Navratri is a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. But for many busy individuals, balancing work, family, and fasting can feel overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition during this auspicious period. Whether you're rushing to work or juggling household chores, these quick and easy Navratri fasting recipes will keep you energized and on the go, without taking up too much time.
What Can We Eat In Navratri Fast?
During Navratri, certain foods are restricted while others can be consumed. Here's a list of what is traditionally allowed during the fast:
Fruits: Bananas, apples, papayas, etc.
Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, and tomatoes.
Flours: Buckwheat flour (kuttu), water chestnut flour (singhara), and amaranth flour (rajgira).
Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, paneer, ghee, and buttermilk.
Spices: Rock salt (sendha namak), cumin, black pepper, green chili, and ginger.
Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, makhana (fox nuts), and almonds.
Other Grains: Sabudana (tapioca pearls).
These ingredients form the base for most fasting-friendly recipes, providing energy and nutrition without breaking fasting rules.
Quick and Easy Navratri Fasting Recipes
1. Sabudana Khichdi (Tapioca Pearl Stir-Fry)
Sabudana Khichdi is a light yet filling dish, perfect for busy mornings or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
1 cup soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls)
1 boiled potato (chopped)
2 tbsp peanuts (roasted and crushed)
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 green chilies (chopped)
Rock salt (to taste)
1 tbsp ghee
Instructions:
Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds.
Add boiled potatoes and green chilies, and sauté for 2 minutes.
Add soaked sabudana and stir for 5 minutes until they turn translucent.
Add crushed peanuts and rock salt. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
2. Kuttu Ka Dosa (Buckwheat Flour Pancake)
This crispy dosa made with buckwheat flour is a fantastic gluten-free alternative for your Navratri fast.
Ingredients:
1 cup kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour)
1 boiled potato (mashed)
Rock salt to taste
1 tsp cumin seeds
Water (to adjust batter consistency)
Instructions:
Mix kuttu flour, mashed potatoes, cumin seeds, and rock salt.
Gradually add water to create a smooth batter.
Heat a pan, pour the batter, and cook the dosa until crispy.
Serve with yogurt or chutney.
3. Makhana Kheer (Fox Nut Pudding)
This rich, creamy dessert is the perfect treat during Navratri.
Ingredients:
1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
2 cups milk
1 tbsp sugar or jaggery
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp ghee
Instructions:
Roast makhana in ghee until crispy.
Boil milk and add roasted makhana. Cook until the milk thickens.
Add sugar or jaggery and cardamom powder.
Garnish with chopped nuts and serve hot or chilled.
4. Vratwale Aloo (Fried Potatoes)
A quick and easy potato dish that’s filling and pairs well with puris or parathas.
Ingredients:
3 boiled potatoes (cubed)
1 tsp cumin seeds
Rock salt (to taste)
1 tsp black pepper powder
1 tbsp ghee
Instructions:
Heat ghee and add cumin seeds.
Add boiled potatoes, black pepper, and rock salt.
Stir-fry for 5 minutes until crispy. Serve hot with yogurt.
What to Avoid in Navratri Fasting
During Navratri, certain foods are strictly prohibited to maintain the sanctity of the fast. Here's what you should avoid:
Regular Salt: Replace table salt with rock salt (sendha namak).
Grains: Avoid wheat, rice, corn, and other cereal grains.
Lentils and Beans: Pulses, legumes, and beans are not allowed.
Onions and Garlic: Considered "tamasic" foods, which are avoided during fasting.
Processed Foods: Avoid processed and packaged foods as they may contain restricted ingredients like grains and regular salt.
Alcohol and Tobacco: All intoxicants are strictly prohibited.
FAQ's on Navratri Fasting
1. Can I drink tea or coffee during Navratri?
Yes, tea and coffee are generally allowed during fasting, but make sure you use rock salt (sendha namak) if you're adding any seasoning.
2. Can I consume milk products like paneer or curd?
Absolutely! Dairy products like milk, paneer, ghee, and yogurt are allowed during Navratri fasting and are a great source of protein.
3. Is sabudana (tapioca pearls) gluten-free?
Yes, sabudana is gluten-free and a popular ingredient used during Navratri fasting.
4. Can I use normal table salt in Navratri recipes?
No, regular table salt should be replaced with rock salt (sendha namak) during the fast.
5. Can I eat nuts during the fast?
Yes, nuts like almonds, peanuts, and makhana (fox nuts) are allowed and are a great source of energy.
6. Is honey allowed during Navratri fast?
Yes, honey is permitted as a natural sweetener for those fasting.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Individuals
Pre-Soak Ingredients: If using sabudana or rajgira, soak them the night before to save time in the morning.
Batch Cook: Make larger quantities of dishes like sabudana khichdi or kheer and store them for later use.
Use Simple Spices: Stick to rock salt and cumin for a faster cooking process.
Conclusion
Navratri fasting doesn't have to be a stressful affair. With the right ingredients and quick recipes, you can nourish your body and maintain your energy throughout the day without breaking the fast. Whether it’s a simple sabudana khichdi or a sweet makhana kheer, these recipes are perfect for busy individuals who want to observe Navratri fasting without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
By following these guidelines, you’ll have everything you need to prepare delicious and wholesome meals during this sacred festival!
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