Planning to Fast During Navratri? Here are 9 Quick and Healthy Recipes for Your Navratri Fast in 2019!

Navratri is an auspicious time for all Hindus in India. It is a festival that is celebrated throughout the country and also by Indians abroad. Observing fast for 9 days is an important element of the festival. Are you observing Navratri fast for the first time and don’t know what to cook? Are you short of time to prepare elaborate dishes during the fast? Are you looking for some recipes that are different from the ones that you usually prepare for Navratri fast? If your answer to anyone of these questions is a ‘yes’, then we suggest you read along. We have some solutions for you!

People observe fast during Navratri with great faith and commitment. It is seen that families have their indigenous way of fasting, which may vary slightly from one to another. Having said that, it is important to know that there are certain mandatory rules that have to be adhered while observing the Navratri fast. This ideally refers to the ingredients being used in the recipes prepared during the fast. We have compiled a list of the ingredients that can and cannot be used in any of the Navratri recipes for 9 days fast.

Scientifically speaking, certain grains and flours like rice and wheat take up more time for digestion and are heavy on the stomach. On the other hand, grains and flour like buckwheat (kuttu) and water chestnut (singhada) are very light on the gut. Especially when the body is low in immunity and prone to illnesses, it is prudent to stick to the lighter versions of food.

Non-vegetarian products are totally given up during this time. As a result, people resort to different variants of vegetables in the recipes. However, there are certain restrictions on the usage of vegetables too. As per Ayurveda, vegetables that are tamasic are those that increases heat in the body, and hence are not good. Onions, garlic, shallots, mushrooms, eggplants and bhindi fall under this category. Sattvic vegetables are said to give energy to the body and keeps one hydrated. These vegetables should be consumed during the Navratri fast.

Spices in general are said to increase the heat in the body. As a result, most of the usual spices used in Indian cooking like turmeric, mustard seeds and such are avoided for Navratri recipes. Also, regular table salt is not used for the cooking. Instead, rock salt or sendha namak is used. This is because rock salt is considered to be purer and more unprocessed, compared to table salt. Apart from the allowed spices, some people may also use fresh coriander leaves, red chilli powder, dry mango powder (amchur) and chaat masala.

There are no restrictions on fruits during the Navratri fast. You can consume any kind and any quantity of fruits during this time. In fact, it is the best time to enjoy seasonal fruits like mangoes, watermelons and apples. You can eat them fresh and whole or can have them juiced. Alternatively, you can also make a fruit chaat or simply have them with some yogurt.

All dairy products made out of milk is permissible to be included in Navratri recipes. You can get a good dose of protein from these products. All milk alternatives like soy milk, coconut milk, cashew and almond milk are also allowed in recipes. You can opt to include paneer, cheese, buttermilk, yogurt or curd in your daily Navratri fasting diet.

Finally, it goes without saying that devotees have to steer-clear of egg, non-vegetarian food and alcohol during this festive season. These ingredients do not align with the fasting rituals and needs to be totally avoided at any cost.

Now that we are clear about the ingredients to use for cooking our Navratri special dishes, lets get ahead with the recipes.

Let’s start off with the easiest recipe that involves no cooking at all! This lassi is great to have in the morning to start off a Navratri day. This drink is loaded with nutrients and fiber and is very light on the digestive system; but keeps you full for sure!

This paneer and badam milk are assured to give all the energy boost for the whole day while observing Navratri fast. This drink can be had as a midday snack or a meal in its whole, as it keeps you feeling full for a long time.

This is an easy to make sweet that is rich in proteins and hence, is ideal for a Navratri fasting day! It is made from Khoya/Mawa which is a dairy product made from milk. Khoya is basically milk solid, left after evaporation of the water content from milk.

Sabudana (tapioca pearls) are popularly used in recipes for Navratri fast. Here is a sweet ladoo from Sabudana.

Samak or farli dosa is rich in nutrients but low in calories. It is very easy to prepare and great to have on a Navratri day.

If you are also watching the calories in your diet while fasting for Navratri, then try this low fat Navratri recipe. Makhana (lotus seeds) added in the recipe gives a thick consistency to the soup

Cheelas are thicker versions of dosas. This potato- Sabudana cheela is perfect as a meal on a Navratri fasting day.

This south Indian Navratri recipe is both a snack as well as a whole meal in itself. Help yourself to this tasty dish and feel guilt free while fasting for Navratri. It is that healthy and nutritious!

This is a fast (vrat) friendly cake made from Kuttu and singada flour instead of regular flour. It is easy to make and healthy too.