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Navratri is an important festival in India, being celebrated with devotion and special food rules. Many people fast during this time but still enjoy delicious and filling meals made with ingredients allowed during fasting, like buckwheat flour, amaranth, and sabudana. Even without regular grains, the food can be flavourful and satisfying.
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Here are some easy Navratri dinner recipes that you can try at home to keep your energy up while fasting. Whether you are a beginner chef or a professional, these dishes are simple to make; along with that, they are healthy and will help you stay strong while following the fasting guidelines during the nine days of Navratri.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi is a popular dish during Navratri, known for its light yet satisfying taste. Sabudana, or tapioca pearls, is soaked until soft and then cooked with peanuts, boiled potatoes, and mild spices like cumin and green chilies. The ghee used in the cooking process adds a rich flavour to the dish, while peanuts give it a crunchy texture. This khichdi is not only delicious but also packed with energy, making it an ideal choice for dinner during the fasting period.
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Kuttu Ki Poori
Kuttu ki poori, made from buckwheat flour, is a common fasting bread. This gluten-free flour is mixed with boiled potatoes to form a dough, which is then rolled into small discs and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Kuttu ki poori is typically served with a side of aloo ki sabzi or yoghurt, balancing the rich taste of the fried bread. These pooris are a filling and comforting dinner option that is perfect for a traditional Navratri meal.
Makhana Kheer
For those with a sweet tooth, makhana kheer is a delightful dessert that can also be enjoyed as part of your Navratri dinner. Makhana, or fox nuts, is roasted and then simmered in milk along with sugar and cardamom. The result is a creamy and mildly sweet kheer, with the fox nuts providing a soft yet chewy texture. Often garnished with chopped almonds and cashews, makhana kheer is a delicious way to end your meal on a sweet note during Navratri.
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Samak Chawal Khichdi
Samak chawal, or barnyard millet, is a great rice substitute during Navratri. Samak chawal khichdi is prepared similarly to regular rice khichdi but uses this fasting-friendly millet. Cooked with a few simple spices like cumin, green chillies, and rock salt, this khichdi is light, easy to digest, and nutritious. You can add boiled potatoes or peanuts for some extra flavour and texture. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a light dinner during fasting.
Kuttu Dosa
For a South Indian twist to your Navratri menu, try kuttu dosa. Made from buckwheat flour, this dosa is light, crispy, and fasting-friendly. The batter is prepared by mixing kuttu ka atta with water, rock salt, and a few spices, then cooked like a regular dosa on a hot tawa. You can enjoy kuttu dosa with a side of coconut chutney or a fasting-friendly potato filling, making it a satisfying and delicious dinner option.
Rajgira paratha
Rajgira, or amaranth flour, is another grain commonly used during Navratri. Rajgira paratha is a flatbread made by combining amaranth flour with mashed boiled potatoes, rock salt, and a touch of ghee. The dough is then rolled out and cooked on a hot griddle. The paratha is soft and slightly nutty in flavour, making it a wholesome and healthy dinner option. It pairs well with yoghurt or any fasting-friendly vegetable curry.
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Aloo Ki Kadhi
Aloo ki kadhi is a unique and comforting dish that combines the richness of yoghurt with the softness of boiled potatoes. This kadhi is made by whisking yoghurt with water and sama rice flour, then simmering it with boiled potatoes, cumin, and rock salt. The result is a thick, creamy, and mildly tangy kadhi that pairs well with sama chawal or kuttu ki poori. This dish is both hearty and soothing, making it an excellent choice for a Navratri dinner.
Lauki Sabzi
Lauki, or bottle gourd, is a fasting-friendly vegetable that is light and easy to digest. Lauki sabzi is prepared by cooking a diced bottle gourd with cumin seeds, green chillies, and a touch of rock salt. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the lauki to shine through. This sabzi is perfect for pairing with rajgira paratha or kuttu ki poori, offering a balanced and nutritious meal for dinner during Navratri.
