Navratri, a 9-day Indian festival celebrated to honour the supreme goddess – Maa Durga. It is a Hindu festival that is celebrated twice a year – once in the month of Chaitra (March – April) and again in the month of Ashvin (September – October).
Fasting during this festival is a common Hindu tradition. Many people do it for religious beliefs and some do it just to detox their body. I am one such person who keeps fasts for 9 days only for detoxification. Obviously, it can be done any time of the year but it becomes more disciplined during this festival.
What can be eaten during Navratri Fasting?
Everybody has their own way of fasting. Some people only eat fruits for all nine days while some eat a balanced meal that includes some vegetables, spices, dairy, grains, etc. In my home, we ate all kinds of vegetables and fruits except onion and garlic. And our beloved peas for some reason.
While fasting, some flours and grains are avoided like wheat, rice, and lentils. But you can eat buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, tapioca pearls, and amaranth. Salt is completely avoided because it contains chemicals. Instead, rock salt or sendha namak is used. Here is a detailed blog on what can be eaten and what should be avoided during Navratri fasting.
Detox Recipes for Navratri Fasting
Below are some of the recipes that we eat during Navratri fasting. These recipes are just a guide so that you can make healthier choices while fasting. Feel free to make changes depending on what you eat and avoid during Navratri fasting.
1. Veggie Loaded Quinoa Pulao
Quinoa is one food item that can be consumed during Navratri fasts (vrat). Quinoa is not a grain, legume, or pulse. It is a seed. So, just like we consume samak ke chawal, singhade ka aata (chestnut flour), kuttu ka aata (buckwheat flour), we can consume quinoa too.
2. Sabudana Thalipeeth
Instead of making deep-fried sabudana vadas and our good old sabudana khichdi, try something new this Navratri season. Make this sabudana thalipeeth which is very simple and easy to prepare and tastes amazing. It contains the goodness of spinach too which you can simply avoid if you do not consume spinach while fasting.
3. Mava Doodh (Dry Fruit Milk)
High protein, fulfilling, and tasty energy drink for Navratri fasting season. This dry fruit milk is loaded with different kinds of nuts and flavored with rose water and cardamom. It is boiled until it thickens and then chilled for the ultimate pleasure.
4. Kuttu Ka Cheela (Savory Buckwheat Pancakes)
High protein, gluten-free, and a wholesome recipe for the Navratri fasting season. This kuttu ka cheela (buckwheat pancake) is loaded with different veggies which makes it even more nutritious and flavorful. It is simple, light, quick, and easy to make and tastes delicious. It is quite healthy to consume on regular days too.
5. Amaranth & Dates Energy Bars (Rajgira Energy Bars or Ladoo)
Protein, fiber, and energy-packed bars that you can customize as per your taste buds. These do not just taste good but keep you full for a long time. You can simply grab a bar, have some milk and you are ready to rock your day. These bars contain nuts and seeds which you can customise as per your needs.
6. Beetroot Smoothie Bowl
Creamy, nutritious, and tempting beetroot smoothie bowl. It is filling and fulfilling which makes it just perfect for fasting days (and for regular days too). It will keep you full and energetic throughout the day. You can eat it over breakfast or lunch. Moreover, this bowl is so gorgeous, and decorating it is like therapy.
7. High Protein Quinoa Granola
You have to make this grain-free, gluten-free, no-sugar granola recipe and keep a jar of it in your kitchen at all times. Since it is homemade, you can be assured that it is made with high-quality ingredients with no unnecessary chemicals, preservatives, or other additives.
8. Celery, Mint & Passion Fruit Juice (No Juicer Needed)
This juice is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C & antioxidants. It is not just good to boost your immunity but it is rich in fiber and refreshing too. This juice is perfect to be consumed in the morning because it will keep you energetic and it is the best food to kick-start your day. I added a handful of mint leaves to it which makes the juice extra delightful and your mood extra fresh.
9. Everyday Green Smoothie
Creamy, nutritious, and tempting spinach smoothie recipe. It is filling and fulfilling which makes it just perfect for fasting days (and for regular days too). It will keep you full and energetic throughout the day. You can enjoy it over breakfast or lunch. Even if you are not a smoothie person, try this one. It will surely make you one.
10. Blueberry & Banana Smoothie
This smoothie is a little bit sour, a little bit sweet, and a lot more delicious. The best part of this smoothie is that you can finish up a pack of blueberries even if they are quite sour to eat just like that. And just look at the gorgeous color. No wonder drinking it makes you so happy and cheerful.
11. Immune Boosting Amla & Beetroot Juice
Amla or the humble Indian Gooseberry is perfect for the winter season to boost immunity and prepare your body to fight infections. Since it is very sour, it is difficult to consume it raw. But you can try this and make it a part of your regular diet. It is a tasty way to eat amla and a refreshing way to start your day.
12. Dates and Nuts Ladoo (Khajur Barfi)
Protein, fiber, and energy-packed sweets (or energy rolls) that you can customize as per your taste buds. These are so easy and quick to make which makes them perfect for Navratri fasting. You can get them in shops too but homemade ones always ensure the best quality and better taste.
13. Beauty Glow Juice (No Juicer Needed)
This juice is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C & antioxidants. It is not just good to boost your immunity but it clears your skin, and acne and slows down the aging of the skin too. It contains the goodness of carrot, tomato, and orange.
14. No Onion, No Garlic Paneer Gravy
No onion, no garlic, and not even heavy milk cream – this recipe is just right for your Navratri fasting season. Also, if you are someone who doesn’t eat onion and garlic, this recipe is for you. You won’t be able to resist licking the plate. It is creamy, rich, and much lighter than the regular paneer gravy recipes. You would want to make it again and again.
15. Navratri Special Tari Wale Aloo Tamatar
If you are looking for a quick, easy, and delicious companion for your kuttu ke aate or singhade ke aate ki poori or parathe, then try this recipe. It is a divine combination. If you do not eat red chili powder and turmeric while fasting, simply skip them.
P.S. Please skip parathe in the photo. They are not fasting-friendly.
These are some of the Navratri fasting-friendly recipes that you can try this Navratri season. I will come up with more ideas for the next Navratri season.
Everyone has their own set of rules and traditions. There is nothing wrong or right when it comes to family traditions and cultures. This is what I believe. So, you can choose to do whatever suits you. Just remember to follow these recipes as a guide and feel free to make adjustments as per your needs.
Happy Navratri!
Stay Healthy. Stay Blessed.
Lots of love,
Richa
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