In India, the festive season has begun with Navratri, a nine-day event honouring Goddess Durga and her incarnations. People all around the nation organise a week of festivities at this time, including Garba, Dandiya, pandal hopping, and spending time with their loved ones. However, it's also a time for religious fasting, a kind of culinary purification during which followers of the Sattvic diet refrain from all unhealthy foods in an effort to purify their bodies.
Due to the off-limits for all Indian cuisine essentials like rice, atta, and conventional table salt, cooking at home might get a little complex at this time. To ensure that you have plenty of delectable, healthful, and vrat-friendly foods to select from, it is crucial to stock up in advance.
Kuttu Flour
Many native grains grown in India are not often given the credit they merit. Particularly, kuttu flour is typically only available during fasting periods. Rich in minerals and easily digested, it's a fantastic energy source. It can be used to produce delicious foods like paranthas, which will keep you going during even the most intense garba session. It is a mainstay during Navratri.
Makhana
During Navratri, finding a healthy snack might be difficult as most processed and quick food items are not recommended in a vrat diet. Makhana, on the other hand, is a great vrat snack since it is strong in protein and low in calories. You may toast these crispy water lily seeds till they burst like popcorn and then season them to your taste.
Sabudana
Tapioca pearls are another name for sabudana. It is an excellent source of carbs, which makes it a powerful source of energy. This makes it perfect for those times when you need a quick pick-me-up or during a fast. Sabudana is also devoid of gluten, therefore those who have coeliac disease or gluten intolerance can eat it. You may use it to create Sabudana ki khichdi during a fast.
Buckwheat Flour
Indian cuisine uses flour in a variety of forms, from soft chapatis to crispy samosas. Therefore, when fasting days arrive, finding alternatives is naturally high on the list of concerns. Water chestnut flour, or singhara flour, is gluten-free and a great source of important minerals. It's a flexible choice for preparing sweets, chapatis, and puris.
Sendha Namak
Sendha namak, a seasonal mainstay, is an unadulterated mineral salt that has no additional contaminants. Regular salt is thought to heat the body, but sendha namak is said to chill the body from the inside out. Because of its unique purity and milder nature compared to normal salt, it is utilised during fasts.
Milk
Dairy products like milk are necessary and may be found in many different recipes. It is an excellent source of vitamins, calcium, and protein. Dishes like halwa, lassi, and kheer contain milk. It serves as a foundation for sauces and soups as well. Because it aids in digestion and offers energy, milk is a fantastic meal choice during a fast.
Sama Millet
A wonderful match for your Navratri dishes. Sama millet is an excellent source of energy and is simple to utilise. It is suitable for people who are sensitive to gluten, which is wonderful news. This is a really organic food that is also an excellent source of fibre and protein. Use this nutrient-dense substitute for your typical rice.
Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits are a requirement during Navratri, since they are the purest and most natural alternative for any snack break. They provide natural carbohydrates and a dosage of vitamins in addition to being an essential component of most products. To stay energised, choose pomegranates, apples, and bananas.