Navratri, a time of devotion, prayers, and vibrant dandiya nights, is widely celebrated across India. Fasting during these days is a common practice in many households. Besides offering devotion to the goddess through fasting, many also view this time as an opportunity to detoxify their bodies and minds.
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The food options during this period are typically limited to certain flours, fruits, and vegetables, with lauki (bottle gourd) being a popular choice. Known for its high-water content and cooling properties, lauki is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes, making it an essential part of vrat meals.
Vrat-Friendly Lauki Dishes For Navratri
Lauki Kheer
Lauki kheer is a delightful and sweet choice for a fasting meal. Made by cooking grated lauki in milk until it becomes soft and creamy, this dish is mildly sweet and flavoured with cardamom and saffron. Once the lauki softens, sugar or jaggery is added for sweetness. The kheer is then garnished with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. Lauki kheer is not only satisfying but also light on the stomach, making it a perfect dessert for fasting days. The simplicity of the ingredients also makes this dish easy to prepare while being nutritious.
Lauki Barfi
Lauki barfi is another sweet dish that you can enjoy during fasting. Grated lauki is cooked with milk and sugar until it thickens and then shaped into small squares. Once set, the barfi is garnished with chopped nuts. It is mildly sweet, with a creamy texture, and is a great snack or dessert option. Lauki barfi is easy to prepare and provides a light sweetness that doesn't overwhelm the palate.
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Lauki Ki Sabzi
Lauki ki sabzi is a simple stir-fried vegetable dish made with boiled or sautéed lauki. Using minimal spices like cumin seeds, rock salt, and green chillies, this dish is ideal for fasting. You can keep it dry or make it into gravy by adding some tomatoes. This versatile dish can be paired with vrat rotis made from buckwheat flour or singhara flour.
Lauki Raita
Lauki raita is a refreshing side dish made with grated and boiled lauki mixed into whisked yoghurt. To enhance the flavours, it is seasoned with roasted cumin powder and rock salt, making it ideal for vrat. The cooling nature of both yoghurt and lauki helps maintain digestion during fasting. Lauki raita pairs perfectly with other vrat-friendly dishes like kuttu ki roti or sabudana khichdi. It’s a light, hydrating dish that provides a great balance to the sometimes-heavier fasting meals.
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Lauki Juice
Lauki juice is a refreshing and hydrating drink that helps in keeping energy levels high during fasting. Simply peel, blend, and strain fresh lauki to prepare this juice. Season with a pinch of rock salt and cumin powder to enhance its taste. Lauki juice is rich in water content, which helps keep the body hydrated and supports digestion during the fast.
Image Credits: Adobe Stock
Image Credits: Adobe Stock
Lauki Thepla
Lauki thepla is a vrat-friendly version of the traditional thepla. Made with grated lauki and kuttu or singhara flour, the dough is rolled into flatbreads and cooked on a hot tawa with a little ghee. These theplas are a great option for breakfast or lunch during fasting, offering a light yet filling meal. The lauki keeps the theplas soft and moist, while the flour adds a nice texture and flavour.
Lauki Ka Halwa
A rich and satisfying dessert, lauki ka halwa is made by sautéing grated lauki in ghee and then cooking it with milk and sugar or jaggery. Once the lauki has absorbed the milk, the halwa is flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts. This dessert is perfect for those who want to indulge a little during their fast without overloading their system. Lauki ka halwa is sweet, rich in flavour, and a great way to end a meal on a high note during Navratri.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Lauki Ki Khichdi
While traditional khichdi is made with rice and lentils, vrat-friendly lauki ki khichdi uses sama ke chawal (barnyard millet) and lauki. Cooked with rock salt and minimal spices, this dish is wholesome and light. Lauki adds a delicate flavour and texture to the dish, while sama rice provides the necessary carbs for energy during fasting. This dish is comforting, easy to digest, and filling, making it a popular option during Navratri.