until soft, then sautéing it with boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, green chillies, and cumin seeds in ghee. A final squeeze of lemon juice helps prevent the pearls from sticking together and adds a fresh flavour.
Kuttu Puris: The Wholesome and Filling Meal
Kuttu ka atta, or buckwheat flour, is another Navratri essential. Despite its name, buckwheat is not a grain but a fruit seed, making it a permitted food for fasting. It is naturally gluten-free and rich in nutrients like protein, dietary fibre, magnesium, and iron. The complex carbohydrates in kuttu break down slowly, ensuring a steady supply of energy that prevents the crashes associated with simpler carbs. Its high fibre content also aids digestion, which can slow down during fasts. To prepare Kuttu Puris, the flour is typically mixed with boiled and mashed potatoes, which act as a binding agent. Seasoned with rock salt (sendha namak) and sometimes green chillies or coriander, the dough is rolled into small discs and deep-fried until crisp and puffed. These puris are incredibly filling and pair perfectly with a simple potato curry (vrat wale aloo) or yoghurt.
Makhana Kheer: The Nutrient-Rich Dessert
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a nutritional powerhouse, making them an excellent choice for a fasting diet. They are low in calories but rich in protein, fibre, magnesium, and potassium. This combination helps keep you full, supports muscle function, and can aid in regulating blood pressure. Makhana are also packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress. As a snack, they can be roasted, but as a dessert, they make for a delicious and healthy kheer. Making Makhana Kheer is straightforward. The fox nuts are first roasted in a little ghee until they become crispy. A portion of the roasted makhana can be coarsely ground to help thicken the kheer. Then, they are simmered in milk until it thickens, and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and a sweetener of your choice. Garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios, this kheer serves as a guilt-free sweet treat that replenishes energy without feeling heavy.
