Navratri has been knocking at the door starting from the 3rd of October. Every house is filled with a festive mood, along with the worry of traditional dishes for fasting and feasting. While fasting means abstaining from certain foods, it can also be a great opportunity to try out many healthy and tasty dishes. One ingredient that stands out during this time is dahi or yoghurt. It is not only refreshing but also super healthy. Dahi is a great source of probiotics that are good for gut health and digestion, making it perfect for those who are fasting.
You can enjoy dahi in many ways, and you can infuse it with flavours and ingredients of the season. From sweet to savoury, these recipes will give you a refreshing twist on fasting meals and keep you energetic. Navratri is the time to try new fasting dishes that will keep you fulfilled and delicious. So here are some refreshing dahi dishes to enjoy during Navratri fasting:
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Dahi Based Dishes For Navratri
Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita is a cooling dish made by grating cucumber and mixing it with thick yoghurt, cumin powder, salt and black pepper. This side dish helps to balance the spices in heavy meals and aids digestion, so it is a must during Navratri. You can add fresh mint or coriander leaves for an extra layer of freshness. Serve chilled for the best taste.
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Fruit Dahi
Fruit dahi is a great way to include seasonal fruits in your fasting diet. Mix your favourite fruits like bananas, apples or pomegranates with yoghurt. Add a pinch of honey or jaggery for sweetness and roasted nuts or seeds for a nice crunch. This dessert not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also gives you essential vitamins and minerals to keep you energised during the fast.
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Boondi Raita
Boondi raita is a North Indian favourite where boondi (small fried gram flour balls) are mixed with yoghurt. Soak the boondi in warm water for a few minutes, then drain and mix with yoghurt. Add salt, roasted cumin powder and a pinch of red chilli powder for extra zing. This is not only yummy but also helps to balance the heat of the spicy food you are having during Navratri.
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Spicy Dahi
For those who like a little spice, spicy dahi is the way to go. Mix yoghurt with chopped green chillies, ginger and a pinch of salt. You can also add chopped coriander leaves for flavour. This spicy yoghurt can be served as a side with your meals, it adds a tangy and zesty touch to the fasting spread. It is perfect for those who want something with a little heat during their meals.
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Dahi Chaat
Dahi chaat is a tasty and colourful dish where yoghurt is mixed with various toppings to create a snack. Start with a base of yoghurt and layer on some boiled potatoes, chickpeas and spices like chaat masala and tamarind chutney. Top with chopped coriander and sev (crunchy chickpea noodles) for texture. This is a flavour and texture combination that is perfect for the festive season.
Mint And Coriander Yoghurt Dip
This is a great dip to serve with fasting snacks. Blend fresh mint and coriander leaves with yoghurt, and add lemon juice, salt, and a hint of green chilli for spice. This dip goes well with raw veggies, fruit sticks or even as a spread on fasting-friendly flatbreads. It is a light and zesty addition to your Navratri meals.
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Dahi Kebab
Dahi kebabs are a tasty snack made from hung yoghurt, mixed with spices, shaped into patties and then shallow fried or baked. They are light, fluffy and full of flavour, perfect as an appetiser for your Navratri get together. Serve with mint chutney for a refreshing accompaniment to the kebabs.
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Jaggery Yoghurt
For a sweet and simple dessert, mix yoghurt with jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) and a pinch of cardamom powder. This sweet yoghurt is a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings and is fasting-friendly. It is also a nourishing option that gives you energy and keeps you full. Top with crushed nuts for texture and flavour.
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These dahi dishes will improve your fasting experience and provide a range of flavours and textures to keep your meals exciting during Navratri. Enjoy experimenting with these refreshing recipes to celebrate the festive season.