The Foundation of Fasting
During Navratri, observers typically abstain from grains like wheat and rice, legumes, onions, garlic, and regular table salt. Instead, the diet revolves around a specific set of ingredients. These include fruits, milk products, certain vegetables like potatoes
and pumpkin, and alternative flours such as buckwheat (kuttu ka atta) and water chestnut (singhare ka atta). Rock salt, or sendha namak, is used for seasoning. This curated pantry gives rise to a surprisingly rich and varied menu that provides energy for the nine-day festival.
Sabudana: The Versatile Pearl
Sabudana, or tapioca pearls, are a cornerstone of Navratri cuisine. The most popular dish is Sabudana Khichdi, a savoury preparation made by sautéing soaked sabudana with cumin seeds, boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, and green chillies. It's a filling meal often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. Another favourite is the Sabudana Vada, a deep-fried patty that is crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect as a snack. For those with a sweet tooth, Sabudana Kheer, a creamy pudding made with milk, sugar, and cardamom, is a comforting dessert.
Kuttu Ka Atta: The Go-To Flour
Kuttu ka atta, or buckwheat flour, is an indispensable ingredient for making breads during the fast. Kuttu ki Puri, a deep-fried bread, is perhaps the most common preparation. These dark-coloured puris have a distinct nutty flavour and are often paired with a simple potato curry (vrat wale aloo) made with tomatoes and rock salt. Besides puris, the flour is also used to make parathas, often mixed with mashed boiled potatoes for easier rolling, and savoury pancakes called cheelas.
Samak Ke Chawal: The Fasting 'Rice'
Since regular rice is avoided, Samak ke chawal, or barnyard millet, steps in as a substitute. Despite its name, it's not a true rice but a tiny, gluten-free millet that cooks quickly. It's commonly used to make a simple pulao, cooked with potatoes, peanuts, and mild spices like cumin and black pepper. It can also be prepared as a khichdi or even a creamy kheer, offering a comforting rice-like experience during the fast.
Potatoes and Other Vegetables
Potatoes are the undisputed king of Navratri vegetables, appearing in nearly every dish from khichdi to puris. A simple stir-fry of potatoes with cumin seeds, called Jeera Aloo, is a classic accompaniment. Other permitted vegetables include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, bottle gourd (lauki), and taro root (arbi). These are used to make simple stir-fries, soupy curries, or added to dishes like samak pulao for extra texture and nutrition.
Snacks and Sweets
Fasting doesn't mean skipping snacks. Roasted makhana (fox nuts) are a popular light and crunchy option. Fruit chaat, a mix of fresh fruits with rock salt and pepper, is both refreshing and energising. For sweets, besides kheer, many households prepare halwas from ingredients like water chestnut flour (Singhare ka Halwa) or bottle gourd (Lauki ka Halwa). Laddoos made from coconut or amaranth flour (rajgira) are also common treats.
