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Navratri is a celebration of nine days during which Goddess Durga is worshipped and most people observe fasts. It is the time of the year again when Navratri is celebrated across India with much pomp and show. Here are Masala Box’s meals that you can have upon availing of a subscription.
You will find the must-have Navratri foods and dishes be it North Indian or South Indian, all in one place!
Navratri is one of the most awaited festivals as it brings a never-ending food- ride along with dandiya, puja and bhog. Navratri marks the beginning of the festive season, especially in North India, where people start looking forward to the festive season of Durga Pooja, Diwali, and Dussehra as the auspicious days commence. Most people, who practice the Hindu religion, fast on some, or all 9 days of Navratri. The 9 holy days of Navratri usher in the festive season, 9 days we worship deities and keep a ‘fast’ as a means of ‘tyag’ or sacrifice. It is also a time we cleanse ourselves before the excesses of the festive season begin. Navratri begins on the first day of the bright half of Ashvin or Ashtabula (September-October). It ends on the ninth day of Ashvin. The tenth day is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
During the fasting period, most people eat only one meal a day at sunset. The Navratri meal has special courses and is strictly vegetarian. Even onion and garlic are usually not allowed. Flours like Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour), Singhade ka atta (water chestnut flour) and Sabudana (sago) are used as they are not considered to be ‘Cereals’. Special ingredients and vegetables are used for preparing delicious recipes during Navratras. The choice of vegetables may vary from region to region. Spices are restricted to red chillies, turmeric and cumin seeds and only rock salt is used. However, one can drink milk and eat curds, fruits and nuts. Navratras is the time to eat a variety of healthy foods. An ideal fasting diet should contain a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Eating healthy and choosing the right kind of foods becomes really important even during the festival season.
Here are a few dishes that are a part of our 9-day lavish meal plans!
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana also known as sago or tapioca pearls are made from the roots of the cassava plant. Another name for this plant is tapioca or yuca. This is an easy and tasty snack and a good recipe to be made during fasting days but it requires little experience to make a khichdi in which the sabudana pearls are not sticking or have become lumpy.
Sabudana khichdi is one of the most popular fasting dishes that is made with sabudana pearls, boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts and a few spices.
Rajgira Aloo Puri
Rajgira Aloo Puri is very easy to make and delicious. It is made from Rajgira Atta/Amaranth Flour. Amaranth Flour/Rajgira ka atta is one of the ingredients that is used during Navratri fasting days. These can be served with curd or raita. Amaranth flour is one of the most protein-rich of any plant-based food.
Aloo ki khadhi
This simple, quick and yummy khadhi are made using Singhade ka atta ( water chestnut flour), curd, grated boiled potatoes with some allowed spices. This dish doesn’t require such an effort and can be prepared quickly. So do try this delicious Vrat ki Aloo Khadhi during this Navratri
Kuttu ke atte ka samosa
An evening without samosas seems incomplete and Navratri leaves you with no choice, but to skip on this delicious snack. With the Kuttu Ke Atte Ka Samosa dish, you can woo your loved ones and enjoy the goodness of samosas with a Navratri twist. It is prepared using water chestnut flour, arrowroot powder, chironji, sendha namak, along many spices. The crispy crust along with delicious soft filling will make everyone who takes a bite fall in love with it. Since Navratri calls for a satvik diet, this recipe fits in perfectly. Water chestnut (singhada) is a low-calorie ingredient, which is quite beneficial for the body. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, it’s also packed with antioxidants that help reduce blood pressure and bring down stress levels.
Hari Chutney
Basically, a spicy condiment or sauce recipe, mainly prepared with green leafy vegetables which gives it a dark green colour and texture. Typically it is used as a taste enhancer in street-side chaat recipes but it can also be served as a side dish for deep-fried snacks like samosa and even dhokla.
Paneer kheer
Paneer Kheer is an Indian dessert made using crumbled fresh paneer or chenna. It is easy to make and tastes delicious and is even perfect to serve for your functions and special occasions. This is a perfect Navratri dessert to complete your celebration feast with other sweets and snacks recipes. It is one of the quick and easy, milk-based creamy dessert recipes prepared within 15 minutes. It can be served either warm or chilled.
Go ahead and subscribe to these meals right now on Masala Box!
