5 Healthy Navratri Fasting Recipes You Can Make This Navratri

Navratri is a vibrant nine-night festival celebrated with immense devotion and joy across India. A significant aspect of the celebration is the observance of a vrat or fast, where certain food groups like grains, lentils, and common salts are avoided. While fasting is a spiritual practice, it’s also an opportunity to nourish your body with light, yet energizing foods.

Why Focus on Nutrition During Navratri Fast?

Energy Boost: Sabudana and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of carbohydrates for instant and sustained energy.
Rich in Nutrients: Ingredients like pumpkin, peanuts, and dairy provide essential vitamins, protein, and healthy fats.
Digestive Health: Using sendha namak (rock salt) and incorporating yogurt can aid digestion during the fast.

This year, move beyond fried snacks and explore these wholesome and nutritious Navratri recipes.

5 Nutritious & Delicious Navratri Fasting Recipes

1.Kuttu ka Cheela (Buckwheat Crepe)

Kuttu (buckwheat) is a nutrient-dense pseudo-grain, rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium. Buckwheat is a complete protein and is excellent for heart health.

Ingredients:

1 cup kuttu ka atta
2 tbsp grated bottle gourd (lauki)
1 green chili & ginger
1/2 tsp Rock salt (sendha namak)
1 tsp ghee

Method:

1. Make a batter using kuttu flour, lauki, salt, and water.

2. Heat tawa, spread batter like a dosa.

3. Cook both sides with ghee until crisp.

Try : 11 Mouth-Watering Chilla Recipes

2.Fruit and Nuts Yogurt Bowl

Fruits provide essential vitamins and hydration, while nuts and hung curd add a dose of protein and healthy fats, keeping you satiated.

Ingredients:

1 cup hung curd
1 cup mixed fruits (apple, banana, pomegranate)
10-12 almonds & walnuts
1 tsp pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp honey
Pinch of cardamom powder

Method:

Chop all the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, take the hung curd and whisk it until smooth.
Add honey (or jaggery ) and cardamom powder. Mix well.
Gently fold in the chopped fruits, seeds and nuts.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Also try : Nuts & Seeds Energy Bars (No-Cook)

3.Creamy Sabudana Kheer (Sago Pudding)

Sabudana (tapioca pearls) is a great source of easily digestible carbohydrates, providing a quick burst of energy. Sabudana is gluten-free and provides essential minerals like calcium and iron.

Ingredients:

½ cup sabudana

2 cups milk (or vegan option)

3–4 tbsp jaggery powder

2–3 green cardamom pods

1 tbsp ghee (optional)

6–7 cashews and almonds

1 tsp raisins

Few saffron strands

Method:

Wash sabudana well and soak in water for 30 minutes. Drain excess water.
Boil milk in a heavy-bottom pan, then add sabudana.
Cook on low flame for 10–12 minutes, stirring to avoid lumps.
Once sabudana turns translucent and soft, add jaggery.
Stir in cardamom, saffron, and nuts.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until kheer thickens.
Garnish with almonds and raisins. Serve warm or chilled

Try : Guilt-free Makhana Kheer recipe

4.Sweet Potato Chaat

A healthier alternative to aloo chaat. Sweet potatoes (shakarkandi) are low in sodium and are a very good source of fiber, complex carbohydrates, proteins, calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1/2 cup fresh pomegranate
1 green chili,
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp rock salt (sendha namak)
coriander leaves
Lemon juice to taste

Method:

Boil the sweet potatoes until tender but firm. Peel and cube them.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes, crushed peanuts, pomegranate seeds, finely chopped green chili, and roasted cumin powder.
Add black salt and lemon juice for seasoning. Toss everything gently.
Garnish with handful of fresh coriander leaves
Serve this delightful chaat for a burst of flavor and nutrition.

5.Chia & Pomegranate Parfait

A no-cook, probiotic-rich meal perfect for breaking your fast. It provides instant energy and aids digestion. Chia seeds are high in omega, protein & gut-friendly probiotics

Ingredients:

1 cup hung curd (thick yogurt)
2 tbsp soaked chia seeds
½ cup pomegranate seeds
1 tsp honey
1 tbsp chopped walnuts

Method:

Layer hung curd, chia seeds, and pomegranate in a glass.
Drizzle honey and top with walnuts.
Chill before serving.

Also try : 5 Delicious Lassi Recipes for Gut Health

Fasting during Navratri doesn’t mean compromising on taste or nutrition. These easy Navratri recipes are designed to keep you nourished, energized, and in the festive spirit. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, lemon water, and coconut water throughout your fast.