Navratra is a time of devotion, purity, and mindful eating. During these nine auspicious days, many people observe fasts and follow a sattvik diet, avoiding grains, regular salt, and certain spices.
To help you enjoy flavorful yet vrat-friendly meals, Chef Swapnadeep Mukherjee, Executive Chef at The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, shares three nutritious and delicious Navratra special recipes. Let’s dive into these delightful dishes that will keep you energized throughout your fasting period!
1. Rajgira Paneer Paratha
A protein-rich, gluten-free paratha perfect for Navratra fasting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rajgira Flour (Amaranth Flour)
- 1 Raw Banana (boiled and mashed)
- 1 cup Paneer (grated)
- 2 Green Chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 2 sprigs Coriander Leaves (finely chopped)
- Salt or Rock Salt to taste
- Cooking oil or ghee
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl with enough water to form a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into a paratha.
- Heat a pan and cook the paratha on both sides using ghee until it is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot with fresh curd or vrat-friendly chutney.
2. Kuttu Ka Halwa
A delicious and nutritious dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
- 500 gm Kuttu (Buckwheat Flour)
- 200 gm Desi Ghee
- 150 gm Sugar
- 200 gm Khoya (Danedar Reduced Milk)
- 1 gm Green Cardamom Powder
- 15 gm Almonds (chopped)
- 15 gm Cashews (chopped)
Method
- Boil water in a separate pan.
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium flame.
- Add kuttu flour and roast well until golden brown.
- Slowly add boiled water while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
- Stir until the mixture thickens, then add sugar and continue cooking.
- Add khoya and stir well to blend with the mixture.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and cardamom powder.
- Serve warm or cold, as per your preference.
3. Samak Rice Tikki
A crispy and flavorful fasting snack packed with goodness!
Ingredients
- 100 gm Samak Rice (soaked)
- 2 Fresh Tomatoes (chopped)
- 10 gm Green Capsicum (chopped)
- 10 gm Green Chili (chopped)
- 10 gm Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- 10 gm Ginger (chopped)
- 5 gm Curry Leaves
- Sendha Namak (Rock Salt) to taste
- Black Pepper Powder to taste
- 5 gm Cumin Powder
- 3 gm Red Chili Powder
- 50 ml Desi Ghee or Refined Oil
Method
- Blend the soaked samak rice, ginger, and green chili into a smooth paste, adding water as needed.
- Transfer to a bowl and mix in chopped coriander, cumin powder, tomatoes, capsicum, curry leaves, red chili powder, and rock salt.
- Shape the mixture into small tikkis.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan and shallow-fry the tikkis until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with vrat-friendly chutney, and enjoy Navratra flavors!
Navratra fasting doesn’t mean compromising on taste or nutrition. These specially curated recipes by Chef Swapnadeep Mukherjee bring a delightful balance of flavor, health, and festivity to your vrat meals. Try these wholesome dishes and make your Navratra celebrations even more special!
Stay tuned for more festive recipes from Food Trails with Tushita, your ultimate culinary guide!
