As the vibrant celebration of Navratri comes to a close, the nostalgia for this spirited festival lingers in the air. Navratri is a time when we observe fasting, offering prayers to the goddess and indulging in delectable yet health-conscious dishes. It's important to remember that Navratri fasting need not entail a compromise on flavor or nutrition.
As we bid farewell to the vibrant festival of Navratri, let us remember that embracing health-conscious choices in our everyday lives is just as important as the festivities themselves. During this auspicious festive time, ShareChat's creator, Jaya Bhattacharjee, offers five delightful Navratri snacks with a nutritional twist to keep our taste buds satisfied.
Let's take a look at some of the fasting feasts, which evoke a sense of nostalgia while also emphasizing the importance of staying healthy.
1. Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these spicy sweet potato fries are an absolute delight. To prepare them, simply slice sweet potatoes into thin strips, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and season with rock salt and red chili powder. Bake them until they turn golden and serve with tangy mint chutney. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, offering dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and antioxidants, making them the perfect choice for a Navratri snack that satisfies both your taste buds and your health needs.
2. Sago Yogurt Parfait
Navratri without a touch of indulgence is simply incomplete. The Sago Yogurt Parfait is a delightful blend of sago pearls, yogurt, and fruit. To prepare this heavenly treat, soak sago pearls in water for a few hours, drain them, and mix them with yogurt. Top it off with seasonal fruits like bananas, pomegranates, and a drizzle of honey. This snack is not only delicious but also rich in probiotics, fiber, and essential vitamins. It's a perfect way to keep your gut happy while your taste buds dance in delight.
3. Quinoa Upma
For a modern twist on Navratri fasting, try the Quinoa Upma. Replace traditional semolina with quinoa for a fiber-rich, protein-packed snack. Sauté quinoa with cumin seeds, curry leaves, and your favorite Navratri-approved vegetables. The result is a scrumptious, nutritious treat that will keep you satisfied throughout the fasting period. This fusion of flavors and health-conscious ingredients adds a contemporary touch to Navratri traditions.
4. Crispy Sabudana Chivda
Sabudana Chivda is a classic Navratri snack, but this version comes with a nutritional upgrade. Toss soaked and drained sabudana with peanuts, roasted chilies, curry leaves, and a hint of sugar for that perfect balance of flavors. Sabudana, a staple during Navratri fasting, is an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing the much-needed energy during this period. This nutritious twist ensures that you stay energetic and nourished throughout the festival.
5. Samosa-stuffed Makhana
The quintessential samosa, a beloved snack during Navratri, receives a fasting-friendly makeover. Crushed makhana serves as a perfect crispy crust for these samosa bites. They are stuffed with a spiced potato and peanut mixture, and then baked to golden perfection. This unique fusion snack offers the best of both worlds – deliciousness and nutrition.
These five healthy Navratri snacks not only keep your spirits high and invoke a sense of nostalgia but also play a vital role in maintaining your health. These nutritious Navratri snacks provide a perfect way to continue our culinary journey towards a healthier lifestyle, even beyond the enchanting days of Navratri.
(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals.)
