Quinoa, with its unique flavor and versatile nature, takes center stage in this delightful quinoa cutlets recipe (non-fried). Packed with proteins and fiber, this nutrient-dense recipe will keep you satisfied and nourished during the Navratri fasting season. Whether looking for a wholesome recipe to satisfy your cravings during the fasts or a quick and easy snack, this quinoa cutlet recipe will become your favorite.
What is the Navratri Festival?
Navratri (also known as Navaratri or Navrate), is a joyous Hindu festival, celebrated over 9 to 10 days. The word “Navratri” is derived from the Sanskrit – Nav means nine and Ratri means night. This festival is celebrated twice a year, once in the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once in the autumn (Sharad Navratri). Sharad Navratri falls during September or October and is widely celebrated all across India.
One of the significant aspects of Navratri is fasting (known as Vrat or Upvas), where devotees abstain from consuming certain foods, including grains, pulses, onions, garlic, alcohol, and non-vegetarian items. Instead, they opt for a diet of fruits, milk, nuts, and specific fasting-friendly dishes.
What food items are allowed (or not) in Navratri?
Two main food items are not consumed during the Navratri season – onion and garlic. They are considered Tamsik in nature and hence to be avoided. Consuming lentils, grains, and flour like whole wheat flour, besan (gram flour), or all-purpose flour, salt, and canned food is not allowed. Non-vegetarian food items including eggs are also not allowed. Devotees also prefer not to smoke or drink alcohol during these nine days.
You can consume dairy products like curd, milk, paneer, vegetables like potato, tomato, arbi, cucumber, carrot, bottle gourd, eggplant, etc. You can even consume coconut, nuts, and seeds. Spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, cardamom, ajwain, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, etc. are also allowed.
Everybody has their own beliefs and follows their own rules. I recommend you adjust the recipes based on how you follow your fasting and celebrate Navratri.
What is a Cutlet?
Cutlets are fried patties made of potatoes, different vegetables, or meat. Different spices and herbs are also added to enhance the flavors of cutlets. The ingredients are mashed together and shaped into a firm patty. The patties are then deep-fried, shallow-fried, or baked in an oven. These are also known as fritters, pakoras (pakoda), patty, or kebab.
Is Quinoa a grain or a seed?
Quinoa is a pseudo-grain or a seed and is a member of the spinach, chard, and beet family. It is often considered in a cereal grain group and cooked like rice or other grains. But it is a seed of the Chenopodium plant. This plant is also used for medicinal purposes and its leaves are consumed as a vegetable. But this ancient ingredient is grown for its seeds and to cook many recipes like soup, bread, pulao, salad, cutlets, etc.
What are the benefits of Quinoa?
Humans have been eating Quinoa for more than 7000 years. It is an ancient ingredient that has gained popularity in recent years. It is high in proteins and lots of other vitamins and minerals too. Quinoa is also rich in magnesium, zinc, and iron. Red and black quinoa have about twice the antioxidant power.
We consume it regularly and make salads, pulao, cutlets, energy balls, and granola.
What grains (or pseudo-grains) can be consumed during Navratri?
Following grains and their flour can be consumed during the Navratri season:
- Buckwheat or Buckwheat Flour (Kuttu ka Aata)
- Amaranth (Rajgira)
- Quinoa
- Water Chestnut Flour (Singhade ka Aata)
- Samai (samak ke chawal)
Can we bake these Quinoa Cutlets?
Yes. Of course! You can bake these cutlets or make them in the air fryer. The texture would be different and baked cutlets may feel slightly dry. To bake, preheat your oven or microwave to 200°C and then bake until golden brown. It may take 12 to 15 minutes.
Is this recipe Vegan?
Yes. All the ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based and vegan.
How can we store Quinoa Cutlets?
You can prepare the mixture for the cutlets and store it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. If the mixture of cutlets gets moist, add more almond flour or buckwheat flour (Kuttu Ka Aata) to make firm patties. To cook, shallow-fry in a pan.
Can we freeze Quinoa Cutlets?
Yes. Of course! I do it all the time. I always make a big batch of the cutlets, shape them as needed, and then put them in the freezer on a plate first. Once frozen, I transfer them to a zip-lock bag. You can freeze them for about a month (or more).
To cook, take them out of the freezer and rest for a few minutes. Then shallow-fry. There is no need to thaw.
Ingredients List – for your quick reference
More Navratri Fasting Recipes
- Sabudana Thalipeeth
- Buckwheat Cheela (Kuttu Ka Cheela)
- Amaranth (Rajgira) and Dates Energy Bars
- Beetroot Smoothie Bowl
- High Protein Quinoa Granola
- Mawa Doodh (Dry Fruit Milk)
- Celery, Mint & Passion Fruit Juice
Conclusion
Most of us cook deep-fried food items during the Navratri fasting time but it is unhealthy for our body. While fasting, revive and rejuvenate your body by including wholesome and nutrient-dense food. This non-fried quinoa cutlet recipe is sure to impress everyone with its irresistible flavor and wholesome ingredients. It is perfect to satisfy your cravings during the Navratri fasting or feasting season.
Grab all the ingredients to make this quick and easy evening snack at home. I am sure it will become your Navratri staple. If you try this recipe and like it too, please share the photo of your creation on Instagram and tag us @thefearlesscooking. We love seeing your recreation of our recipes.
Happy Cooking. 🙂
Love
Richa
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