During Chaitra Navratri, many observe a period of abstinence and fast to cleanse the soul and body. This festival is special as it's the first festival of the year according to the Hindu calendar. The Excitement of Navratri fasting gets even better with fasting snacks, which keep the energy up and prevent the mind from succumbing to pleasures.
Navratri literally translates to nine nights when Maa Durga blesses her devotees. Therefore, during this time, prayers and meditation done at night have the utmost importance. Ironically, night is the most difficult time to get through with an empty stomach; that's when true devotion is tested.
At the time of fasting, it is natural for the vision of foods and meals to flash in front of the eyes, especially in the middle of the night. Jagrata and songs may distract from hunger, but to keep the energy up, it is important for the body to have some nourishment. For that reason, here are some vrat-friendly snacks that can help you beat the urges and surrender yourself entirely to devotion for Maa Durga.
7 Light Vrat Snacks For Late-Night Satisfaction
1) Baked Sabudana Fritters
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Traditional Sabudana vada is fried, but these baked fritters completely change the game, giving the snack a healthy boost. Tapioca pearls and mashed potatoes work together to make this treat rich in carbohydrates, offering a quick energy boost and satiating cravings.
2) Vrat Aloo Chaat
Boiled potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates that give a sustained energy release throughout the night. Plus, the delectable flavour of aloo chaat gives a delicious and comforting relief. Energising spices like cumin and black pepper aids digestion as well and enhances metabolism to further support energy levels.
3) Vrat Paneer Tikka
Paneer is a vrat-friendly ingredient that can be made into several delightful and energising snacks, one of which is paneer tikka. Along with being flavourful, paneer is rich in protein that provides lasting energy. Spices like cumin, coriander, and sendha namak add digestive properties to this snack.
4) Roasted Makhane
Makhane is a nutrient-rich treat that can be an easy and delicious solution for cravings. Roasting it in ghee releases healthy fats, contributing to an energy boost. In addition, makhana is packed with essential minerals like magnesium and potassium, which support muscle function and prevent fatigue.
5) Baked Singhara Atta Batata Vada
With this recipe, the traditional batata vada gets a healthy vrat twist when besan batter is replaced with singhara flour batter and aloo masala is switched with vrat aloo. Instead of frying, this recipe uses a baking method to keep the health profile in check. You can also use an air fryer for this, and remember to keep the batter slightly thick to keep it from running.
6) Sweet Potato Tikki
Sweet potato is also a popular vrat snack known for offering sustained energy throughout the day. While it can be eaten in many different ways, making a crispy tikki stands as a delicious choice. The crispiness gives satisfaction to the tastebuds, and it is even better when you air fry or bake it.
7) Khatta Meetha Kaddu
Kaddu or pumpkin is a permissible vegetable during fasting. This vegetable is perfect when you need to add some variety to your vrat nutrition. You can prepare pumpkin for vrat in many ways, of which khatta meetha kaddu checks all the boxes for flavour and nutrient requirements. Stir-fried pumpkin seasoned with mild spices creates an appetising recipe for late-night satisfaction.
This Navratri, make these delicious and healthy snacks when you feel like eating late at night. These healthy nibbles keep your energy up and help you get through the nine days effortlessly.