Delightful Navratri fasting feasts: Savor the flavours of tradition

Navratri is a Hindu festival that typically spans nine nights, and during this time, many people observe fasting and avoid certain foods. The specific dietary restrictions can vary depending on regional and personal customs, but common guidelines during Navratri include abstaining from grains, and certain spices. Instead, people often opt for a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, dairy, and some fasting-specific ingredients. Here are some Navratri food ideas:

1. Sabudana Khichdi: A popular fasting dish made from soaked tapioca pearls, peanuts, potatoes, and a few mild spices.

2. Kuttu Ki Roti: Buckwheat flour is used to make unleavened flatbreads. You can serve it with yogurt or aloo (potato) sabzi.

3. Aloo Jeera: A dish of boiled potatoes sautéed with cumin seeds and green chilies.

4. Makhana (Fox Nuts): These can be roasted and seasoned with spices to make for a crunchy, healthy snack.

5. Coconut Ladoo: These sweet treats are made from desiccated coconut and condensed milk. You can add a few crushed nuts for extra flavor.

6. Paneer Dishes: You can prepare various paneer (cottage cheese) dishes like Paneer Tikka, Paneer Bhurji, or Paneer Sabzi.

7. Fasting Drinks: Include beverages like fruit juices, buttermilk, and coconut water.

Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the ingredients used are allowed during your specific fasting period as Navratri food rules can vary.