Spicy Food During Navratri Fast: What to Eat and How to Enjoy It

Introduction

Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival that celebrates the goddess Durga. During this time, many Hindus fast as a way to cleanse their bodies and minds. While there are many different ways to fast during Navratri, one common rule is to avoid certain foods, including onions, garlic, and spices. However, if you’re craving spicy food during your fast, there are still a few options available to you.

In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to enjoy spicy food during Navratri fast. We’ll also provide a list of Navratri-friendly spices and recipes for spicy dishes that you can enjoy during this time.

Navratri-friendly spices

Here is a list of spices that are allowed during Navratri fast:

• Black pepper
• Cumin seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Ginger
• Green chilies
• Hing (asafoetida)
• Rock salt
• Turmeric

These spices can be used to add flavor and heat to your Navratri dishes. However, it’s important to note that some people may still find certain spices, such as green chilies and hing, to be too spicy. If you’re sensitive to spices, you may want to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount as tolerated.

Tips for enjoying spicy food during Navratri fast

Here are a few tips for enjoying spicy food during Navratri fast:

• Start with a small amount of spice and gradually increase the amount as tolerated.
• Use Navratri-friendly spices, such as black pepper, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, ginger, green chilies, Hing, and rock salt.
• Pair your spicy food with yogurt, buttermilk, or other cooling foods to help balance the heat.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Recipes for spicy Navratri-friendly dishes

Here are a few recipes for spicy Navratri-friendly dishes that you can enjoy during this time:

Spicy Navratri Pulao

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon hing
• Rock salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the rice thoroughly and soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat a little bit of oil over medium heat. Add the black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the ginger, green chili, and Hing and cook for another minute.
4. Add the rice and water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Spicy Navratri Potato Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon hing
• Rock salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped (optional)
• 1 tomato, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds and cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
2. If using, add the onion and cook until softened.
3. Add the ginger, green chili, and Hing and cook for another minute.
4. If using, add the tomato and cook until it starts to soften.
5. Add the potatoes, rock salt, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

With a little planning, it is possible to enjoy spicy food during Navratri fast. Simply use Navratri-friendly spices and recipes, and start with a small amount of spice and gradually increase the amount as tolerated. Be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and pair your spicy food with cooling foods, such as yogurt or buttermilk, to help balance the heat.