Navratri isn’t just about dance and devotion—it’s also about mindful eating. Many devotees observe fasts during these nine days, but fasting doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or nutrition. With the right ingredients, your vrat menu can be both delicious and energy-boosting.
Here are some fasting-friendly foods to add to your plate this Navratri:
1. Sabudana Delights:
Sabudana khichdi or vadas are Navratri staples. They’re light yet filling, and when cooked with peanuts and mild spices, they give you just the right boost of energy to keep going.
2. Sweet Potato Treats:
Roasted, boiled, or shaped into tikkis—sweet potatoes are as versatile as they are nutritious. They’re naturally sweet, rich in fiber, and a healthier carb alternative.
3. Samak Rice Pulao:
Also known as barnyard millet, samak rice is the go-to substitute for regular rice during fasting. Toss it with mild spices and vegetables to make a hearty pulao that’s wholesome and easy to digest.
4. Kuttu ki Poori:
Kuttu, also, known as Buckwheat is a gluten-free, high fiber food. Their pooris are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Pair them with a simple aloo sabzi and you’ve got a classic vrat combination.
5. Singhare Treats:
Singhara or Water Chestnuts are a great fasting super-food. You can either boil or roast the fruit, or buy Singhara/ Water chestnut flour and make crispy pakoras by mixing them with potato or arbi.
6. Makhana Snacks:
Roasted makhanas are light yet protein-rich. Just sauté them in a little ghee with rock salt and black pepper. Either have just plain roasted or mix it with curd to make Makhana chaat and you have a guilt-free snack to munch on between meals.
7. Lauki ka Halwa:
If you’re craving something sweet, then lauki (bottle gourd) halwa made with milk and a hint of cardamom would be the right choice. It’s also nourishing, easy to digest.
Alongside these dishes, don’t forget hydration. Coconut water, lemon water, or simple buttermilk will keep your energy levels steady and help you sail through the fasts with ease. Navratri fasting can be festive too—just swap regular grains with vrat-friendly options, and you’ll have a plate full of flavour, energy, and tradition.
