Shardiya Navratri, a significant Hindu festival, has commenced, ushering in a period of fasting, prayer, and devotion to honor Maa Durga. This nine-day festival, celebrated from October 15 to October 24, holds immense importance in India and is observed in diverse ways across the country. In Gujarat, it’s characterized by the vibrant and colorful Garba and Dandiya dances, while West Bengal showcases the grand Maa Durga pandals. South India offers a unique celebration with the display of puppets and figurines in Golu.
The central focus of Shardiya Navratri is the worship of Maa Durga and her nine forms, collectively known as Navdurga. Fasting is a crucial aspect of this festival and is considered spiritually significant. During the fasting period, it’s essential to nourish the body with wholesome and nutritious foods that provide energy and sustenance throughout the day. Sabudana (tapioca pearls) is a popular choice for fasting due to its quick energy release, easy digestibility, gluten-free nature, and versatility in preparing a variety of dishes.
To maintain spiritual reverence while staying nourished during Navratri, here are some delicious Sabudana recipes. These recipes not only offer sustenance but also add a delightful element to the celebrations, allowing devotees to honor Maa Durga with devotion and enjoy the festive spirit.
Here are some delicious Sabudana recipes you can enjoy during Navratri:
1. Sabudana Khichdi:
Ingredients:
- Sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- Peanuts
- Potatoes
- Green chilies
- Cumin seeds
- Ghee or oil
- Curry leaves
- Rock salt (sendha namak)
Method:
- Soak sabudana for a few hours until they swell up.
- Roast peanuts, peel them, and coarsely crush them.
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves.
- Add diced potatoes and cook until they are soft.
- Add soaked sabudana and cook until they become translucent.
- Mix in the crushed peanuts and rock salt.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve.
2. Sabudana Vada:
Ingredients:
- Sabudana
- Potatoes
- Peanuts
- Green chilies
- Cilantro
- Rock salt
- Cumin seeds
- Oil for frying
Method:
- Soak sabudana and drain the excess water.
- Boil, peel, and mash potatoes.
- Roast and crush peanuts.
- Mix sabudana, mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts, chopped green chilies, cilantro, rock salt, and cumin seeds in a bowl.
- Form small patties from the mixture and deep fry them until golden brown.
- Serve with yogurt or chutney.
3. Sabudana Kheer:
Ingredients:
- Sabudana
- Milk
- Sugar
- Cardamom powder
- Saffron strands
- Nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
Method:
- Soak sabudana until they become soft and translucent.
- Boil milk and add the soaked sabudana.
- Cook on low heat until the sabudana is fully cooked and the kheer thickens.
- Add sugar and stir until it dissolves.
- Add cardamom powder and saffron strands.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled.
These delicious Sabudana recipes not only provide essential nutrients during fasting but also add a delightful touch to your Navratri celebrations. Enjoy these dishes as you pay your respects to Maa Durga and participate in the festivities.
