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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Diet

Top 10 Allowed Navratri Food Items

Fasting during Navratri involves abstaining from certain foods, including grains, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian items. However, fasting doesn't mean compromising on taste or nutrition. Here are a few nutrient-dense delicious dishes which can be enjoyed during fasting. 

Introduction

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Singhara is a Navratri staple and can be used to make flour for chapatis or puris. 

1. Singhara (Water Chestnut) 

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Kuttu flour is versatile and can be used for making puris, parathas, and even pancakes. 

2. Kuttu (Buckwheat) 

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Sabudana khichdi, sabudana vada, and sabudana kheer are popular Navratri dishes made from tapioca pearls. 

3. Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls) 

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Roasted makhana is a crunchy and nutritious snack option. 

4. Makhana (Fox Nuts) 

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Regular table salt is replaced with rock salt during Navratri as it's considered pure and permissible. 

5. Rock Salt (Sendha Namak) 

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Potatoes are widely used in fasting recipes, such as aloo sabzi or aloo chat. 

6. Potatoes 

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Peanuts are a great source of protein and can be used to make chutneys or snacks like roasted peanuts. 

7.Peanuts 

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Yogurt is a source of probiotics and can be consumed as is or used to make lassi or raita. 

8. Yoghurt 

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Coconut is used in various forms like grated coconut, coconut milk, and coconut oil in Navratri recipes. 

9. Coconut 

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Fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates are commonly consumed during Navratri as they are both nutritious and permissible. 

10. Fresh Fruits 

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Navratri fasting is not just a dietary practice but a spiritual journey for many. By embracing these allowed food items, you can create a variety of delicious and nourishing dishes that respect the fasting guidelines while ensuring you stay energized and spiritually connected throughout this sacred festival.  

Conclusion

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