Navratri, a vibrant and joyous festival, is a celebration dedicated to the divine feminine energy. Spanning nine nights, this festival is marked by fasting, feasting, and spiritual devotion. At Maharaja Farmers Market, the essence of Navratri is best celebrated with a variety of delicious, traditional dishes that honor the festival’s customs and flavors.
Day 1: Sabudana Khichdi
Kick-off Navratri with a light yet satisfying dish—Sabudana Khichdi. Made from tapioca pearls, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Combine soaked sabudana with peanuts, potatoes, and a sprinkle of cumin and green chilies. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with a side of yogurt for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- Sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- Peanuts
- Potatoes
- Cumin seeds
- Green chilies
- Coriander leaves
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Soak sabudana in water overnight.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Add chopped potatoes and cook until tender.
- Stir in peanuts and green chilies.
- Add soaked sabudana and cook until translucent.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Day 2: Kuttu Ki Puri with Aloo Sabzi
On the second day, enjoy Kuttu Ki Puri with Aloo Sabzi. Kuttu (buckwheat flour) is commonly used during Navratri for its fasting-friendly properties. Prepare fluffy puris and pair them with a spicy and tangy potato curry for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
- Kuttu flour (buckwheat flour)
- Potatoes
- Cumin seeds
- Tomatoes
- Green chilies
- Garam masala
Instructions:
- Mix kuttu flour with water and knead into a dough.
- Roll out into small circles and deep-fry until golden brown.
- For the aloo sabzi, heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and then potatoes.
- Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and spices.
- Cook until potatoes are tender, and flavors are well combined.
Day 3: Singhare Ka Halwa
Indulge in Singhare Ka Halwa (water chestnut flour pudding) on the third day. This sweet and rich dessert is made with singhara ka atta and garnished with nuts. It’s a perfect treat to end your meal.
Ingredients:
- Singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour)
- Ghee
- Sugar
- Water
- Nuts (cashews, almonds)
Instructions:
- Heat ghee in a pan and add singhare ka atta.
- Roast until it turns golden brown.
- Gradually add water and cook until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in sugar and cook until dissolved.
- Garnish with nuts and serve warm.
Day 4: Rajgira Paratha with Cucumber Raita
Rajgira (amaranth flour) is another excellent choice for fasting. Prepare Rajgira Paratha, a soft and nutritious flatbread, and pair it with a cooling cucumber raita for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Rajgira flour (amaranth flour)
- Cucumber
- Yogurt
- Cumin powder
- Salt
Instructions:
- Mix rajgira flour with water to make a dough.
- Roll out and cook on a hot grill until golden brown.
- For the raita, mix grated cucumber with yogurt.
- Season with cumin powder and salt.
Day 5: Vrat Ke Chawal (Fasting Rice) with Vegetable Curry
Vrat Ke Chawal (fasting rice) is a staple during Navratri. Prepare it with a flavorful vegetable curry made from potatoes, carrots, and peas. This simple yet tasty meal is perfect for fasting.
Ingredients:
- Vrat ke chawal (barnyard millet)
- Mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas)
- Cumin seeds
- Spices (turmeric, salt)
Instructions:
- Cook vrat ke chawal according to package instructions.
- For the curry, heat oil and add cumin seeds.
- Add chopped vegetables and spices.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, and flavors are well blended.
Day 6: Kacha Aam Ka Panha
Cool down with Kacha Aam Ka Panha, a refreshing raw mango drink. It’s not only delicious but also helps in keeping your body hydrated during the fast.
Ingredients:
- Raw mangoes
- Sugar
- Cumin powder
- Black salt
- Water
Instructions:
- Boil raw mangoes until soft.
- Peel and blend mango pulp with sugar, cumin powder, and black salt.
- Dilute with water and serve chilled.
Day 7: Aloo Chaat
Savor the tangy and spicy flavors of Aloo Chaat. This dish is made with boiled potatoes and a medley of chutneys and spices, making it a perfect snack for the festival.
Ingredients:
- Boiled potatoes
- Tamarind chutney
- Green chutney
- Chaat masala
- Coriander leaves
Instructions:
- Cube boiled potatoes and toss with chutneys and chaat masala.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve immediately.
Day 8: Makhana Kheer
Celebrate with Makhana Kheer, a creamy and nutty dessert made from fox nuts. This sweet treat is a perfect way to end your Navratri feast.
Ingredients:
- Makhana (fox nuts)
- Milk
- Sugar
- Cardamom powder
- Nuts
Instructions:
- Roast makhana in ghee until crispy.
- Boil milk and add roasted makhana.
- Stir in sugar and cardamom powder.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, and garnish with nuts.
Day 9: Fruit Chaat
Finish the festival with a healthy and refreshing Fruit Chaat. Mix various fruits and season with a bit of lemon juice and chaat masala for a light and flavorful end to the Navratri feast.
Ingredients:
- Mixed fruits (apple, banana, pomegranate, etc.)
- Lemon juice
- Chaat masala
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
- Cut fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with lemon juice and chaat masala.
- Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.
Celebrate Navratri with Maharaja Farmers Market
At Maharaja Farmers Market, we are committed to providing you with the freshest ingredients to make your Navratri celebrations special. Visit us for all your festival needs, and let us help you create a memorable feast for this auspicious occasion.