When Navratri arrives, we all want fuss-free, tasty dishes that adhere to our vrat rules. Forget spending ages in the kitchen, here are quick recipes that’ll keep you from fretting in impatience. From wholesome vegetarian snacks to street-style favourites and festive treats, all in just 15 minutes.
Sabudana Khichdi with a Twist
A fasting staple, but let’s shake things up. Soak sabudana for a couple of hours beforehand, until it is soft but not sticky. In a hot pan, add ghee, cumin seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves, if desired. Toss in the drained sabudana, apple chunks for a hint of sweetness, chopped peanuts for crunch, a sprinkle of rock salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir on low heat till the pearls turn translucent. Garnish with coriander and a squeeze of lemon. It’s crunchy, sweet, spicy, and comforting in one pan — fast, flavorful, and appropriately festive.
Kuttu Atta Cheela
Turn kuttu (buckwheat) flour into a savoury pancake that’s light yet filling. Mix the flour with water, rock salt, chopped coriander, grated ginger, and a tiny pinch of green chilli paste for an extra kick. The batter should be flowing but not watery. Pour a ladle of batter onto a hot, greased pan and cook both sides until slightly browned and crisp at the edges. Serve hot with mint chutney, vrat-friendly curd, or just plain with a sprinkle of black pepper. It’s fuss-free, takes barely any time, and is excellent for breakfast or a mid-evening snack.
Singhare ke Aloo Tikki
Boiled potatoes and water chestnut flour are a classic combination for Navratri. Mash the potatoes while they’re still warm, mix in singhare ka atta, a pinch of rock salt, chopped green chilli, and a bit of ginger for warmth. Shape into small flat tikkis. Shallow-fry in ghee or light oil till both sides turn crisp and golden. Serve them hot with mint yoghurt dip, or if you prefer a street-style kick, sprinkle with chaat seasoning and a dash of lemon juice. It is soft inside, crunchy outside, and a no-nonsense crowd-pleaser that’s done in minutes.
Vrat-Style Fruit Salad with Chaat Masala
When you’re craving something quick and refreshing during your fast, this fruit salad hits the spot. Cut up seasonal fruits such as apples, bananas, pomegranates, grapes, and papaya, if available. Toss them gently in a bowl with rock salt, black pepper, and a generous pinch of chaat masala. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice ties it all together. It tastes like the fruit chaat you find at street stalls, but without the guilt. Sweet, tangy, and ready in just five minutes, ideal for breaking a fast or as a midday nibble.
Sabudana Watermelon Fizz
Are you craving something fizzy while fasting? In a glass, muddle fresh watermelon cubes lightly so they release juice but stay chunky. Add chilled sparkling water, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of rock salt. If you have it handy, drop in a sprig of fresh mint for that cooling, festive touch. This one’s hydrating, refreshing, and surprisingly filling because of the watermelon. Plus, it pairs well with any vrat meal and makes you feel like you’re sipping something fancy without breaking any fasting rules.
Kuttu Atta Wrap / Roll
If you’re stuck at work or just need something you can grab and go, here it is. Mix kuttu atta, water, rock salt, chopped green coriander, and a hint of ginger to make a soft dough. Roll it out thin like a chapati and cook both sides on a hot pan. Once ready, spread a layer of peanut butter and honey for a sweet version, or stuff with spicy mashed potato filling for a savoury option. Roll it up and it’s good to go. Great for road trips, picnics, or a quick office lunch when you’re fasting.
Dahi Pak
This one’s a simple, no-fuss yoghurt treat with a vrat-approved twist. Take thick, chilled curd in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Crumble some singhare ka atta into it for the body. Stir in a little honey for sweetness or rock salt if you’re keeping it savoury. Add a pinch of chaat masala, chopped mint leaves, and let it chill for a couple of minutes. It’s cool, creamy, and makes for a soothing side with your fasting meals, especially on a hot afternoon or after a round of tikkis.
Leave a Reply