4 Navratri-Friendly Recipes for Fasting

Navratri brings with it a sense of spiritual rejuvenation, but let’s be honest — what’s fasting without good food? While the festive season usually sees us indulging in fried snacks and sugary treats, this Navratri, how about we flip the script? If you’re looking to drop a few kilos while staying devoted, these Navratri-friendly recipes will keep you fueled without derailing your weight-loss goals. Each dish is a healthy twist on traditional fasting foods, crafted to give you a flavourful and nutrient-packed experience. Let’s cook! Rati S Tehri, Nutritionist and Founder, Speed Slim Fast Weight Loss Program shares 4 Navratri recipes

Buckwheat Dosa with Sweet Potato Filling

Who said fasting meals have to be boring? This buckwheat dosa (kuttu dosa) paired with a sweet potato filling is a savory delight that’s high in fiber and rich in complex carbs — perfect to keep you full longer.

Ingredients:

1 cup buckwheat flour

½ cup water

1 boiled sweet potato, mashed

1 tsp cumin powder

Sendha Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

Mix the buckwheat flour with water to create a smooth batter. Set aside for 10 minutes.

For the filling, mash the boiled sweet potato and season it with cumin, Sendha salt, and pepper.

Heat a non-stick pan, pour the dosa batter, and spread it evenly.

Cook until golden on both sides, then stuff with the sweet potato filling.

This crispy, yummy dosa is perfect for your fast — and trust me, you won’t miss the grains. Our word for it

Banana Lassi with Dates and Almonds

Craving something sweet and refreshing? This banana lassi is your go-to. No added sugar here, just the natural sweetness of dates and bananas, with the richness of Greek yogurt.

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

½ cup Greek yogurt

3-4 dates (soaked and ground into syrup)

A handful of almonds

¼ tsp cardamom powder

How to Make:

Blend the banana, Greek yogurt, dates syrup, and cardamom powder until smooth.

Garnish with chopped almonds for a crunchy finish.

This lassi is creamy, naturally sweet, and loaded with probiotics and potassium. It’ll leave you feeling refreshed without the sugar crash.

Grilled Paneer

Paneer is a fasting staple, but instead of the usual fried versions, try this grilled paneer for a protein-packed treat.

Ingredients:

100g paneer, cut into cubes

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp cumin powder

Sendha Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

Marinate the paneer in lemon juice, cumin powder, Sendha salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.

Grill the paneer on a non-stick pan until golden and slightly crispy.

Serve it with a side of mint chutney (without onions) for a refreshing bite!

Samak Rice Idli

Missing your usual grains during Navratri? These idlis made with Samak rice (barnyard millet) are a perfect grain-free alternative to regular idlis. Soft, fluffy, and easy to digest, these are sure to become a fasting favourite.

Ingredients:

1 cup Samak rice

½ cup yogurt

1 tsp baking soda

Sendha Salt to taste

How to Make:

Soak the Samak rice for 2 hours, then grind it into a coarse batter.

Mix the batter with yogurt, Sendha salt, and baking soda. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

Pour the batter into idli molds and steam for 10-15 minutes.

Serve these idlis with coconut chutney for a satisfying meal that keeps you light yet full of energy.