Feeling bored of eating the same old Navratri recipes year after year? We’ve got you covered with 5 tantalizing options that blend tradition with a modern twist, promising a culinary experience like no other.
Each cuisine is crafted to fuel your body and uplift your energy and spirits during this festive season in a healthy way. So, why wait? Dive into the culinary delights of Navratri at these special places:
Anardana
Step into Anardana’s Navratri Extravaganza! The Special Menu fuses tradition with a twist! From Shakarkandi ki Chaat to Sabudana Papad, starters kick off the fun. Dive into Kuttu Puri, Shahi Paneer, and Samak Ke Chawal for the main course. And don’t miss the Sabudana ki Kheer for a sweet finale! It’s a feast you won’t forget!
Location: Max Square Noida, Sector 129
Punjab Grill
Get ready to groove at Punjab Grill! It has a specially crafted festival thali, packed with a mouthwatering mix of dishes for an epic dining adventure. Dive into the Vrat Vali Lassi, Amaranth Shakarkandi chaat, Khoya Paneer Makhana, Anari Shahi Jeera Aloo, and top it off with Khatta Meetha Ladoo dessert. And that’s just the beginning! Taste the flavours of tradition with a funky twist.
Location: Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi
U Kitchen by Ferns N Petals
Step into a world of flavour and festivity with U Kitchen’s specially curated Navratri Delights, designed to elevate your Navratri celebrations to new heights! Embark on a culinary journey with signature Sago Cutlets, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside and Makhana Chaat, where crunchy makhana pops meet tangy chutneys. Prepare to be wowed by the wholesome goodness of Rajgira Paratha, Sabudana Khichdi Stuffed Bell Peppers for the main course. For the grand finale, indulge your sweet tooth with our delectable Coconut and Pumpkin Halwa, a divine blend of creamy coconut and tender pumpkin, infused with aromatic spices and love!
Location: Chattarpur, New Delhi
Glasshouse by Doubletree Hilton
Hilton is calling all foodies and Navratri enthusiasts for a culinary extravaganza at Glass House Restaurant by DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Bani Square from April 9th to April 17th. Indulge in a feast fit for royalty, featuring delights like Kesari Lassi, refreshing salads, flavorful Aloo Mungfali Tikki, crispy Sabudana Papad, and much more. Join the celebration of flavours, traditions, and good vibes this Navratri season.
Location: Baani Square, Gurugram, India
Dana Choga
Experience a tantalizing journey sans onion, garlic, and wheat, perfectly tailored for fasting rituals. The Navratri Thali boasts Singhare ki Poori, mouthwatering Aloo Paneer Cutlets, and zesty Khatti Mithi Arbi, ending on a sweet note with Kesari Coconut Laddoo. Join Dana Choga for a culinary escapade designed to delight fasting devotees.
Location: Available across all 16 outlets in Delhi NCR
A vegan breakfast contains all the same nutrients you would find in a dairy, or meat-based breakfast…reports Asian Lite News
Why is breakfast important? It is called ‘the most important meal of the day’, and as the name suggests, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period. It replenishes our supply of glucose to boost our energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients required for good health.
Evidence based studies have shown the health benefits of eating breakfast. It improves the energy levels and ability to concentrate in short term, and can help with better weight management, reduced risk of many diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease in long term. Despite the health and wellbeing benefits of breakfast, many people often skip it, for many reasons.
Skipping breakfast may seem like a good way to reduce overall energy intake. But research showed that even with a higher intake of energy, breakfast eaters tend to be more physically active in the morning than those who don’t eat until later in the day.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to make it easier to fit breakfast into our day.
Can’t face food in the morning?
Some people find they just can’t tolerate food first thing in the morning either because they have their last meal of the day quite late at night or they don’t find typical breakfast foods appealing, or because food first thing in the morning turns their stomach.
To make it easier, we should try to reduce the size of the meals in the evening and eat them earlier, so we are hungry in the morning.
Investigating some new recipes and stocking our cupboards with some different types of foods to increase our breakfast appetite.
Stopping switching our breakfast to morning tea or mid-morning snack time.
Breakfast ideas for meat eaters
Balanced breakfast using foods from 3 different food groups (Proteins, Fibers, Fat). It can be a slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a glass of milk, or yogurt with fruit and granola, or an egg scrambled with leftover veggies and cheese.
Keep it simple! A banana, yogurt and oat are an easy way to get nutrients, and they can be packed the night before if time is a challenge. Peanut butter and banana sandwich is another simple low-cost meal that can be prepared in minutes. Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sliced turkey is low in fat, low in calories, and high in protein. This makes it an ideal option for anyone attempting to increase muscle growth while limiting calories. Turkey bacon is also a good and lean substitute for traditional bacon. It can be eaten along with vegetables, whole wheat bread and avocado.
Salmon, for healthy fat. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, packed with protein, source of B vitamins, filled with selenium, and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Eat salmon with sliced avocado, lemon juice, onions, and asparagus in whole wheat bread.
Breakfast ideas for vegetarians
Greek yogurt along with berries and nuts is very popular nowadays. You can add any of the nuts that you like; walnuts, almonds, cashews, chia seeds, or flax seeds. Fresh berries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries can also be added.
A high antioxidant green smoothie from mainly spinach, almond or cashew milk, and berries can be an option. Some seeds can be added such as chia seeds or flax seeds. Ice cubes will be a good component to become a fresher.
Oatmeal is rich in fibers, brings down the glycemic index, and satisfies our craving for carbs. Add milk or yogurt, berries, nuts, and fresh fruits for flavour. Cinnamon powder can be also added to give it a distinct flavour and enhance the taste as well as benefiting from its high antioxidants’ constitution, its protection against diseases, ageing and inflammation.
Almond butter, banana, yogurt and cinnamon powder is also a healthy option; It provides the body with amounts of fibers, potassium, carbs, and Vitamin B6, which acts as a stress buster. Cinnamon adds to the sweetness and maintains blood sugar level.
Breakfast ideas for vegans
A vegan breakfast contains all the same nutrients you would find in a dairy, or meat-based breakfast.
Think whole foods! Avocados and nuts are good sources of healthy fats. Whole grains are great for fibers and slow-release energy. Beans and tofu are excellent sources of protein. Walnuts and flaxseed are perfect additions for omega 3.
Oats with nuts and fruits, vegan pancakes with soy yoghurt, banana and berries; and scrambled tofu on whole grain toast are healthy options.
Mango and greens (spinach or kale) smoothie is great especially for post workout refuelling. Adding coconut water must be very energizing, as well as some healthy fats like avocado, nuts, almond or peanut butter. It is considered as a nutrient packed breakfast.
Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals in many parts of India. It is a celebration that includes praying to all female Goddesses, garba and dandiya dancing, and delicious food.
During this time, some of your neighborhood’s best restaurants have you covered for filling your hungry stomach, so take a chance and immerse yourself in the enchanting cuisine delights served elegantly in a Thaali, this special menu highlights the essence of joyful feasting.
Anand Sweets’ special vrat thali!
Indulge in a delectable Navratri Thali at Purani Dilli by Anand Sweets, crafted with a wholesome blend of ingredients such as Samai, Pumpkin, Makhana, Paneer, Sabudana, and more, all seasoned with pink salt for a nutritious and energising dining experience. The thoughtfully prepared Vrat Thali includes assorted dishes such as Kuttu Atta Ki Puri, Samak Chawal, Shahi Paneer Sabzi, Pumpkin Sabzi, AarbiAachar, Makhana Kheer, Salad, Dry Aloo Chips, and Raita, ensuring a delightful Navratri feast.
Customers can also order a la carte and enjoy individual dishes for Navratri. Must-try favourites on the menu include – Adraki Paneer Tikka, along with tempting Chaats such as Tava Aloo Chaat, Sabudana Aloo Tikki Chaat, and Singhara Papdi Chaat.
Availability: 15 October to 24 October 2023, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: Rs. 350/- plus taxes
Location: Available across Purani Dilli by Anand Sweets
Phone: (91) 93531 42319; (91) 93531 39813
Ssaffron, Shangri-La Bengaluru
Ssaffron, the award-winning Indian restaurant at Shangri-La Bengaluru, unveils its exclusive Navratri Festive Menu. This culinary extravaganza spans nine days, from 15 October to 23 October, embracing the festive spirit of Navratri with an array of traditional delights.
Guests can start with Shakarkand Aur Anar Ki Chaat and Phaldari Salad followed by crispy Sabudana Vada and Chef Pankaj’s curation, Kache Kele Ki Tikki. The Vrat-friendly Thaali also features delicacies such as Makhane Kaju Ki Sabzi, Dahi Aaloo, Khatta Meetha Kaddu, and Dabi Sukhi Arbi accompanied by staples like Sabudana Khichdi and Singhade Ki Poori. To satiate sweet cravings, diners can relish Samvat Chawal Kheer and Coconut Laddoos.
This special Thali is available from 15 October until 23 October for lunch and dinner and is priced at Rs. 1600/- all-inclusive. For more information, guests can call (91) 80 4512 6100 or email bengaluru@shangri-la.com
Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel
Prepare to Revel in Dance, Celebration, and the Vibrant Spirit of Navratri at the captivating Emerald Lawn at Renaissance Hotel Ahmedabad.
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Garba Night as you step into a world of themed décor, a captivating stage, and a delightful photo booth to capture your moments of joy. The beats of Garba music will resonate through the night, courtesy of different DJs, creating an atmosphere that’s truly electrifying.
As you dance your heart out, refuel with a selection of delectable food and beverages at live stations. The event begins at 8 p.m. to ensure that you may enjoy Garba with your family in a safe environment.
The party continues after the Garba Night ends! So, from 12 a.m. to 3 a.m., travel to Mill & Co. for late-night hangouts and savour an Exquisite Menu with Tawa Pulao Masala, Paneer Bhurji, Pasta Selections, Vegetable Biryani, and Grilled Cheese Chutney Sandwiches.
For more details and reservations, call +91 7574847188.
What: The Garba Night
Where: Emerald Lawn, Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel
When: 15th to 24th Oct, 2023
Timings: 8:00 pm onwards
Ishaara
Ishaara is a modern Indian restaurant with “classical and traditional recipes giving it a modern expression”. These dishes come from across India, with familiar names and some experiments. This festive season, Ishaara launches a Navratri special thali curated by Chef Jagdish Naidu for all vegetarian patrons. The modern Indian restaurant have an exclusive Bengali food experience called “Durgotsav Bhoj” curated by Miss Anasuya Banerji for all dinners from 15th October to 24th October at Ishaara.
The inspiration behind Ishaara’s Bengali Thali this festive season draws from the roots of East Bengal, particularly the Dhaka & Comilla region. It encompasses a rich array of cooking ingredients, recipes, and cooking techniques. Anasuya Banerji, a visionary leader renowned for her impact on education and skill development, brings her creativity, perseverance, attention to detail, and community-building spirit to the forefront this festive season. She presents a specially curated menu, “Durgotsav Bhoj”, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of the past four generations.
Anticipate a diverse range of appetizers, including Machher chop, Kochuri and Shukno Aloor Dam, Fish fry, and more. The main course features authentic dishes such as Bhanpa lish, Machher Kalia, Chingri Phookopi, and Jhuri Aloo Bhaja. Conclude your meal with the sweet indulgence of Bengali specialties like Mishti Doi & Nolen Gurer Rasogulla. The entire Bengali Thali experience will be exclusively available in Mumbai Ishaara, Palladium, and Kurla Market City.
Venu: Ishaara – Specialty Modern Indian Restaurant
Date: 15th October to 24th October 2023
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm Lunch; 7 pm to 11 pm Dinner
Celona
Celona is thrilled to introduce a new concept, All Things Navratri Menu, inviting patrons this festive season to embark on a culinary journey that promises an extraordinary start to the festive season with delicacies to revel in. The menu boasts a range of signature dishes, revamped to enjoy during Navratri, wherein each dish is carefully and deliciously curated.
Indulge in the festive spirit with the Navratri Platter at Celona, a feast that unites the wholesome flavours of the season. The bountiful spread at Celona includes Quinoa-coated Sweet Potato Cutlet, Kuttu Lavash, Green Pea Hummus, Sava Tabbouleh, Sago Pudding, and Banana Chips.
Freshness meets indulgence in the Fruit Platter, featuring a selection of seasonal fruits sourced from local markets. Guests are welcome to enjoy a vibrant assortment that captures the essence of nature’s bounty, adding a refreshing touch to one’s shared moments. Elevate your snacking experience with the Chip and Dip Plate, a tantalising combination of Banana and Potato Chips, Kuttu Lavash, and Green Pea Hummus. This platter is a perfect union of crunchy delights and flavorful dips, setting the stage for delightful conversations.
Experience the crispiness of Sabudana Vada, made with Tapioca Fritters served with a side of Coriander, Mint and Chilli Dip. The Sabudana Vada Platter at Celona is a delightful fusion of traditional flavours and contemporary presentation, offering a perfect blend of textures and aromas. At Celona, the platters are more than just meals, they are an invitation to connect, share and savour the joy of dining together.
Celona offers a wide variety of options in the no onion and garlic menu for the patrons to enjoy. Some delectable options include Avocado Papdi Chaat, Quinoa Salad, Avocado Toast with a Celona twist, The Vegetable Club Sandwich and the Brownie Sizzler.
India has outrightly rejected the claims, calling it ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’…reports Asian Lite News
Softening his tone while asserting that his government was committed to building closer ties with India, after claiming that Indian agents were behind the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday extended his wishes to the Hindu community on the occasion of the Navratras.
PM Trudeau posted from his official handle, “Happy Navratri! I’m sending my warmest wishes to members of the Hindu community and all those who are celebrating this festival.”
An official press statement released by the Canadian PM said that over the next nine nights and 10 days, members of the Hindu community in Canada and around the world will gather to celebrate Navratri.
“Navratri is one of the most important and sacred festivals in the Hindu faith, commemorating the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil. Often seen as a celebration of feminine energy, it is a time for friends and family to come together and honour century-old traditions with prayers, joyous performances, special meals, and fireworks,” the statement quoted the Canadian PM as saying further.
He also termed the festival as a chance to grab knowledge about the culture of Hindu communities and an occasion to recognise their contributions to Canada.
“For all Canadians, Navratri also offers an opportunity to learn more about the rich history and culture of Hindu communities and to recognize their invaluable contributions to Canada’s social, cultural, and economic fabric. Today’s celebrations remind us that diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths,” he said.
Joyeux Navratri! J’adresse mes vœux les plus chaleureux aux membres de la communauté hindoue et à tous ceux qui célèbrent cette fête. https://t.co/DdCryzbj3k
“On behalf of my family and the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Navratri this year,” the statement quoted him as saying further.
Earlier, expressing deep concerns over recent statements of designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun allegedly endorsing Hamas and issuing threats against Indian Consulates in G7 nations, including Canada, the Hindu community “implored” the Trudeau government to take immediate action against the Khalistani leader.
In an urgent email addressed to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc, the Hindu Forum of Canada (HFC) called for immediate action against Pannun.
“On October 21st, from G7 Nations, from Canada to Australia, Sikhs for Justice is going to shut down terror houses of India in Vancouver, Washington DC, London, Frankfurt, and Milan. The People of Palestine shut down the Indian terror house in Ramallah and removed Renu Yadav (India’s first woman envoy to Palestine),” Pannun said.
“Such statements must not be tolerated. We implore the government of Canada to take immediate action, as we are deeply concerned about the safety of our community. This kind of hateful video and speech is exacerbating hatred and violence,” the HFC said in a statement.
Earlier, addressing the Canadian Parliament, PM Trudeau claimed that his government had reasons to believe that Indian agents were involved in the killing of the Khalistani leader Nijjar.
India has outrightly rejected the claims, calling it ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’.
“We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated…We are a democratic polity with a strong commitment to rule of law,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
“Such unsubstantiated allegations seek to shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists, who have been provided shelter in Canada and continue to threaten India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The inaction of the Canadian Government on this matter has been a long-standing and continuing concern. That Canadian political figures have openly expressed sympathy for such elements remains a matter of deep concern. The space given in Canada to a range of illegal activities including murders, human trafficking and organised crime is not new. We reject any attempts to connect Government of India to such developments. We urge the Government of Canada to take prompt and effective legal action against all anti-India elements operating from their soil,” it added.
Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India, was killed outside a gurdwara in Canada’s Surrey on June 18.
Significantly, Canada is yet to provide any evidence to support its claim of an Indian hand in the killing of Hardeep Nijjar.
Signalling a further souring of bilateral ties, Ottawa and New Delhi announced tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats in the wake of Trudeau’s allegation of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing.
India also suspended visa services for Canadian citizens amid the festering diplomatic fallout of Trudeau’s charge. (ANI)
Try these curated Navratri Menus in the Capital(IANSLIFE)
With the Navratri festival just around the corner, try this Navratri fasting special recipes that you can easily create at home for guests or relish by yourself. Singhade ke ate ki kadhi & Rajgira ki Poori recipe by Chef Rajeev Kumar, Executive Sous Chef, The Westin Goa.
Singhade ke ate ki kadhi & Rajgira ki Poori– SINGHADE KE ATE KI KADHI
Ingredients
1/2 cup plain yoghurt
1 tablespoon Singhare ka atta
1/2 teaspoon Red chili powder
Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
a pinch Sugar
1 cup Water
1 tablespoon Cilantro or coriander leaves chopped finely
For Tempering:
1 tablespoon Oil or ghee
1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
1 Dried red chilies
6-7 Curry leaves
Instructions
Take yogurt, singhare ka atta, rock salt, red chili powder and sugar in a bowl. Whisk it really well until yogurt is smooth.
Now add water and whisk again to mix.
Take this mixture into a saucepan and turn the heat on medium. Keep stirring very frequently until it comes to a simmer to avoid curdling. And let it simmer for 5-8 minutes or until thickens.
At the end of the simmering process, heat the oil/ghee in a small pan on medium heat. Once hot add cumin seeds and let them sizzle a bit.
Then add dried red chili and curry leaves, fry for 30-40 seconds.
Immediately add this tempering to the simmering kadhi and mix well.
Lastly, garnish with chopped cilantro.
Ingredients
Rajgira flour 1 cup
Potatoes boiled and peeled 2-3 medium
Ginger-green chilli paste 3 teaspoons
Fresh coriander leaves chopped 1 tablespoon
Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
Ghee 2 tablespoons + to deep fry
Method
Grate potatoes into a bowl. Add ginger-green chilli paste, coriander leaves and rock salt and mix well. Add rajgira flour, little by little, mix and knead into a stiff dough. Add ghee and knead again. Set aside for 10-15 minutes.
Divide the dough into small equal portions and roll into balls. Place each ball on a greased plastic sheet and gently pat into a puri.
Deep-fry puris in hot oil, one by one, till puffed up and golden. Drain on absorbent paper
Navratra Special Recipes by Swapnadeep Mukherjee, Head Chef, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa
Navratri Jeera Cookies
Ingredients:
Butter
Sugar
Kuttu Atta
Salt (Sendha)
Cumin seeds
Method:
Mix cream butter and sugar together till light and fluffy
Sieve Kuttu flour and mix salt
Lightly roast cumin seeds and add salt to the flour and mix
Fold flour mix into creamed butter gradually. Let it stand between 1-4 degree C for 60 minutes
Preheat oven to 180 degree centigrade. Roll cookie mix and cut into desired shape.
Bake at 180 degree centigrade for 15-20 mins. Enjoy them during your navratras!
NAVRATRA PINEAPPLE COOKIES
Ingredients:
Butter (unsalted)
Sugar
Kuttu Atta
Candied Pineapple (chopped)
Method:
Mix cream butter and sugar together till light and fluffy
Sieve Kuttu flour
Fold flour into creamed butter gradually, add chopped pineapple. Let it stand at 1-4 degree centigrade for 60 minutes
Preheat oven to 180 degree centigrade.Roll cookie mix and cut into desired shape.
Bake at 180 degree centigrade for 15-20 mins. Enjoy!
In a heavy bottom pan, combine kiwi and sugar. Cook till it reaches the thick sauce consistency. Take it off the stove and keep it aside.
In another pan, combine full cream milk, milk powder, saffron and chenna and cook till it starts thickening, stir intermittently to avoid burning.
Add cooked kiwi, cardamom powder and sugar. Cook till thickens and leaves the pan to form soft dough. Take it off the heat.
Spread it on a greased thali, tray or cake tin. Allow it to cool completely till set. Refrigerate. Cut in desired shape & garnish!
Navratri Special Recipes(IANSLIFE)
LAUKI KA HALWA
Ingredients:
Lauki (Bottle gourd)
Desi Ghee
Khoya danedar(Reduced milk)
Green Cardamoms (powder)
Almond chopped
Cashew nut chopped
Method
Rinse, peel and grate the lauki and remove the center portion. Heat ghee in a heavy pan on medium flame
Add the grated lauki in ghee and mix well. Cook lauki on medium flame
Continue stirring until the moisture evaporates. Add sugar and saute till laukihalwa turns thick
Add khoya and keep stirring to avoid burning. Check consistency of the halwa as per your taste and switch off the flame. Add nuts and cardamom powder, mix well and serve hot or cold.
MELON n MINT COLD SOUP
Ingredients:
Sugar Melon
Mint
Lemon juice
Sendha Salt
Method
Wash and peel melons and remove the seeds and pulp. Cut dices and put in a blender and add mint leaves and blend to a puree
Strain through a coarse strainer and add lemon juice and adjust the seasoning by adding salt. Refrigerate and serve chilled in shot glass and enjoy Navratra special cold soup.
