Navratri 2023: 8 Delicious vrat friendly dishes for Navratri

New Delhi: Navratri, a widely celebrated festival in Indian culture, spans for nine consecutive days. It holds immense significance and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. During Navratri, devotees observe vrat (fasting) as a means of expressing devotion and seeking blessings. Vrat can vary from abstaining from certain foods to observing a complete fast. Many people choose to consume only fruits, milk, and other permitted items during this period. People engage in various cultural activities like garba and dandiya dances, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Navratri also showcases the rich diversity and unity of Indian culture, emphasizing devotion, togetherness, and spiritual growth.

Here are 8 dishes that you can have during Navratri vrat:

1. Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana khichdi is a popular dish associated with Navratri vrat (fasting). Made from tapioca pearls, it is a wholesome and nutritious meal. Sabudana provides energy and keeps one satiated during the fasting period. The dish is seasoned with spices, peanuts, and sometimes garnished with fresh herbs. Sabudana khichdi holds relevance to Navratri vrat as it is a permissible food during this time. It not only serves as a delicious fasting option but also reflects the culinary diversity and adaptability of Indian cuisine. Enjoyed by many, it adds flavor and substance to the Navratri fasting experience.

2. Sabudana Vada

Sabudana vada is a popular dish prepared during Navratri vrat (fasting) in India. Made from soaked tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes, and spices, it is a vrat-friendly snack loved by many. This crispy and flavorful fritter is shallow-fried, making it suitable for the fasting period when deep-fried foods are avoided. Sabudana vada is not only delicious but also provides energy and sustenance during the day. It is a perfect option to break the fast as it is gluten-free and free from onion and garlic, which are generally restricted during vrat. This traditional dish adds joy and taste to the Navratri fasting experience.

3. Makhana kheer

Makhana kheer, also known as foxnut pudding, is a delectable dessert that is vrat-friendly during Navratri, a Hindu fasting period. Made using lotus seeds, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, it is a delightful sweet treat. Makhana, being a plant-based ingredient, is often consumed during vrat as it is considered pure and permissible. It is a great source of protein and essential nutrients, making the kheer a nutritious choice. The creamy texture and rich taste of the kheer make it a perfect way to satisfy one’s cravings during Navratri fasting. Makhana kheer adds a touch of indulgence and wholesomeness to the vrat experience.

4. Sama pulao

Sama pulao, also known as Samak rice pulao or barnyard millet pulao, is a popular vrat-friendly dish consumed during Navratri. Sama rice, which is actually a type of seed and not a grain, is used as a substitute for regular rice during fasting periods. This pulao is prepared by sautéing sama rice with ghee (clarified butter) and spices, along with vegetables of choice. It is a flavorful and nutritious option for those observing vrat, as it is gluten-free and easily digestible. Sama pulao provides essential carbohydrates and fibers, keeping one satiated during the fasting period. With its aromatic aroma and delicious taste, Sama pulao is a perfect inclusion in Navratri vrat menus.

5. Farali dhokla

Farali dhokla is a vrat-friendly snack that is commonly prepared and enjoyed during Navratri, a religious fasting period in India. Unlike typical dhokla, which is made from fermented lentil or chickpea batter, farali dhokla is made from fasting-friendly ingredients such as rajgira flour (amaranth flour), singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), and yogurt. The batter is flavored with spices, green chilies, and ginger, and steamed to perfection. This light and spongy snack is not only delicious but also nutritious, as the fasting flours used are rich in essential nutrients. Farali dhokla is a delightful addition to Navratri vrat meals, providing a savory and nourishing option.

6. Singhara sheer

Singhara sheer, also known as water chestnut pudding, is a vrat-friendly dessert commonly enjoyed during Navratri fasting. Made from singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron, it is a delicious and creamy sweet dish. Singhara sheer is a preferred choice during vrat as it uses ingredients permissible during fasting periods. Water chestnut flour is gluten-free and high in fiber, making it a nutritious option. This dessert provides energy and satisfies one’s sweet cravings without breaking vrat rules. Singhara sheer adds a delightful touch to Navratri celebrations, bringing a burst of flavor and richness to the vrat-centric menu.

7. Dahi aloo

Dahi aloo is a vrat-friendly dish that is commonly relished during Navratri, a festival marked by fasting in India. This simple yet flavorful dish features boiled potatoes cooked in a creamy yogurt-based gravy. To make it vrat-friendly, regular salt is replaced with rock salt (sendha namak), and spices like cumin powder, black pepper, and ginger are used for flavoring. Dahi (yogurt) provides a cooling element to the dish, while potatoes offer a satisfying and filling component. Dahi aloo is not only easy to prepare but also fits well within the dietary restrictions of Navratri fasting, making it a popular choice among devotees.

8. Shakarkandi kebabs

Shakarkandi kebabs are vrat-friendly delights that are commonly enjoyed during Navratri fasting. Made from shakarkandi (sweet potatoes) and minimal spices, these kebabs are a healthy and delicious snack option. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for vrat meals. The kebabs are prepared by boiling or roasting the sweet potatoes and mashing them with spices like rock salt, cumin, and red chili powder. They are then shaped into patties and lightly pan-fried. These delectable kebabs provide a satisfying texture and a burst of flavors, making them a perfect addition to the Navratri vrat menu.