22 Easy and Quick Navratri recipes

Navratri is a deeply cherished and spiritually significant festival in the Hindu tradition, celebrated for 9 nights and 10 days. During this time, many devotees observe fasting and prepare meals without ingredients like onions or garlic. Despite these restrictions, Navratri food remains flavourful and diverse.

If you're preparing for Navratri in 2024 (3rd Oct – 12th Oct) and want to keep your meals both nutritious and delicious, here are 22 quick and healthy Navratri special food recipes that will add variety and taste to your fasting days. These dishes are perfect for observing the fast while enjoying the best dishes for Navratri!

Here’s a list of some of the most delicious and popular dishes to enjoy during Navratri:

1. Sabudana Khichdi
2. Pumpkin Curry (Kaddu ki Sabji)
3. Arbi Curry
4. Kadhi with Sama Rice
5. Sabudana Vada
6. Kuttu Ka Paratha
7. Aloo Paneer Kofta
8. Banana Kebab
9. Sama Rice Kheer
10. Singhara Atta Cheela
11. Makhane ki Kheer
12. Rajgira Paratha
13. Shakarkandi Chaat (Sweet Potato Chaat)
14. Paneer Tikka
15. Coconut Ladoo
16. Kuttu ki Pakori
17. Fruit Salad with Honey and Lime
18. Dry Fruit Milkshake
19. Sabudana Thalipeeth
20. Samak Rice Pulao
21. Cucumber Raita
22. Jeera Aloo

1. Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana Khichdi is a popular and delicious Navratri food, perfect for those observing fasts during the festival. Made from soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana), this light yet filling dish is often prepared without onion and garlic, making it an ideal choice for Navratri special food. Flavoured with peanuts, mild spices, and a dash of lemon, Sabudana Khichdi is one of the best dishes for Navratri, offering a satisfying blend of taste and nutrition.

Ingredients: 

Here are the ingredients for Sabudana Khichdi, perfect for Navratri food:

• 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 medium potato, boiled and cubed
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
• Rock salt (sendha namak), to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Method: 

To make Sabudana Khichdi, start by soaking the sabudana in water for 4-6 hours until they soften. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Add chopped green chilies and cubed boiled potatoes, sauté for a minute. Mix in the soaked sabudana, crushed peanuts, rock salt, and sugar (optional). Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sabudana turn translucent. Squeeze lemon juice over the khichdi, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve hot. This quick and easy recipe makes it a perfect Navratri special food!

2. Pumpkin Curry (Kaddu ki Sabji)

 

Pumpkin Curry, or Kaddu ki Sabji, is a delicious and comforting dish, often prepared during Navratri as a special fasting meal. This simple yet flavourful Navratri special food is made with tender pumpkin, cooked in mild spices and without onions or garlic, making it perfect for those observing the fast. Packed with nutrients, Pumpkin Curry is one of the best dishes for Navratri, offering a wholesome and satisfying addition to your festive meals. 

Ingredients: 

Here are the ingredients for Pumpkin Curry (Kaddu ki Sabji):

• 2 cups pumpkin, cubed
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Rock salt, to taste
• 1 tsp sugar or jaggery (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dry mango powder or lemon juice
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Method: 

To make Pumpkin Curry, heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped green chilies and cubed pumpkin. Stir in turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, and rock salt. Cover and cook on low heat until the pumpkin becomes soft, stirring occasionally. Add sugar or jaggery and dry mango powder (or lemon juice) for a tangy-sweet flavour. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot. This quick dish is perfect for Navratri special food!

3. Arbi Curry

Arbi Curry is a flavourful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for Navratri fasting. Made with colocasia (arbi) and light spices, it offers a unique taste and texture, making it an ideal Navratri special food. Free from onion and garlic, Arbi Curry is one of the best dishes for Navratri, combining taste and nutrition.

Ingredients:

Here are the ingredients for Arbi Curry:

• 250g arbi (colocasia), boiled and peeled
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• Rock salt, to taste
• 1/2 tsp dry mango powder (amchur) or lemon juice
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

Slice the boiled arbi and set aside. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle. Add green chilies and turmeric, then stir in the arbi slices. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, and rock salt, mixing well. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add dry mango powder or lemon juice for a tangy twist. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot. This dish is perfect for Navratri fasting meals! 

4. Kadhi with Sama Rice

Kadhi with Sama Rice is a light and wholesome Navratri special food, perfect for those fasting. The kadhi, made with yogurt and mild spices, pairs wonderfully with Sama rice (barnyard millet), which is commonly used during Navratri fasts. This dish is a nutritious and delicious option, offering a comforting meal without compromising on flavour.

Ingredients:

For Kadhi:

• 1 cup yogurt (curd)
• 2 tablespoons singhara (water chestnut) or kuttu (buckwheat) flour
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• Rock salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

For Sama Rice:

• 1 cup sama rice (barnyard millet)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• Rock salt, to taste

Method:

For Kadhi: Whisk yogurt with singhara flour, water, and rock salt until smooth. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle. Add green chilies, then pour in the yogurt mixture. Stir continuously on low heat to avoid curdling. Cook until the kadhi thickens slightly. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

For Sama Rice: Rinse the sama rice and cook it with water, ghee, and rock salt until tender, similar to regular rice. 

5. Sabudana Vada

Sabudana Vada is a crispy and delicious snack, perfect option for Navratri special food. These vadas are made with soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), potatoes, and peanuts, offering a tasty and satisfying treat during fasting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls), soaked
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Rock salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Ghee or oil, for frying

Method:

Mix soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts, green chilies, cumin seeds, rock salt, and coriander. Shape the mixture into small vadas (patties). Heat ghee or oil in a pan and fry the vadas until golden and crispy on both sides. Serve hot with a side of green chutney or yogurt for a tasty Navratri snack.

6. Kuttu Ka Paratha

Kuttu Ka Paratha is a wholesome and flavourful flatbread made with buckwheat flour (kuttu), making it an ideal dish for Navratri. This gluten-free paratha is a popular choice during fasting, providing energy while adhering to dietary restrictions.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup kuttu (buckwheat) flour
• 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Rock salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Ghee or oil, for cooking

Method:

In a bowl, mix kuttu flour, mashed potatoes, green chilies, coriander, and rock salt. Add a little water to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into parathas. Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook the parathas with ghee or oil until golden on both sides. Serve hot with yogurt or chutney for a delicious Navratri meal. 

7. Aloo Paneer Kofta

Aloo Paneer Kofta is a delicious and indulgent dish, ideal for Navratri food. Made with mashed potatoes (aloo) and paneer, these crispy koftas are prepared without onion and garlic, making them ideal for fasting. This dish is a satisfying treat and a popular choice among the best dishes for Navratri.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 100g paneer, grated
• 2 tablespoons singhara (water chestnut) or kuttu (buckwheat) flour
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Rock salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Ghee or oil, for frying

Method:

In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, grated paneer, green chilies, coriander, rock salt, and flour. Shape the mixture into small koftas (balls). Heat ghee or oil in a pan and deep fry the koftas until golden brown. Serve hot with vrat-friendly chutney or yogurt for a flavourful and indulgent Navratri food. 

8. Banana Kebab

Banana Kebab is a unique and tasty snack, perfect for those observing Navratri fasts. Made with ripe bananas, these kebabs are spiced mildly and cooked to perfection, offering a delightful combination of sweet and Savory flavours. They are light, nutritious, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 tablespoons singhara (water chestnut) or kuttu (buckwheat) flour
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Rock salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Ghee or oil, for shallow frying

Method:

Mash the bananas and mix them with flour, green chilies, cumin seeds, rock salt, and coriander leaves. Shape the mixture into small kebabs. Heat ghee or oil in a pan and shallow fry the kebabs until golden and crisp on both sides. Serve hot with vrat-friendly chutney. Banana Kebab is a delicious and creative option for Navratri special food!

9. Sama Rice Kheer

Sama Rice Kheer is a creamy and delicious dessert, perfect for Navratri fasting. Made with barnyard millet (sama rice), milk, and sugar, this kheer is a popular sweet treat during Navratri. It's light, easy to digest, and packed with nutrition, making it a great addition to your fasting meals.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sama rice (barnyard millet)
• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped almonds and cashews for garnish

Method:

Rinse the sama rice and soak it for 30 minutes. In a pan, heat milk and bring it to a boil. Add the soaked rice and cook on low heat until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens. Stir occasionally. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron, and cook for a few more minutes. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled. This Navratri special food is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings while fasting! 

10. Singhara Atta Cheela

Singhara Atta Cheela is a quick and nutritious Savory pancake, perfect for Navratri fasting. Made with water chestnut flour (singhara atta) and mild spices, it’s light yet filling, making it an ideal Navratri special food option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup singhara atta (water chestnut flour)
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Rock salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Ghee or oil, for cooking

Method:

In a bowl, mix singhara atta, green chilies, coriander, and rock salt. Add water gradually to make a smooth batter. Heat a non-stick pan, grease it with ghee or oil, and pour a ladle of the batter. Spread it evenly to form a thin cheela. Cook on both sides until golden brown. Serve hot with yogurt or vrat-friendly chutney. This cheela is a delicious and easy-to-make Navratri food dish! 

11. Makhane ki Kheer 

Makhane ki Kheer is a creamy and rich dessert, perfect for Navratri food. Made with fox nuts (makhana), milk, and dry fruits, this delicious kheer is light on the stomach and provides energy during fasting. It’s one of the most popular sweet treats during Navratri.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• Chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins for garnish

Method:

Heat ghee in a pan and roast the makhanas until they become crisp. Crush them lightly. In a separate pan, bring milk to a boil and add the roasted makhanas. Let it simmer on low heat until the makhanas soften and the milk thickens. Stir in sugar and cardamom powder, cook for a few more minutes. Garnish with chopped dry fruits and serve warm or chilled. 

12. Rajgira Paratha

Rajgira Paratha is a wholesome and gluten-free flatbread made from amaranth (rajgira) flour, making it an ideal dish for Navratri. It’s soft, flavourful, and packed with nutrition, perfect for a fasting meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rajgira (amaranth) flour
• 1 boiled potato, mashed
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Rock salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Ghee or oil, for cooking

Method:

In a bowl, mix rajgira flour, mashed potato, green chilies, coriander, and rock salt. Add a little water to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into parathas. Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook the parathas with ghee or oil until golden on both sides. 

13. Shakarkandi Chaat (Sweet Potato Chaat)

Shakarkandi Chaat (Sweet Potato Chaat) is a flavourful and nutritious dish, perfect for Navratri. Made with boiled sweet potatoes, spices, and tangy flavours, this chaat is a light and healthy option for those observing the fast.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 sweet potatoes (shakarkandi), boiled and diced
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
• Rock salt, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)

Method:

Boil and dice the sweet potatoes. In a bowl, mix the diced sweet potatoes with cumin powder, black pepper, rock salt, and green chilies. Squeeze lemon juice over the mixture and toss well. Garnish with fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds for added flavour and crunch. This tangy and refreshing dish for Navratri is perfect for a light snack or meal during fasting!

14. Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a mouthwatering and popular dish, often enjoyed during Navratri fasting. Made with soft paneer cubes marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, this grilled delicacy is both nutritious and flavourful, making it one of the best foods in Navratri.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon rock salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method:

In a bowl, mix yogurt, cumin powder, rock salt, red chili powder, ginger paste, and lemon juice to form a marinade. Add paneer cubes and coat them well. Let the paneer marinate for 30 minutes. Heat a grill pan, add ghee, and grill the marinated paneer cubes until golden and slightly charred on all sides. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot. 

15. Coconut Ladoo

Coconut Ladoo is a simple yet delightful dessert, perfect for Navratri fasting food. Made with fresh coconut and minimal ingredients, these sweet treats are quick to prepare and offer a satisfying end to your Navratri meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups freshly grated coconut (or desiccated coconut)
• 1 cup condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Method:

Heat ghee in a pan, add grated coconut, and sauté for a couple of minutes. Add condensed milk and cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens. Mix in cardamom powder. Once the mixture cools slightly, shape it into small ladoos and garnish with chopped nuts if desired. 

16. Kuttu ki Pakori

Kuttu ki Pakori is a crispy and delicious snack, perfect for Navratri fasting. Made with buckwheat flour (kuttu), these fritters are light yet filling, making them an ideal dish for Navratri.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup kuttu (buckwheat) flour
• 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Rock salt, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Ghee or oil, for frying

Method:

In a bowl, mix kuttu flour, mashed potatoes, green chilies, and rock salt. Add water gradually to form a thick batter. Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels. 

17. Fruit Salad with Honey and Lime

Fruit Salad with Honey and Lime is a refreshing and nutritious dish, perfect for Navratri fasting food. This light and colourful salad combines a variety of fresh fruits, drizzled with honey and a splash of lime, making it an energizing and hydrating option during fasting days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced apple
• 1 cup diced banana
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup diced papaya
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Method:

In a large bowl, combine all the diced fruits. Drizzle honey and squeeze fresh lime juice over the fruit mix. Toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve immediately. This Fruit Salad with Honey and Lime is a refreshing and healthy dish, perfect for Navratri fasting! 

18. Dry Fruit Milkshake

Dry Fruit Milkshake is a nutritious and energy-boosting drink, perfect for Navratri fasting. Made with a mix of dry fruits and milk, this creamy milkshake provides essential nutrients while keeping you full and energized throughout the day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chilled milk
• 8-10 almonds
• 8-10 cashews
• 4-5 dates (deseeded)
• 4-5 dried figs
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped dry fruits for garnish

Method:

Soak the almonds, cashews, dates, and figs in warm water for 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and blend the soaked dry fruits into a smooth paste. Add chilled milk, honey (if using), and cardamom powder to the blender and blend until smooth. Pour the milkshake into glasses and garnish with chopped dry fruits. This Dry Fruit Milkshake is a perfect, filling Navratri food to keep you refreshed and nourished during your fast. 

19. Sabudana Thalipeeth

Sabudana Thalipeeth is a delicious and crispy flatbread, a perfect Navratri food option. Made with soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), mashed potatoes, and peanuts, it’s a satisfying and nutritious dish for those observing the fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Rock salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Ghee or oil, for cooking

Method:

In a bowl, mix soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts, green chilies, rock salt, and coriander leaves. Form small balls from the mixture and flatten them into thin discs. Heat ghee or oil on a tawa (griddle) and cook the thalipeeth on both sides until golden and crispy. 

20. Samak Rice Pulao

Samak Rice Pulao is a light and flavourful dish, it is a perfect option for Navratri fasting food. Made with samak rice (barnyard millet) and mild spices, it’s a great alternative to regular rice, providing nutrition and energy while observing the fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup samak rice (barnyard millet)
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• Rock salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method:

Rinse and soak the samak rice for 30 minutes. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Add green chilies, diced potatoes, and peanuts, and sauté for a few minutes. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Pour in 2 cups of water and season with rock salt. Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and fluffy. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. 

21. Cucumber Raita

Cucumber Raita is a refreshing and cooling side dish, often enjoyed during Navratri fasting. This light yogurt-based dish is made with grated cucumber, seasoned with mild spices, and is the perfect accompaniment to various Navratri dishes, offering both flavour and hydration.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yogurt (curd)
• 1 cucumber, grated
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
• Rock salt, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

Method:

Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until smooth. Add the grated cucumber, green chilies, cumin powder, and rock salt. Mix well. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve chilled. This Cucumber Raita is a perfect, light, and refreshing dish for Navratri fasting meals! 

22. Jeera Aloo

Jeera Aloo is a simple yet flavourful dish, perfect for Navratri fasting. Made with boiled potatoes and cumin seeds, this easy-to-make dish is packed with flavour and is one of the most popular Navratri foods. It's light, delicious, and satisfies hunger without using onions or garlic.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Rock salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon

Method:

Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle. Add green chilies and sauté for a minute. Add boiled potatoes, cumin powder, and rock salt. Toss well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are slightly crispy. Squeeze lemon juice over the potatoes and garnish with fresh coriander. Jeera Aloo is a tasty and quick Navratri food option that pairs well with raita or puris! 

Whether you're observing a fast this Navratri or simply looking to embrace the festive spirit, these Navratri recipes will ensure you have a fulfilling, nutritious, and healthy celebration. If you are visiting any Club Mahindra Restaurants during Navratri you can also get a variety of delicious dishes to choose from, you can enjoy the essence of the festival while staying energized and satisfied throughout the day. So, don't forget to try out this flavourful Navratri food and make your Navratri special!

FAQ:

What are the 9 colours of Navratri day?

Navratri holds deep spiritual significance, with each day symbolising a unique colour. These colours typically include yellow, green, grey, orange, white, red, royal blue, pink, and purple, each carrying its meaning and essence for the festival.

Where can we get Navratri food?

Club Mahindra Restaurants offers a variety of cuisines to suit your palate, and you can also enjoy special food during Navratri at these restaurants.

How can we access Club Mahindra Resorts?

You can access Club Mahindra Resorts if you have a Club Mahindra membership. To get a Club Mahindra membership, you can talk to our team and choose the type of membership plan that suits your and your family needs.

How many resorts are accessible with a Club Mahindra membership?

With a Club Mahindra membership, you gain access to over 140+ Club Mahindra resorts worldwide. 

What is the advantage of Club Mahindra Memberships?

With 140+ resorts and multiple unique experiences across India and abroad, Club Mahindra membership allows you to holiday at a new destination every year for 25 years. Offering flexibility through various season and apartment size options, you can choose the perfect time of year for your vacation and a room size that comfortably fits your family. Members often praise the hassle-free booking and enriching experiences in their member reviews, highlighting the value of Club Mahindra’s wide array of resorts and activities.