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Navratri is a time of devotion, reflection, and fasting. While traditional fasting meals like 'sabudana khichdi' and 'kuttu pooris' are delicious and satisfying, sometimes, you want to break the monotony and try something new and exciting. If you like me and enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, especially during fasting periods, this post is for you.
Here, I’ve assembled a mix of traditional favourites with a creative twist and completely new dishes that add flair to your fasting meals. These ideas are not only nutritious but also bring innovation to your vrat-friendly menu.
1. Sabudana Sushi Rolls
Take your sabudana to a new level by turning it into sushi! This unique dish combines soaked sabudana, mashed sweet potatoes, paneer, and herbs, all rolled into sushi-like bites. It’s perfect for when you want something light, healthy, and fun. Pair it with a mint yoghurt dip for an added twist.
Suggested recipe - Click here.
2. Kuttu Flour Crepes with Coconut and Jaggery Filling
A fusion of sweet and savoury, these thin crepes made from kuttu flour are stuffed with a sweet filling of coconut and jaggery. Flavoured with cardamom, this dish is perfect when you're craving something sweet during fasting.
Suggested recipe for crepes - Click here.
3. Vrat-friendly Pizza
Who says you can't enjoy pizza during Navratri? This vrat-friendly pizza is made with a base of singhara (water chestnut) or rajgira (amaranth) flour and topped with paneer, bell peppers, tomatoes, and fasting-friendly herbs. A modern take on a favourite meal!
Suggested recipe - Click here.
4. Samak Risotto
Give your fasting menu an exotic twist with this samak (barnyard millet) risotto. Creamy, delicious, and packed with fasting-friendly vegetables like zucchini and pumpkin, this dish brings the elegance of Italian cuisine to your Navratri plate.
Suggested recipe - Click here.
5. Pumpkin and Coconut Soup
For something warm and soothing, try this pumpkin and coconut soup. Roasted pumpkin adds a rich flavour, while the coconut milk makes it creamy. A light and comforting dish that breaks away from the usual fasting recipes.
Suggested recipe - Click here.
6. Rajgira Falafel with Yoghurt-Tahini Dip
A Middle Eastern twist for Navratri! These falafels are made with rajgira (amaranth) flour and mashed potatoes. Serve them with a tangy yoghurt-tahini dip, and you’ve got a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
7. Makhana and Quinoa Salad
Tired of the usual sabudana? Try this fresh and vibrant salad instead. Combine roasted puffed makhana (foxnuts) with cooked quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and pomegranate seeds. Dress it with lemon and rock salt, and you’ve got a refreshing, protein-packed fasting meal.
8. Banana Flower / Raw Banana Fritters
For a more adventurous take on fasting snacks, banana flower fritters are perfect. Dip banana flowers in a singhara or kuttu flour batter, fry them until crisp, and enjoy this crunchy, flavorful snack.
Suggested recipe - Click here.
9. Paneer and Sabudana Waffles
Ever thought of making waffles for Navratri? Combine grated paneer and soaked sabudana to create a savoury batter, cook in a waffle iron, and serve with green chutney. A creative dish that’s sure to impress.
Suggested recipe - Click here.
10. Sweet Potato and Coconut Stew
Sweet potatoes and coconut milk come together in this rich and creamy stew, flavoured with cumin and black pepper. It’s wholesome, comforting, and perfect for a satisfying fasting meal.
Suggested recipe - Click here.
The recipe links here are suggestions. You may use your creativity to improve upon them and please share your recipe in the comments.
Elevating Your Fasting Experience
Navratri fasting doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same old recipes. These unique meal ideas keep your vrat exciting, varied, and delicious. Fasting is a spiritual practice, but it can also be a time to explore and enjoy new flavours. Whether you want to add a twist to your favourite dishes or try something completely new, these recipes will help you enjoy fasting like never before.
So, why not bring gourmet innovation to your Navratri meals this year? You might just discover a new favourite!
Happy innovations!
Neerja Bhatnagar
If you are looking for interesting and effective content on mental health, parenting, lifestyle, reviews etc, check my other blog - Neerja's Musings
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