Navratri is a nine-day long festival dedicated to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. During these nine-days, a period of abstinence or fasting is observed to cleanse the body and mind, and purify the soul. With fast being nine-days long, you need a fulfilling vrat platter to stick to the devotion and spiritual goals while keeping your gut satiated. And for that, a vrat-thali with all the main dishes is perfect.
Since one can only eat one fasting meal in a day during Navratri, it is necessary to make a wholesome platter with vrat-friendly dishes. The platter must include carbohydrates, fibre, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals to make up for the day's nutrition requirements. Since one dish can’t have it all, an all-encompassing platter becomes important.
From starters to desserts, vrat ki thali includes every vrat delicacy that makes up for a wholesome meal. Check out these easy dishes you can add to your Navratri vrat ki thali.
1) Sabudana Khichadi
Sabudana khichadi is a treasure trove of nutrients that fills up your body and makes you feel satiated for a long duration. Sabudana or sago is made from the roots of cassava plant that is high in carbohydrates, protein, fibre and vitamins which makes it extremely satiating. Apart from sabudana, this dish also contains peanuts and spices which makes it delicious.
2) Kootu Ki Roti
Kootu flour or buckwheat flour is among the principal ingredients of fasting foods. With this flour, you can make various breads, which also includes this wholesome roti. Use this roti as a wrap or pair it with potatoes, it becomes a healthy and versatile addition to your platter.
3) Vrat ke Aloo
Mashed potato is among the most widely eaten vegetables during fasting. It can be transformed into various fast friendly recipes, thanks to its mild flavour and versatility. Whether you boil and mash it, stir fry, or fill into the dishes, potatoes add soul to most of the fasting foods. Vrat ke aloo is basically a dried aloo ki sabji made with potatoes, spices, ground peanuts and ghee and it can be paired with kootu roti or used as a filling for vada.
4) Fruit Salad
To pair your main course, a delicious side dish made with fruits is a must. With fruit salad, you can let your creativity unfold and include your favourite fruits that match your taste. Combine various fruits like apple, banana, strawberries, kiwi, pomegranate seeds, and oranges to make a bright and colourful salad. Top it with hung curd dressing, mint leaves or chaat masala to bring a contrasting flavour and savour it as a side dish to make the platter wholesome.
5) Kheer
End your vrat meal with a satisfying kheer made with buckwheat or amaranth flour and plant-based milk. You can also try different options for kheer like sabudana kheer, sweet potato kheer, samak rice kheer, or paneer ki kheer. With so many delightful options for desserts, you can bring a variety to your platter and make different recipes everyday so the fasting dishes will get a surprise element.
If you thought fasting dishes are always bland and flavourless, then this thali will change your mind. Make these dishes for your wholesome Navratri thali at home and fulfil your gut while curbing your cravings.