7 Must-Try Recipes for a Delicious Navratri

Navratri is a time of devotion, cleansing, and celebration. Many people across India observe fasting or dietary restrictions during these nine nights, which makes it the perfect opportunity to explore nourishing, vibrant recipes that honor both tradition and compassion.

Samak Rice Khichdi — Light and Satisfying

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup samak rice (barnyard millet)
• 1 medium potato (cubed)
• 1 green chili (chopped)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp peanut or coconut oil
• 2 cups water
• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste

Method

1. Rinse samak rice thoroughly.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add green chili and potatoes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add rinsed samak rice and water. Stir well.
5. Add rock salt. Cover and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes until soft.

Sabudana Vada — Crispy, Golden Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
• 1 green chili (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• Rock salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Method

1. Soak sabudana for 4–5 hours and drain completely.
2. Mix soaked sabudana with mashed potatoes, peanuts, chili, cumin, coriander, and salt.
3. Shape into small patties.
4. Fry on medium heat until golden and crisp.

Kuttu Puri — Festive Flatbreads

Ingredients

• 1 cup buckwheat flour (kuttu atta)
• 1 boiled potato (mashed)
• Rock salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for frying

Method

1. Combine flour, mashed potato, and salt.
2. Add water gradually to form a soft dough.
3. Divide and roll into small puris.
4. Fry in hot oil until puffed and golden.

Lauki Halwa — A Lighter Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 cups bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and grated
• 1 cup almond or cashew milk
• 1/2 cup jaggery or sugar
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• Nuts for garnish

Method

1. Squeeze excess water from grated lauki.
2. Heat coconut oil and sauté lauki for 5–6 minutes.
3. Add plant milk and cook until absorbed.
4. Stir in jaggery and cardamom powder.
5. Cook until thick. Garnish with chopped nuts.

Vrat-Friendly Aloo Tikki

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/4 cup singhara (water chestnut) flour
• 1 green chili (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Rock salt to taste
• Oil for shallow frying

Method

1. Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
2. Shape into tikkis.
3. Shallow fry on medium heat until golden on both sides.

Fruit Chaat — Quick and Refreshing

Ingredients

• 1 apple, 1 banana, 1 pear (chopped)
• Pomegranate seeds
• Lemon juice
• Rock salt and roasted cumin powder to taste

Method

1. Toss all fruits in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle rock salt, cumin powder, and a splash of lemon juice.
3. Mix gently and serve fresh.

Singhara Halwa — Sweet and Nutty

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup singhara flour
• 1.5 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 cup jaggery
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Method

1. Heat coconut oil and roast singhara flour until aromatic.
2. Add water gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Once thickened, add jaggery and cardamom.
4. Cook until the halwa leaves the sides of the pan.
5. Garnish with nuts and serve warm.

– Contributed by Meenal Rajapet

Celebrate Navratri with Nourishment and Grace

These recipes are perfect for fasting or feasting, helping you stay energized and connected to your values throughout the festival. For more ideas and support, join our Facebook community and follow our Instagram page

Wishing you a joyful and compassionate Navratri!