The Foundation: Fast-Friendly Ingredients
Navratri fasting involves abstaining from regular grains like wheat and rice, lentils, onions, and garlic. Instead, the pantry is stocked with specific 'vrat-friendly' flours, pseudo-grains, and vegetables. Key ingredients include buckwheat flour (kuttu
ka atta), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), and amaranth flour (rajgira). Sabudana (tapioca pearls) and samak rice (barnyard millet) become the staple grains. For seasoning, regular salt is replaced with rock salt (sendha namak). A colorful array of fruits, nuts, dairy products like paneer and yogurt, and vegetables such as potatoes, pumpkin, and raw bananas complete the fasting plate.
The Star of the Show: Sabudana Dishes
No Navratri fast is complete without sabudana. These chewy tapioca pearls are a fantastic source of carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. The most beloved preparation is Sabudana Khichdi, a delightful stir-fry of soaked sabudana, boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, and mild spices. Another popular snack is Sabudana Vada, where mashed potatoes and sabudana are mixed, shaped into patties, and deep-fried until golden and crisp. For those with a sweet tooth, Sabudana Kheer, a creamy pudding made with milk, sugar, and nuts, is a comforting dessert.
Hearty Breads: Kuttu and Singhara Puris
Since wheat flour is avoided, gluten-free alternatives like kuttu and singhara atta take center stage for making breads. Kuttu ki Puri is a classic Navratri delicacy, known for its dark color and distinct nutty flavor. The dough is often prepared by mixing buckwheat flour with mashed boiled potatoes, which helps in binding and adds to the texture. These puris are deep-fried until they are crisp and pair wonderfully with vrat-friendly curries, especially a simple potato sabzi (vrat wale aloo). Similarly, singhare ke atte ki puri offers another tasty option.
Filling Grains: Samak Rice Preparations
Samak rice, or barnyard millet, serves as an excellent substitute for regular rice during the fast. It is light on the stomach and cooks quickly. Families often prepare Samak Pulao, a savory dish cooked with vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and seasoned with cumin and black pepper. Another popular dish is Samak ki Khichdi, a simple, porridge-like preparation that is both filling and nutritious. For a creative twist, the batter made from samak rice can also be used to make dosas, idlis, or even dhoklas.
Wholesome Curries and Vegetables
Potatoes are a versatile hero of the Navratri menu. A simple and quick dish is Aloo Jeera, where boiled potatoes are sautéed with cumin seeds and green chilies. Another favourite is Dahi Aloo, a yogurt-based potato curry with a tangy flavour. Pumpkin (kaddu) is also widely used to make a sweet and sour sabzi. Other permitted vegetables like arbi (colocasia) and raw banana are used to make kebabs or simple stir-fries. Paneer is another important ingredient, used in everything from simple stir-fries to rich kofta curries made with a tomato and cashew-based gravy.
Snacks, Sweets, and Drinks
Fasting doesn't mean a lack of snacks. Roasted makhana (fox nuts) seasoned with rock salt and pepper is a light and crunchy option. Fruit chaat, a mix of seasonal fruits with a sprinkle of spices, is refreshing and energizing. For dessert, apart from kheer, families prepare halwa from singhare ka atta or rajgira. To stay hydrated, beverages like buttermilk (chaas), lassi, and fresh fruit juices are commonly consumed throughout the day.
