5 Simple Navratri Upvas Recipes

Navratri is a time of devotion, celebration, and fasting. During these nine days, many people observe upvas (fasting) and eat special foods that are pure and light on the stomach. These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for anyone observing the fast. Let’s explore five simple and tasty Navratri upvas recipes.

1. Sabudana Khichdi (Tapioca Pearl Stir-Fry)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
• 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and coarsely ground
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• Salt to taste (rock salt is preferred during fasting)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon juice to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the sabudana in water for 4-5 hours or overnight until they become soft.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds.
3. Once the seeds start crackling, add chopped green chilies and sauté for a minute.
4. Add the boiled potatoes and stir-fry for a few minutes.
5. Add the soaked sabudana, ground peanuts, and salt. Mix everything well.
6. Cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the sabudana turns translucent.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.

2. Kuttu Ki Puri (Buckwheat Flour Bread)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour)
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• Rock salt to taste
• Water for kneading
• Ghee or oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine kuttu ka atta, mashed potatoes, and rock salt.
2. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough, adding a little water if needed.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into small puris (flatbreads).
4. Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan and fry the puris until they turn golden brown.
5. Serve hot with curd or any fasting-friendly curry.

3. Samak Rice Khichdi (Barnyard Millet Porridge)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup samak rice (barnyard millet)
• 1/2 cup peanuts, roasted and coarsely ground
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• Salt to taste (rock salt)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash and soak samak rice for 15-20 minutes.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds.
3. Once the seeds start crackling, add chopped green chilies and diced potatoes.
4. Sauté the potatoes until they are soft and slightly golden.
5. Add the soaked samak rice, ground peanuts, salt, and 2 cups of water.
6. Cook on low heat until the rice is done and the mixture thickens.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

4. Aloo Jeera (Cumin Potatoes)

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• Rock salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Lemon juice to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds.
2. Once the seeds crackle, add chopped green chilies and sauté for a minute.
3. Add the boiled and diced potatoes, and stir-fry until they turn golden brown.
4. Add rock salt and mix well.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.

5. Sabudana Vada (Tapioca Pearl Fritters)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and coarsely ground
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Rock salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. Soak the sabudana in water for 4-5 hours or overnight until they soften.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, ground peanuts, chopped green chilies, cumin seeds, and rock salt.
3. Mix everything well and shape the mixture into small round vadas (patties).
4. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the vadas until they turn golden and crispy.
5. Serve hot with curd or fasting-friendly chutney.

These simple and flavorful recipes are perfect for Navratri upvas, allowing you to enjoy the festival while observing the fast. Each dish is easy to make and brings a taste of tradition to your fasting days.