10 Healthy Fusion Recipes You Must Try this Navratri Season

The festive season is coming up, but don't despair! You can still enjoy delicious treats without sacrificing your health.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

 

1. Oats sesame laddoo

Oats sesame laddoo is a healthy and delicious Indian sweet made with oats, sesame seeds, jaggery, and other nuts and spices. It is a popular snack or dessert, and is often made for special occasions such as Diwali and Holi. Oats sesame laddoo is a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It is also a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.

 

Step 1: Dry roast the oats on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Transfer to a plate and let cool.

Step 2: Dry roast the sesame seeds in the same pan for 2 minutes, or until light golden brown. Transfer to a plate and let cool.

Step 3: In a blender, combine the roasted oats, sesame seeds, and dates. Blend until the mixture is a coarse powder.

Step 4: Add the jaggery and blend again until the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the peanut powder, pistachio powder, and cardamom powder. Mix well.

Step 6:Add the melted ghee and mix until the mixture is well combined.

Step 7: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into roundels.

Step 8: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.

 

 

2. Anjeer basundi

Anjeer basundi is a traditional Indian dessert made with milk, sugar, figs, saffron, and cardamom. It is a rich and creamy dish that is often served chilled.

 

3. Coconut and pineapple rice

Coconut and pineapple rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with rice, coconut milk, pineapple, and a few simple seasonings. The coconut milk gives the rice a rich and creamy texture, while the pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. This dish is also very versatile and can be served with a variety of proteins, such as grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp.

4. Kuttu Khichdi

Kuttu khichdi is a traditional Indian dish made with kuttoo, a type of millet, and rice. It is a popular dish during the Navratri festival, when many Hindus abstain from eating grains. Kuttu khichdi is a nutritious and filling dish that is easy to digest.

 

Step 2: Add green chilli and ginger, mix and sauté for a few seconds. Add potatoes and sauté for two to three minutes or till the potatoes become crisp from the edges. 

Step 3: Add peanuts and sauté for half a minute. Add buckwheat, mix well and sauté for one to two minutes.

Step 4: Add two cups water, sugar and salt. Mix well, cover and cook on low heat till fully done. 

Step 5: Add coriander leaves and mix well. Add lemon juice and mix well. 

 

5. Kele ke Laddoo

Kele ke Laddoo, or banana ladoo, is a popular Indian sweet made from bananas, sugar, and ghee. It is a soft, chewy, and flavorful sweet that is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

 

Step 1: Heat a non-stick pan, add mashed bananas and stir. Add 2 tbsps ghee, mix well and cook till the banana leaves the side of the pan.

Step 2: Add sugar, mix well and cook till it reaches a dough like consistency.

Step 3: Add cardamom powder and mix well. Add remaining ghee, mix well and cook, stirring continuously, till the mixture dries up. Switch off heat and cool down to room temperature.

Step 4: Grease your palms with ghee, divide the cooked banana mixture into equal portions and shape into small laddoos.

Step 5: Coat some laddoos with sesame seeds, some with coconut and some with cocoa powder/drinking chocolate. Arrange them on a serving plate and serve.

 

 

6. Sabudana Khichdi with a Twist:

A classic Navratri fasting dish, Sabudana Khichdi, gets a delightful twist with the addition of roasted peanuts, fresh coconut, and a dash of lemon.

 

Step 1: Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Step 2: Add chopped green chilies, boiled potatoes, and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Step 3: Add soaked and drained sabudana, roasted peanuts, and salt. Cook while stirring continuously until the sabudana pearls turn translucent.

Step 4: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a splash of lemon juice. Serve hot and enjoy your twist on the classic Sabudana Khichdi!

 

 

7. Singhara Atta Ki Roti:

Replace regular wheat flour with Singhara (Water Chestnut) flour to make soft and gluten-free rotis. These go perfectly with vrat-friendly curries.

 

 

Step 1: Mix shingara flour, salt, and water in a bowl to form a smooth, pliable dough.

Step 2: Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into balls.

Step 3: Roll out each ball into a thin roti using a rolling pin.

Step 4: Heat a griddle or a non-stick pan. Cook the rotis with a little ghee until they are golden brown on both sides.

Step 5: Serve hot with your favorite sabzi or yogurt.

 

 

8. Kuttu Paneer Pakoras:

Craving crispy snacks during Navratri? Try Kuttu (Buckwheat) Paneer Pakoras for a crunchy, protein-packed treat.

 

Step 1: In a bowl, mix kuttu flour, red chili powder, ajwain, and salt. Add water gradually to make a thick batter.

Step 2: Heat oil in a deep pan. Dip paneer cubes in the batter and fry them until golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Remove the pakoras and drain excess oil on a paper towel.

Step 4: Serve hot with green chutney or yogurt dip.  

 

 

9. Sweet Potato Chaat:

Enjoy the goodness of sweet potatoes with a tangy twist. This chaat is a crowd-pleaser and a great source of energy during fasting.

 

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine boiled sweet potatoes, chopped onion, chopped tomato, and fresh coriander leaves.

Step 2: Add chaat masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Garnish with a splash of fresh lemon juice and top with sev if desired.

Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of sweet potato chaat.

 

10. Coconut Almond Ladoo:

A guilt-free dessert that combines the richness of coconut and almonds. These ladoos make for a perfect conclusion to your vrat meal.

 

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine desiccated coconut, almond flour, condensed milk, and cardamom powder. Mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round ladoos by rolling between your palms.

Step 3: Garnish each ladoo with a chopped almond on top.

Step 4: Allow the ladoos to set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Enjoy these delicious and healthy coconut almond ladoos as a festive treat!

 

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So go ahead and enjoy the festive season without guilt! With these healthy treats, you can have your cake and eat it too!

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FAQS:

Q: Can I eat non-vegetarian food during Navratri?

A: No, Navratri is a period of fasting and abstaining from non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.

 

Q: What are some common Navratri foods?

A: Some common Navratri foods include Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ka Dosa, Singhara Atta Poori, and Fruit Chaat.

 

Q: Can I consume dairy products during Navratri fasting?

A: Yes, dairy products like milk, yogurt, and paneer are allowed during Navratri fasting.

 

Q: Is there a specific way to prepare Navratri dishes?

A: Yes, Navratri dishes are prepared using ingredients like buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, and rock salt, avoiding regular grains and table salt.

 

Q: Can I eat sweets during Navratri fasting?

A: Yes, you can enjoy sweets made from permissible ingredients like fruits, milk, and certain flours during Navratri.

 

Q: Are fried foods allowed during Navratri?

A: Fried foods made from permitted ingredients like potato or buckwheat are allowed but should be consumed in moderation.

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