Navratri is the auspicious period when the nine holy manifestations of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Devotees attempt to appease the Goddess with many prayers and sacrifices, and fasting is one method to express gratitude to the Goddess.
Some people follow ceremonial Navratri fasts, during which they consume fasting food that is simple, clean, and vegetarian ‘saattvik’ cuisine. In this blog, we have listed the five grains that you can use in Navratri fasting food or vrat ka khana.
5 Grains You Can Use for Vrat Ka Khana
While cooking the unique Vrat ka khana, there are several do's and don'ts to keep in mind. Meat, eggs, cereals, legumes, and lentils must be avoided as they are not permitted for consumption during the Navratri fast. Vrat favourites such as kuttu and singhara atta are used as substitutes for wheat flour, vegetables such as potato and lauki (bottle gourd) predominate in curried recipes, and sendha namak or fasting salts takes over regular table salt.
Although the fasting food list is huge, people often wonder if they can use a particular grain or not. So, here are five grains that you can use to prepare the fasting food.
1. Singhara Atta
The dried and powdered water chestnuts are turned into flour, which is widely used in Navratri fasting food. These naturally gluten-free water chestnuts are incredibly low in calories but high in energy. As a result, they help you feel full for long and provide essential nutrients like fibre, potassium, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.
Multiple Navratri recipes can be prepared from Singhare Atta like Samosa, Aaloo Tikki, Paneer Tikki, Halwa, Aaloo Ka Parantha, Namkeen Barfi or cutlets. However, it is important to choose only high-quality grains to obtain the maximum benefits of the grain.
Singhara Atta Benefits:
- Singhara flour is high in potassium and low in sodium
- Singhara atta is high in carbohydrate and energy-boosting minerals, including iron, calcium, phosphorus and zinc
- It can be used to prepare a variety of dishes, including rotis, puris, and snacks, offering a versatile alternative to wheat flour
- This Navratri atta is light on the stomach and easily digestible, making it a good choice for people with digestive issues
5. Amaranth Flour
Among all other grains you can eat during fasting, Amaranth has the greatest protein content. This is because Amaranth Flour includes Lysine, an amino with the most important minerals. Read further to learn the benefits of this special Navratri atta.
Amaranth Flour Benefits:
- The fibre component of amaranth aids digestive health while also decreasing bad cholesterol and managing blood pressure.
- Gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and vanillic acid are all antioxidants that have been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease.
- This Navratri fasting food is used in many Navratri-friendly recipes like halwa, laddoo, dosa, cheela, poori, and chapati.
The Takeaway
These grains are all high in nutrients and, more crucially, gluten-free, making them ideal for Navratri fasting. In today's environment, when people's diets are high on gluten, these five Navratri grains may help replenish their digestive system.
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FAQs on Navratri Grains
Can we eat Singhara Atta daily?
Yes, you can include singhara atta in your daily diet but make sure you consume it in moderation. It's a nutritious gluten-free option that's easy to digest but it is crucial that you maintain a balanced diet to ensure you receive all necessary nutrients.
Can we eat Kuttu Atta daily?
Although kuttu atta is highly recommended during the fasting period of Navratri, it is not the best pick for everyday consumption. Why? This is because kuttu flour lacks some of the essential nutrients and will not be able to provide a balanced diet.
Which is better Kuttu or Singhara Atta?
Both kuttu and singhara atta provide different nutrients and benefits. While kuttu is rich in protein, singhara atta is lighter and easier to digest. Hence, the choice depends on your dietary requirements and personal preference.
Can we eat Quinoa in Navratri fast?
Yes, you can eat Quinoa during Navratri fasting. However, you must prepare it in accordance with the fasting guidelines, such as using sendha namak. Quinoa is technically a seed, not a grain but it's considered an acceptable option for those observing the Navratri vrat.
Can we eat Ragi during Navratri fast?
Ragi is a grain that is typically avoided during Navratri along with other regular grains. However, in some cases, ragi might be allowed during the fast if it is prepared according to the fasting rules. Hence, it can also be a personal preference of the person who is fasting.
How to add millets to your Navratri diet?
Millets are superfoods that can help increase energy levels without adding unnecessary calories. Hence, adding them to your Navratri diet is a good idea. You can incorporate them in porridge, pulao, snacks, and even use millet flour to prepare multiple dishes.
