Navratri Recipes | 85 Navratri Fast Recipes

Chaitra Navratri 2023 will begin on 22 March and ends on 30 March 2023. Also the Sharad Navratri begins on 15 October and ends on 23 October 2023. Literally translating to ‘nine nights’ (nava + ratri), Navratri is observed to honor Goddess Durga or Ambe Maa, and is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals. In this post, I have shared a signature collection of Navratri Recipes. The list features both the most popular Navratri Fast Recipes or Vrat Recipes as well as lesser known or unusual ones too.

Collage of four navratri recipes with a bold heading of 104 navratri fasting recipes in a center circle

There are many ways this pious festival is celebrated throughout the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent. There’s a unique way dedicated to each region. There are also 4 types of Navratri, resulting from the seasonal variations. Sharada Navratri that falls after monsoon is the most important and grand one.

About Navratri Festival

Navratri is one of the most celebrated festivals at my home as well. As a devi bhakt myself, I not only spend these 9 days and nights offering my prayers in the worship of Maa Durga, but also observe the ritual of fasting. And it is not just during these 9 days, for me, not a single day goes without remembering the Mother Goddess.

Navratri festival is celebrated with the same joy, enthusiasm and adoration all over India. Although, people belonging to different parts of the country have their own special way of paying homage to the divine powers of Goddess Durga.

Another important feature of Navratri festival are the fasts or vrats that comes along. The Navratri Recipes that I have shared in this post are definitely a must try. If fasting, this complied list of Navratri Fast Recipes will be of great help to you.

People in North and West India religiously keep these fasts, whereas festivities of Durga Puja may not necessarily mean fasting for the people of Bengal and other parts of Eastern India.

The same goes for South Indians, who may not strictly observe fasting. But definitely prepare food without the addition of onion and garlic during this time. People in South India also worship deities and make sundals or sweets to offer as prasadam. Golu, a lovely display of deities’ idols, dolls and animal figures is set up in many homes during Navratri festival.

Navratri Festival in India

From North to South and East to West, here’s how Navratri festival is celebrated pan India:

  • West Bengal, Orissa, Assam: The most popular festival, Durga Puja (celebrating victory of Durga over demon Mahishasura) officially begins on the 6th day of Navratri and is observed with full fervour in the last 4 days in these regions. Glittering pandals, dhunuchi naach by the dhakis and delicious bhog are some of the common sightings during these days. Shindur khaila by married women on the day of idol immersion marks the end.  
  • Maharashtra: Navratri signifies ‘new beginnings’ for Maharashtrians. So, this is the time when property is purchased and business deals are made. Married women apply haldi and kumkum on the foreheads of their female friends in a ceremony called ‘saumangalyam’ and gift them betel nuts, betel leaves and coconut.
  • Gujarat: Devotees worship Maa Ambe and fast for these 9 days. Evenings are marked by an aarti with a garbi (an earthen pot with diyas signifying source of life), following which traditional dance forms like dandiya and garba are performed by men and women.
  • Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar: Fasting for first 7 days with jagrans or singing religious songs every night. Fasts are broken on the 8th or 9th day in a ceremony called ‘kanjika’ where 9 young girls (representing Goddess Durga’s 9 forms) and a boy (representing Bhairav God) are worshipped. They are honoured with gifts, food – halwa, chana, puri and money.
  • Himachal Pradesh: Here, the 10th day as ‘Kullu Dussehra’ marks the beginning of the celebration, when the festival ends in other states. This day signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. Nati (a form of dance), food and music mark the festivities.
  • Karnataka: Known as ‘nadahabba,’ Navratri in Karnataka till today is celebrated in the same way it used to be, back in 1610 in the Vijayanagara dynasty. The final day is marked by rituals that include procession of elephants on streets, fairs and exhibitions all over the state.
  • Tamil Nadu: Goddesses Durga, Saraswati and Laxmi are worshipped during these 9 days. Evenings are reserved for friends and family with exchange of gifts. The exciting ritual is that of Bomma Golu/Bommai Kolu – a temporary staircase of 9 stairs representing 9 nights which is decorated with dolls/idols of goddesses, that are passed on from generation to generation!
  • Andhra Pradesh: Here, the 9 days are celebrated as ‘Bathukamma Panduga,’ dedicated to Maa Gauri, the goddess of womanhood. Women adorning new sarees and jewellery make a flower stack with seasonal flowers and perform a puja. This stack is then immersed on the last day.
  • Kerala: Navratri in Kerala is dedicated to education and new beginnings. Books and musical instruments are placed in front of Maa Saraswati during the last 3 days and are worshipped.

About Navratri Fasting

In India, fasting rules varies from community to community. It is always better to check with your family members and elders before deciding the menu. If you plan to keep fast during Navratri festival, then do check this list of Navratri Fasting Food and Rules.

Here, I have shared some basic and some Navratri Special Recipes that are usually consumed during this festival. These Navratri Fast Recipes are usually quick and easy to make.

Even if you feel that some of the recipes have long procedures, you just have to follow them properly which makes the making of the dish quite simple. As onions, garlic and many other spices and herbs are not allowed during these fasting days, you really don’t have to get yourself to chopping and prepping these.  

Keeping all these things in mind, I will also repeat once again that you must skip or alter the ingredients according the traditions followed in your own family. Most of the Navratri Fast Recipes in this curation are without onion and garlic, but some may have cereal flours.

In such cases, you can substitute cornflour or gram flour with special vrat flours like water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), arrowroot flour or potato starch. Also, remember to use edible rock salt (sendha namak) in recipes where I have not added it.

More on Navratri Fasting

Navratri Recipes, especially the Navratri Fast Recipes are not only quick to prepare, but also easy to digest. Hence, this festival is a good time to purify or detoxify your body and mind, and get connected to Durga Maa and your inner conscience, through the route of divinity.

A thing particular to North India is that people in that side of the country only consume certain ingredients comprising of flours and grains during these 9 days of fasting. These are:

  • Flours and grains: Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour), rajgira atta (amaranth flour) and rajgira (amaranth grains), sama ke chawal ka atta (barnyard millet flour) and vrat ke chawal (barnyard millet), singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) and arrowroot flour
  • Sabudana (sago)
  • Peanuts
  • Nuts and dry fruits
  • Rock salt (sendha namak)
  • Spice and herbs may vary. Some that are generally used are black pepper, green chilies and ginger.

My list of Navratri Recipes or Navratri Fast Recipes has North Indian as well as South Indian recipes in it. It is divided course wise with the mention of flours, cereals or grains as well. I am sure that with this list, you can easily prep and plan your fasting menu for the Navratri festival season.

Navratri Recipes

Listed below are 104 of my top Navratri Fast Recipes, ranging from meals that can be served for lunch or dinner to snacks and sweets. Some of these snacks can also be made for breakfast. Do eat light if possible and drink lots of water to stay hydrated. If possible, also include fruits or fruit juices in your fasting diet.

Lunch & Dinner

I have categorized the lunch and dinner meals into various breads or grain-based dishes as well as curries, gravies and sides. The breads’ list consists both of flatbreads and fried breads.

Grains & Breads

sabudana khichdi
Moderate 25 minutes

Perfect Sabudana Khichdi Recipe (For Fasting Or Vrat)

Sabudana ki khichdi is a delicious dish of tapioca pearls (sago) made with potatoes, peanuts, a few spices and usually had during Hindu fasting days like Navratri, Ekadashi, Mahashivratri. It is also a gluten-free recipe. Make the best non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi with this recipe.
sama chawal khichdi
1 hour 35 minutes

sama chawal khichdi

Samvat rice khichdi recipe – savory porridge made with barnyard millet and potatoes.
buckwheat khichdi recipe, kuttu ki khichdi recipe
Moderate 30 minutes

Kuttu ki Khichdi | Buckwheat Khichdi

Buckwheat Khichdi is easy to prepare khichdi with buckwheat groats (kuttu), potatoes and peanuts for Navratri fasting. Wholesome super food.
vrat ke chawal ka pulao, samvat pulao recipe
Moderate 45 minutes

Samak Rice Pulao (Barnyard Millet Recipe)

Samak Rice Pulao is a simple, healthy and tasty pulao made during Hindu fasting days like Navratri and Ekadashi. Also known as samak/sama/samvat/samo/bhagar and Barnyard Millet in English, this is a popular ingredient used in dishes that are made during the religious fasting days in India.
sabudana thalipeeth recipe
Moderate 8 hours 30 minutes

Sabudana Thalipeeth

Sabudana thalipeeth are crisp and soft pancakes made with tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes, ground peanuts and spices. They are also called as Upvasache Thalipeeth in Marathi language and can also be referred to as Sabudana roti.
rajgira paratha recipe, rajgira roti recipe for fasting
Moderate 40 minutes

Rajgira Roti | Amaranth Paratha

Rajgira roti or rajgira paratha is a healthy gluten-free flatbread made with rajgira atta or amaranth flour for Hindu fasting days.
kuttu ka paratha recipe, vrat ka paratha recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Kuttu ka Paratha

Kuttu ki roti or paratha are gluten free flatbreads made with buckwheat flour and mashed potatoes. These healthy flatbreads are usually made during the Navratri fasting period in India.
singhare ki puri recipe, singhare ki poori recipe
Difficult 50 minutes

Singhare Ki Puri

Singhare ki poori is a delicious Indian fry made with water chestnut flour, mashed potatoes, edible rock salt and a few spices.
30 minutes

Kuttu ki Poori

Kuttu ke atte ki puri are crisp and tasty Indian fry bread made with buckwheat flour for religious fasting or vrat.
rajgira ki poori recipe, amaranth poori recipe
Moderate 50 minutes

Rajgira Puri | Amaranth Puri

Rajgira Poori or Amaranth Poori are deep fried puffy breads made from amaranth flour, boiled mashed potatoes and edible rock salt. It also happens to be naturally gluten-free and vegan. Amaranth flour or seeds are usually eaten during the Hindu fasting or vrat season in India.
vrat ki kadhi recipe, rajgira kadhi recipe, farali kadhi recipe
Moderate 15 minutes

Vrat ki Kadhi | Rajgira Kadhi for Fasting | Farali Kadhi

Easy and quick to prepare rajgira kadhi for Navratri fasting or upwas.
arbi curry recipe, arbi masala recipe
Moderate 35 minutes

Arbi Curry | Arbi Masala

Arbi Curry or Arbi Masala is a light North Indian style curry made with colocasia or taro roots in a base of pureed tomatoes, spices and herbs.
kaddu ki sabzi served on a white bowl placed on a white tray.
Moderate 35 minutes

Kaddu ki Sabji (Easy Pumpkin Recipe)

Kaddu ki sabji is an easy and delicious vegan pumpkin recipe made with yellow pumpkin, whole spices and herbs. This is a satvik recipe made without onions and garlic.
aloo sabzi recipe, aloo tamatar ki sabzi recipe
Moderate 30 minutes

Easy Aloo ki Sabji | Satvik Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji

Aloo ki Sabji or Aloo Tamatar Ki Sabji is an easy to make lightly spiced gravy featuring potatoes, tomatoes, a few spices and herbs. A satvik recipe made without onion and garlic.
sukhi arbi recipe
Moderate 1 hour

Arbi Sabji | Arbi Recipe | Ghuiya Ki Sabji

Crispy, perfectly spiced and tasty Arbi Recipe made with Taro Roots (also called Arbi and Ghuiya in Hindi), a few spices and herbs. This Arbi Sabji is an easy way you can have a variation in your everyday meals.
arbi fry recipe, seppankizhangu fry recipe
Moderate 32 minutes

Arbi Fry | Seppankizhangu Fry

This arbi fry also called as Seppankizhangu Fry in Tamill language is a dry preparation of colocasia or taro roots with spices and herbs.

Breakfast or Snacks

Here I have listed recipes that you can make for breakfast or snacks. Some of them are fried. For healthier versions, use an appe (paniyaram) pan to make these or air-fry or bake these.  

closeup shot of a stack of sabudana vada on top of each other in a white plate with red chilli sauce in a white bowl
Moderate 5 hours 30 minutes

Sabudana Vada Recipe (Traditional Fasting Recipe)

Sabudana Vada is a popular savory deep fried snack made during Hindu fasting days, featuring tapioca pearls (sago), potatoes, peanuts and herbs. They are naturally gluten-free and vegan. This fool proof sabudana vada recipe gives you a super delicious crispy vada with a soft and light interior.
sabudana tikki recipe, sabudana cutlet recipe
Easy 5 hours 20 minutes

Sabudana Tikki | Sabudana Cutlet

Sabudana tikki also known as sabudana cutlet are pan-fried thin patties made with tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes and spices. These crispy patties make for a delicious snack that will get over in no time.
sama ke chawal ki idli recipe, vrat ki idli recipe
9 hours 10 minutes

sama ke chawal ki idli

Vrat ki idli recipe – idli made without rice which you can make for fasting or for regular days too.
roasted makhana recipe
Easy 10 minutes

Roasted Makhana Recipe

Roasted Makhana is a healthy snack that is made with slow roasting/toasting phool makhana or foxnuts with spices and seasonings.
sabudana pakoda recipe, sabudana pakora recipe
Moderate 8 hours 20 minutes

Sabudana Pakoda | Sabudana Pakora

These Sabudana pakora made for fasting or vrat are crisp, golden fritters made from tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes and roasted crushed peanuts.
sabudana chivda recipe, sabudana namkeen recipe
Moderate 30 minutes

Sabudana Chivda | Sabudana Namkeen

This Nylon sabudana chivda is a crispy and tasty fasting snack made from nylon sabudana and dry fruits for the Navratri fasts.
sweet potato chaat recipe, shakarkandi ki chaat recipe
Easy 15 minutes

Sweet Potato Chaat | Shakarkandi Chaat

Sweet potato chaat is one of the easiest to prepare chaat recipe with sweet potatoes or shakarkandi and a few spice powders.
banana chips recipe
40 minutes

Banana Chips

These are easy and simple homemade tasty banana chips made from raw unripe bananas.
raw banana kofta recipe, kachche kele ke kofte recipe
Moderate 30 minutes

Kele ka Kofta | Banana Kofta

Kele ka Kofta are crispy, spiced pan fried patties made with raw green unripe bananas or plantains, spices, herbs and a binding flour. A special snack that you can make during the Navratri fasting period or on any other regular day.
overhead shot of a bowlful of homemade seasoned french fries with dipping sauces
Moderate 30 minutes

French Fries Recipe (Crispy & Perfect)

Perfectly salted French Fries that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Make these homemade french fries or finger chips recipe easily with a few techniques and customize it with your favorite herbs and spices or toppings.
farali pattice recipe
Moderate 1 hour

Farali Pattice

Farali pattice is an easy snack of crispy and tasty patties made with potatoes and stuffed with a sweet filling of coconut, nuts and raisins. This dish is from the Gujarati cuisine that is made during fast or upvas.
aloo tuk recipe
Moderate 25 minutes

Aloo Tuk

Aloo tuk is a popular Sindhi snack of crispy, fried and spiced potato slices. The potato slices are double fried to make them extra crispy. This dish makes for a good tea time snack or a side dish with your favorite North Indian meal.
potato chips recipe, potato wafers recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Potato Chips Recipe | Potato Wafers

Light, crisp, and perfect for snacking, these oven baked Potato Chips (a.k.a. Potato Wafers) are a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version. This potato chips recipe is simple to make at home and doesn't require any specialty equipment!

Chutney & Raita

These chutneys and raitas not only act as the perfect accompaniment with the main course or snacks, but also suffice as topping or dipping sauces. Listed below are such Navratri Fast Recipes.

Chutneys

Tamarind Chutney Recipe
Easy 21 minutes

Date-Tamarind Chutney

Date-Tamarind Chutney recipe for chaat snacks. Thus sweet tangy gooey chutney made with tamarind, dates and jaggery goes well with Indian chaat snacks.

Raitas

cucumber raita sprinkled with red chilli powder, roasted cumin powder and cilantro in a white bowl on a dark brown wooden board
Easy 5 minutes

Cucumber Raita

Cucumber raita is a popular savory raita dip made with cucumber and curd (yogurt). This simple, refreshing, cooling cucumber raita recipe comes together in 5 minutes.
beetroot raita in white glass bowl on a wooden board
Easy 20 minutes

Beetroot Raita

Beetroot Raita is a colorful, vibrant raita or yogurt dip made with healthy beets, onions, bell pepper, carrots, spices and curd (yogurt). It pairs nicely with most Indian meals.

Sweets & Desserts

Can an Indian meal be ever complete without a sweet? Not really. So, in this section, you will find some easy-peasy sweets and desserts that can be made during Navratri festival, and can also be offered to Goddess Durga. This list is categorized into kheer, halwa, ladoo and fruit-based recipes.

Kheer Recipes

sabudana kheer recipe
Moderate 35 minutes

Sabudana Kheer | How to make Sabudana Kheer

Sabudana Kheer is a sweet, creamy pudding made with tapioca pearls or sago pearls (called sabudana in Hindi), milk, sugar, nuts and flavored with cardamom & saffron. Sabudana Kheer is also a popular pick as fasting food during the Hindu Navratri festival. It is simple and easy to make, and tastes absolutely delicious.
makhane ki kheer served in a black bowl with a spoon kept on it.
Moderate 35 minutes

Makhane ki Kheer

Makhane ki kheer is a sweet dessert pudding made with Makhana (foxnuts), milk, ghee, sugar and dry fruits. This is an easy and popular sweet that is often made during Hindu fasting days.
rajgira kheer recipe, amaranth kheer recipe
20 minutes

Rajgira Kheer

Rajgira kheer is a simple easy dessert pudding made with amaranth grains. Navratri recipe.
paneer kheer recipe
Easy 25 minutes

Paneer Kheer

Paneer kheer recipe is a quick and easy Indian cottage cheese kheer for the festive season. Ready in less than 25 minutes.
lauki kheer recipe, dudhi kheer recipe
30 minutes

lauki ki kheer

Delicious kheer made with bottle gourd or opo squash.
badam kheer recipe
Moderate 50 minutes

Badam Kheer

Badam kheer or almond payasam is a delicious creamy kheer made with blanched almond paste, milk and saffron.

Halwa Recipes

lauki halwa, dudhi halwa
Moderate 1 hour

Lauki Halwa | Dudhi Halwa

Lauki halwa is also called as dudhi halwa. It is a rich Indian sweet made with bottle gourd (opo squash), milk, sugar and ghee. The method of making lauki halwa is similar to making gajar halwa. Making lauki halwa is easy but takes some time. This is a slow cooked halwa and what you get after minutes of slow cooking is super deliciousness. 
apple halwa recipe
Moderate 45 minutes

Apple Halwa

Apple halwa recipe made with apples, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Apple halwa is a delicious halwa that is easy to make. This apple halwa does not use sooji (rava), milk, khoya or milk powder. Just apples, sugar (optional) and ghee. Flavorings and nuts of your choice can be added to the halwa. 
papaya halwa recipe
Moderate 50 minutes

Papaya Halwa (Papaya Sweet)

Papaya Halwa is a Indian sweet or dessert made with papaya. This Papaya Sweet is prepared by slow-cooking semi-ripe papaya, sugar and almond powder in oil. With hints of lovely cardamom, it makes for tasty dessert to end your meals with.
pumpkin halwa recipe, kaddu halwa recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Pumpkin Halwa | Kaddu Ka Halwa

Pumpkin Halwa is called Kaddu Ka Halwa in Hindi. Subtly flavored, this halwa variant made with pumpkin along with cardamom, melon seeds and nuts – is quite easy to prepare and makes for a delightful dessert as well.
ash gourd halwa recipe, kashi halwa recipe, white pumpkin halwa recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Kashi Halwa | Dumroot Halwa | Ash Gourd Halwa

Kashi Halwa also called Dumroot Halwa is a unique, tasty and rich halwa made from ash gourd or white pumpkin, sugar, nuts, ghee, raisins and flavored with saffron.
sweet potato halwa garnished with fried cashews, rose petals and served on a white colored plate.
Moderate 40 minutes

Sweet Potato Halwa (Shakarkandi ka Halwa)

Sweet Potato Halwa also called Shakarkandi ka Halwa in Hindi is a delicious Indian sweet made with boiled and mashed sweet potatoes and scented with cardamom, saffron.

Ladoo Recipes

badam ladoo recipe, almond ladoo recipe
Moderate 10 minutes

Badam Laddu | Almond Ladoo

Here’s a Badam Laddu recipe that is quick, easy, tasty and made with almonds, jaggery and raisins. Make this delish Almond Ladoo the next time when you have a bag full of almonds. Use it for making these ladoos with minimal ingredients.
coconut ladoo placed in a circle and in the center on a white plate on a red table
Moderate 15 minutes

Coconut Ladoo Recipe | Nariyal ke Laddu Made In 3 Unique Ways

Make coconut ladoo with three recipes. The first one is a quick 3 ingredient recipe made with fresh coconut, milkmaid and cardamom powder. The second recipe has 2 ingredients – desiccated coconut and condensed milk. The third recipe is made with desiccated coconut and sugar.
narkel naru served on a white plate.
Easy 15 minutes

Narkel Naru (Coconut Ladoo With Jaggery)

Narkel Naru is a traditional sweet ladoo made with jaggery and coconut from the Bengali cuisine. These rustic ladoo can be sweetened with date palm jaggery or regular sugarcane jaggery or sugar.
dry fruit ladoo placed on a white plate on a yellow napkin
Easy 20 minutes

Easy Dry Fruits Laddu Recipe

Easy Dry fruits laddu recipe without any added sugar or fats like ghee or oil. Packed with nutrients, good fats and fibre, these energy balls are made with dates, figs and various nuts. Dry fruit laddu recipe gets done quickly and comes together under 20 minutes.

Fruit Desserts

closeup shot of fruit chaat garnished with mint sprigs in white bowls
Easy 30 minutes

Fruit Chaat

This Delhi style tasty fruit chaat is spiced, savory, sweet and tangy. Fruit chaat is made of a mix of fresh seasonal fruits and tubers like potatoes and sweet potatoes.
fruit salad with ice cream and nuts served in a glass bowl.
Easy 15 minutes

Fruit Salad With Ice Cream

This easy summer Fruit Salad With Ice Cream is a mix of various fruits and nuts served with dollops of vanilla ice cream. Really an easy and delicious dessert recipe.

Beverages

All fruits can be consumed during fasting in Navratri festival. So, use any fruit or a combination of fruits to prepare juices, smoothies or shakes. Milk and milk products can also be considered as Navratri Recipes.

sweet lassi topped with crushed cardamom powder and saffron in two tall glasses
Easy 10 minutes

Lassi Recipe (3 Delicious Variations)

Lassi is a cooling, refreshing, probiotic drink perfect for the warm summer months made essentially with curd or yogurt, fragrant spices and sugar or salt. Popular in Punjab and North India, there are many variations of this sweet lassi recipe. Find three easy, energizing and flavorful lassi recipe variations.
dry fruits milkshake recipe in a glass on a marbled surface
Easy 35 minutes

Dry Fruit Milkshake Recipe

Healthy, refreshing, and energy-boosting, this dry fruit milkshake recipe is the perfect beverage to give you a quick boost throughout the day! It includes dried fruits, nuts, and plant-based milk making it a great gluten-free and vegan option.
banana milkshake in a glass with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon on a dark brown table with a cream jute napkin by side
Easy 10 minutes

Banana Milkshake Recipe | Wholesome Banana Shake

This banana milkshake recipe includes sweet bananas and coconut milk for a rich and creamy consistency that everyone (especially kids) will love. Plus we add a bit of vanilla and cinnamon for an extra delicious drink.
strawberry milkshake topped with strawberry slices in 2 glasses on a reddish pink tray.
Easy 10 minutes

Strawberry Milkshake Recipe (Classic & Plant Based)

A sweet and refreshing strawberry shake is the perfect drink for summer. Here I share with you two different but equally delicious ways to make my favorite strawberry milkshake recipe – a classic shake prepared with milk, and a plant-based vegan version made with almond milk.
apple milkshake recipe
Easy 15 minutes

Apple Milkshake | Apple Shake

Apple Milkshake is a quick and easy beverage that can be made for breakfast or as quick snack. This Apple Shake recipe is made with almond milk and can easily be made with any other plant based milk.
mango smoothie in a glass on a matted wooden tray
Easy 10 minutes

Mango Smoothie Recipe (5 Ways)

Bright and refreshing mango smoothies are easy to make as a healthy breakfast or sweet snack. Here I share with you 5 unique mango smoothie recipes. There are versions with yogurt, oats, additional fresh fruits, and even almonds – give them all a try and discover your favorite and healthy mango smoothie recipe.
watermelon juice in four glasses or a dark blue table
Easy 20 minutes

Watermelon Juice Recipe (3 Ways)

Refreshing, healthy and cooling Watermelon Juice to quench your thirst on a hot summery day. Learn to make three different versions of this healthy, all natural drink recipe.
a serving tray filled with garnished glasses fruit punch.
Easy 15 minutes

Fruit Punch Recipe | Fruit Punch Mocktail

Sweet, refreshing, and free of any artificial ingredients, this Fruit Punch recipe is a favorite with kids and adults alike. Learn how to make Fruit Punch Mocktail drink at home in just 15 minutes with this simple, versatile, and delicious recipe!
mosambi juice recipe, sweet lime juice recipe
Moderate 15 minutes

Mosambi Juice | Sweet Lime Juice

Sweet, citrusy, and refreshing, my recipe for Mosambi Juice (also known as Sweet Lime Juice) is a delicious way to beat the summer heat. With a fruity flavor and a sweet taste, this delightful Indian beverage is one you simply must try next time.
watermelon juice in four glasses or a dark blue table
Easy 20 minutes

Watermelon Juice Recipe (3 Ways)

Refreshing, healthy and cooling Watermelon Juice to quench your thirst on a hot summery day. Learn to make three different versions of this healthy, all natural drink recipe.
Easy 10 minutes

Apple Juice Recipe (2 Flavor Variations)

If you love the idea of making your own homemade juices but don’t have a juicer, this is a post for you! Here I’ll show you how to make healthy apple juice in a blender. As an added bonus, I’ve included two easy recipes – simple, everyday classic apple juice and a vibrant, tangy pomegranate apple juice.
orange juice in a glass with orange on top on a cane tray
Easy 15 minutes

Orange Juice Recipe (Easy and Homemade)

Bright and sweet orange juice is delicious to enjoy on its own for a healthy beverage, or include in your favorite drink recipes. I share making this fresh orange juice in a blender which is so easy.
blueberry juice in a glass.
Easy 20 minutes

Blueberry Juice

The bright and flavorful Blueberry Juice is deliciously refreshing, full of nutrients and made with just 4 basic ingredients.
dark purple colored grape juice in two glass mugs.
Easy 15 minutes

Grape Juice Recipe

Grape Juice recipe made with just a few ingredients and in a blender. This Grape Juice recipe gets done in a jiffy if you have rinsed and prepped the grapes.
muskmelon juice or cantaloupe juice in two tall clear glasses on an orange piece of fabric.
Easy 15 minutes

Muskmelon Juice (Cantaloupe Juice)

This easy recipe for making Musk Melon Juice (a.k.a. Cantaloupe Juice) for a sweet, refreshing warm-weather beverage that you're sure to love.
pear juice recipe
Easy 10 minutes

Pear Juice

Refreshing and energizing pear juice recipe to beat the summer heat.
fresh pineapple juice served in two glasses and garnished with fresh pineapple pieces
Moderate 15 minutes

Pineapple Juice Recipe

This pineapple juice is a refreshing juice made from fresh pineapple and flavored with black salt and roasted cumin powder.
pomegranate juice recipe
Moderate 15 minutes

Fresh Pomegranate Juice (Anar Juice)

Sweet, tart and vibrantly refreshing, my homemade fresh Pomegranate Juice recipe will change your life for the better this summer. Also known as Anar Juice, this healthy beverage is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants to help restore your body after a day in the sun.
mint juice recipe, lemon mint juice recipe
Easy 10 minutes

Mint Juice

Mint Juice or Pudina Juice is a healthy and refreshing drink for summers made from fresh mint leaves and lemon.

South Indian Navratri Recipes

When compared to North Indian Navratri Fast Recipes, fasting food that is made in South India is quite different. Usually all grains, vegetables and cereals are used to make it. But they still don’t have any onion or garlic in them.

Listed below are some no onion, no garlic recipes which are popular during Navratri festival in southern parts of India. However, a crucial point to remember here is, you should not consider these as true vrat or fasting recipes. Avoid making these if you want to observe a North Indian style of fast.

three idli on top of a layer of sambar in a white bowl
Moderate 9 hours 25 minutes

Idli Recipe (With Homemade Idli Batter)

Idli recipe with lots of tips and suggestions so that you can make soft and fluffy idli easily. This idli recipe post also details the method of making idli batter. It is a popular Indian breakfast which is filling as well as nutritious. 
dosa on white plate next to white bowls filled with sambar and coconut chutney
Moderate 9 hours 30 minutes

Dosa Recipe (With Homemade Dosa Batter)

This is a plain dosa or sada dosa recipe which is a famous breakfast or snack both in India as well as outside India. Dosa is basically a healthy crepe made from ground rice and lentil batter which has been fermented.
ulundu vadai recipe, medhu vadai recipe, urad dal vada recipe
9 hours 30 minutes

Ulundu Vadai (Uddina Vada)

These Uddina Vada are crisp and tasty fried black grams donuts shaped fritters. A popular South Indian snack.
kotte kadubu recipe
Moderate 9 hours 15 minutes

Kotte Kadubu | Kadubu Idli

Kotte kadubu are super soft aromatic idlis made in jackfruit leaves cup. In Konkani language, these idlis are known as hittu or khotte. Steaming in jackfruit leaves give the idlis the flavor and aroma of the jackfruit leaves.
coconut chutney
Moderate 15 minutes

Coconut Chutney Recipe

Coconut chutney is a side dish that is served with idli, dosa, vada and pongal. This coconut chutney recipe is an easy and simple recipe versatile enough to go with any Indian snack.
udupi sambar in a bowl with spoon
Moderate 50 minutes

Udupi Sambar Recipe

Udupi Sambar is a spiced, slightly sweet and tangy sambar made with pigeon pea lentils, mixed vegetables, tamarind and freshly ground udupi sambar masala paste.
yellow colored lemon rice served in a white bowl on a white cotton cloth
Easy 25 minutes

Lemon Rice (Tangy Flavorful Rice)

Lemon Rice also referred to as Chitranna or Nimmakaya Pulihora is a crunchy, flavorful and tangy rice dish that is easy to make and tastes so good. Fresh lemon juice, fried nuts, fragrant herbs and spices combine perfectly to give this steamed rice an amazing spicy, tangy and nutty flavor.
paal payasam garnished with dried rose petal chiffonade in a brass bowl with text layovers.
Moderate 1 hour

Paal Payasam | Rice Payasam

Paal Payasam is a simple South Indian variant of a slow cooked rice pudding made with only 4 ingredients. This recipe is of a typical Tamil style Rice Payasam that is creamy and delicious.
seviyan kheer served in a glass bowl with text layover.
Easy 20 minutes

Seviyan Kheer | Vermicelli Kheer

This creamy seviyan kheer is a North Indian sweet made with wheat vermicelli, milk, sugar, dry fruits and flavored with spices. This incredibly easy recipe of semiya kheer comes together in 20 minutes and makes for an excellent dessert or sweet.
maladu recipe, maa ladoo recipe
Moderate 12 minutes

Maladu Recipe | Maa Laddu | Roasted Gram Ladoo

Maladu or Maa Laddu (Pottukadalai Ladoo) is quick South Indian recipe of ladoo made from roasted gram or roasted chana dal flour. Maladu is made with just 3 main ingredients – roasted gram flour, ghee and sugar.

Sundal Recipes

South Indian sundals are dry preparations made with a variety of legumes, lentils or pulses like moong beans, Bengal gram, black eyed beans, peanuts, sweet corn, etc.

Both common during Navratri as well as Ganesh Chaturthi. Each type of sundal is more or less prepared in the same way. They might just have some minor variations in the recipes.

chana sundal served in areca bowls.
Moderate 35 minutes

Sundal Recipe | Channa Sundal | Chickpea Sundal

Sundal is a stir-fried dish made with different types of lentils, legumes even grains from the cuisine of Tamil Nadu. This Channa Sundal has white chickpeas, spices and a good dose of freshly grated coconut. This dish is vegan and quite healthy too.
chana dal sundal recipe, kadalai paruppu sundal recipe
Moderate 1 hour 35 minutes

Chana Dal Sundal | Kadalai Paruppu Sundal

Chana dal sundal is tempered & sautéed dry dish made with cooked chana dal, few spices and fresh coconut. Chana dal sundal is also called as kadalai paruppu sundal where 'kadalai paruppu' is the tamil word for chana dal.
rajma sundal recipe, red kidney beans sundal recipe
Moderate 8 hours 35 minutes

Rajma Sundal

Rajma sundal is a South Indian recipe of a no onion no garlic sautéed kidney beans with spices and coconut.
top shot of Black Channa Sundal served in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Moderate 8 hours 35 minutes

Black Channa Sundal (Kondakadalai Sundal)

Black Channa Sundal also known as Kondakadalai Sundal is a South Indian recipe of a sautéed dry dish made with black chickpeas, herbs, spices and coconut.
sweet corn sundal recipe, corn sundal recipe
20 minutes

Sweet Corn Sundal

Easy recipe of South Indian sweet corn sundal. sundals are South Indian based dishes made with a variety of legumes and is prepared during Ganesh Chaturthi or Navratri festival.

This Navratri Recipes post from the archives first published in October 2013 has been republished and updated on 3 March 2023.

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Meet Dassana

Welcome to Dassana's Veg Recipes. I share vegetarian recipes from India & around the World. Having been cooking for decades and with a professional background in cooking & baking, I help you to make your cooking journey easier with my tried and tested recipes showcased with step by step photos & plenty of tips & suggestions.

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