Navratri 2024: Protein-Rich Snacks For Healthy Indulgence While Fasting

Navratri celebrations are around the corner, beginning on October 3 and culminating on October 12, 2024, and devotees have begun shopping and preparing for the festive season. From purchasing dresses for dandiya nights to looking for artists creating mesmerising idols of Goddess Durga, the preparations are in full swing.

In many parts of the country, especially in North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, devotees observe fast. Some abstain from eating grains on the first or last (either Saptami or Ashtami) while others observe fast for eight days and break it on Navami. Here are some protein-rich snacks that you can indulge in while fasting.

Moong Dal Dhokla

Since people don’t eat grains while fasting, moong dal dhokla is a good choice. The lentils are rich in protein and many other nutrients that can re-energise your body and keep you on your toes. Soak moong dal and blend it with ginger, green chillies, hing, and salt to taste. Bake the dhokla with this concoction and temper it later with mustard seeds, white sesame seeds, and oil. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy.

Chana Dal Ladoo

The best aspect of fasting during Navratri is you can explore a variety of sweets and experiment in the kitchen. This recipe of chana dal ladoo is worth exploring if you haven’t tried it. Roast chana dal, grind it and combine it with jaggery, ghee, grated coconut, and cardamom powder. Saute the ingredients in a hot kadhai so that jaggery melts and the mixture becomes binding. Once the powdered mixture cools down, shape it into ladoos.

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: Bhog Platters Offered To 9 Incarnations Of Goddess Durga

Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana when combined with peanuts makes for a delicious snack. The khichdi made of tapioca pearl is one of the most popular fasting snacks consumed during Navratri. Add chopped potatoes, ghee, and black pepper before adding roasted peanuts. Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy with a milk-based beverage.

Chana Dal & Sweet Potato Cutlets

In a large bowl, mash boiled sweet potatoes and chana dal into a binding mixture. Add grated ginger, red chilli powder, coriander powder, coriander leaves, salt to taste, and black pepper powder. Make small cutlets and shallow-fry them in a pan until the crust turns crispy. Serve this snack with green coriander and mint chutney and hot tea on the side.

Singhare Ke Pakore

Take singhara or water chestnut flour and add boiled peas to it. Combine it so that the peas are mashed. Add ajwain, salt to taste, water as needed, chopped green chillies, and grated ginger. Pick the thick batter using a spoon and drop it in a kadhai of hot oil. Pakoras will soon turn crispy. Take them out and serve them with coriander chutney.

Kuttu Dosa

Kuttu is also considered rich in protein. Combine it with rice flour, salt, and water to prepare a batter. After letting the batter sit, spread a spoon full of it on a hot skillet. As soon as the dosa starts solidifying, spread the spiced stuffing of paneer to make the snack more nutritious and fulfilling. Serve it with coconut chutney or coriander chutney.

Black Chickpea Salad

Boil black chickpeas and sweet potatoes. You can also roast them in the oven for a charred texture and flavour. Roughly chop sweet potatoes and toss them with black chickpeas, salt, chopped red chillies, salt, black pepper, coriander powder, and lemon juice. You can also throw in some fruits like berries and give everything a mix. Enjoy this delicious salad in the evening.