Celebrate Navratri 2025: Four Traditional Recipes to Try

As the festival of Navratri begins, observers will fast from September 22 to October 1, 2025. This nine-night celebration is not only a time for spiritual reflection but also an opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes that align with fasting practices. While many are familiar with these culinary delights, some individuals, particularly those living alone, may seek guidance in preparing these traditional recipes.

According to the chef at Khandani Rajdhani, several dishes are especially popular during this period, including Sabudana Khichdi, Sabudana Wada, Sabudana Kheer, and Shrikhand. Below are detailed recipes for each dish, allowing anyone to partake in these festive flavors.

Sabudana Khichdi

This savory dish is a staple during fasting. Here are the ingredients you will need:

– 1 1/2 cups of sabudana (tapioca pearls)
– 1/4 cup of peanuts
– 4-5 finely chopped green chillies
– 1 medium potato, cubed
– 3 tablespoons of ghee
– 1-2 sprigs of curry leaves
– 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
– Rock salt to taste
– 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons of scraped coconut
– Chopped coriander leaves

To prepare, wash the sabudana and soak it in one cup of water for three to four hours until the grains are separate and moist. Next, roast the peanuts on a hot griddle, peel off the skin, and grind them coarsely. In a pan, heat the ghee, add the curry leaves, cumin seeds, and chopped green chillies. Once the cumin seeds crackle, add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender. Finally, incorporate the sabudana, coconut, and ground peanuts, sautéing for four to five minutes. Season with rock salt and lemon juice, and garnish with coriander leaves before serving hot.

Sabudana Wada

This deep-fried snack is both crispy and delicious. Gather the following ingredients:

– 1 cup of sabudana
– 3-4 medium boiled potatoes
– 1/2 cup of peanuts
– 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
– 1-2 finely chopped green chillies
– 2 teaspoons of lime juice
– Chopped coriander leaves
– 1.5 teaspoons of sugar (optional)
– 3 tablespoons of kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour)
– Rock salt to taste
– Oil for frying

Soak the sabudana in water for at least five hours or overnight, then drain any excess water. In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes and add the soaked sabudana. Roast the peanuts until crisp, cool, and then coarsely powder them. Combine the peanuts, rock salt, sugar, green chillies, coriander leaves, and lime juice into the sabudana and potato mixture. Shape portions into flat round vadas and deep fry until golden brown. Serve with coconut chutney for added flavor.

Sabudana Kheer

This dessert offers a sweet end to the meal. The ingredients include:

– 1/2 cup of sabudana
– 4 cups of milk
– 4-5 tablespoons of organic unrefined cane sugar
– 4-5 grams of crushed green cardamom
– 2 tablespoons of chopped cashews
– 1/2 tablespoon of raisins
– 3-4 saffron strands (optional)

Rinse the sabudana until the water runs clear, then soak in water for 15-20 minutes. In a thick-bottomed pan, combine the soaked sabudana and water, and start cooking on a low flame. Warm the milk separately without boiling it, then add it to the pan after 4-5 minutes. Incorporate sugar and cardamom powder and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, mix in cashews and raisins, and garnish with saffron before serving hot, warm, or cold.

Shrikhand

This creamy dessert is a favorite during festive times. For this dish, you will need:

– 1 cup of hung curd
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder
– 1 teaspoon of gulab jal (rose water)
– 1 teaspoon of charoli (chironji)
– 1 tablespoon of chopped dry fruits (almonds, pistachios)

To prepare, place a thin muslin cloth over a strainer and pour the curd into it, loosely covering the edges. Refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours to allow excess water to drain. Once ready, mix in the sugar, then pass the mixture through a sieve for a smooth consistency. Finally, add the cardamom powder, gulab jal, charoli, and dry fruits, mixing well before serving chilled.

With these recipes, anyone can enjoy the traditional flavors of Navratri while observing their fast. As the festival continues, these dishes not only nourish the body but also celebrate the rich culinary heritage associated with this vibrant occasion.