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Food & Beverages

5 Traditional Dishes Enjoyed all Across India During Navratri

By Anandi Makhija

Updated - May 9, 20244 min read

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Navratri is celebrated all over India, but each region has its own unique way of doing it. In West Bengal, there's Durga Pujo. In Gujarat, there's Dandiya raas. In Delhi, there's Raavan Dahan. And in Tamil Nadu, there's the fascinating ritual of Kolu. But no matter where you are in India, one thing is for sure: Navratri is a time for some seriously good food.

Here's a list of five of the best traditional Navratri dishes:

 

Sabudana Khichdi 

Image Courtesy: Pinterest

 

Fasting is no fun, but sabudana khichdi makes it a little bit better! This North Indian dish is made with soaked sabudana, mild spices, peanuts, potatoes, and rock salt. It's a popular Navratri dish, and it's also a great snack. So next time you're fasting, reach for a bowl of sabudana khichdi - it'll give you the energy boost you need!

 

 

Luchi with Aloo’r Dum 

Image Courtesy: Chef's Pencil

 

These two dishes are a must-have during the festival, and for good reason. They're delicious, hearty, and satisfying. Luchi is a deep-fried flatbread made with maida (refined wheat flour). It's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Aloo'r dum is a potato curry made with a blend of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The potatoes are cooked until they're soft and tender, and the curry is thick and flavorful. Together, luchi and aloo'r dum are a match made in heaven. They're the perfect comfort food for a chilly Durga Puja night.

 

 

 

Falahari Arbi 

Image Courtesy: Indian Food Forever

 

Arbi, aka Taro Root, is a veggie that's all the rage during Navratri. To make it, just cut it into thin slices, wash it, and give it a quick boil. Then, whip up a paste made of tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, grated ginger, and paprika. Season it well with rock salt, and toss in the arbi. Cook it up until it's tender and delicious. Garnish with herbs, and serve it with kuttu ki roti or singhare ki roti for an amazing Navratri meal. Add other spices to your liking, and you've got a healthy and lip-smacking dish that's perfect for devotees.

 

 

Sundals 

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen

 

It's a dish that's packed with flavor and texture. The lentils are soft and chewy, and the spices add a touch of heat and complexity. The grated coconut adds a hint of sweetness and creaminess.Sundal is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. It's also a good source of protein and fiber.So next time you're looking for a delicious and healthy dish, try sundal! It's sure to please your taste buds and your tummy.

 

 

 

Kuttu ke atte ki Kachori

Image Courtesy: Hindustan

 

In northern India, Navratri fasters avoid grains, pulses, and cereals. Instead, they eat kuttu ka atta, a special fasting ingredient made from buckwheat. Kuttu is a non-cereal flour that's lighter than regular atta. One popular kuttu dish is the kachori. Kachoris are stuffed with either cottage cheese or potatoes cooked in mild spices and then deep-fried. To make them even tastier, people often add a sprinkle of black pepper or chilies and serve them with yogurt.

 

 


 Whether you're observing a fast or simply looking to savor the essence of this wonderful festival, these recipes are sure to add joy and deliciousness to your Navratri festivities. Try them out and share the love with your family and friends. Happy Navratri!