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There are just a few more days to go until the most-awaited festival of this season, Navratri. Celebrated with great excitement and enthusiasm, it is a nine-day Hindu festival that is devoted to the divine feminine power of Shakti. During Navratri, we worship different avatars of Goddess Durga and seek her blessings. This year, it starts on October 15 and will conclude on October 24 with Dussehra.
Besides pujo, Navratri is also celebrated with garba, dandiya, and delicious Sattvik dishes. The devotees abstain from consuming onion, garlic, non-vegetarian foods, and other tamsik foods. Kuttu atta, sabudana, amaranth, singhare ka atta, rock salt, milk products, fruits, and vegetables are some popular foods that are eaten during the fasting days. Besides these items, samak rice, or barnyard millet, is another vrat-friendly ingredient that is used in cooking Navratri meals.
Since samak rice is not a grain, it is allowed to become a part of our diet during auspicious fastings and festivals. Here are five reasons to have samak rice during Navratri fasts:
Low In Calories
According to a report by Medindia, barnyard millet is an excellent source of digestible protein and has the lowest caloric density as compared to other cereals. Consuming it during fasting will keep your tummy light but make you feel energetic throughout the day.
High In Fibre
Samak rice is dense in several essential nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, and fibre. According to Medindia, it is high in both soluble and insoluble fibre, making it an ideal food for preventing constipation, bloating, cramping, and other digestive issues. It is also suitable for people following a gluten-free diet.
Boosts Metabolism
As samak rice is low in calories and high in fibre, it can also contribute to weight loss. The ideal amount of resistant starch present in this millet takes time to digest, which in turn keeps you full for a long time. These compounds accelerate your metabolic rate, making it easier for you to achieve your fitness goals.
Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
If you are facing regular fluctuations in your blood sugar levels, then samak rice can help you manage your condition. The carbohydrates and fibre present in this millet contribute to maintaining blood sugar levels, which is essential for diabetic people. The compounds present in samak rice also lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Helps In Absorption Of Nutrients
Samak rice is low in phytic acid (a natural anti-nutrient found in plants) that prevents the absorption of certain minerals in the body like zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Thus, consuming this millet during Navratri will allow greater absorption of nutrients in the body.
3 Vrat-Friendly Samak Rice Recipes To Try
Samak Rice Pulao
Made with samak rice, curry leaves, peanuts, potatoes, rock salt, almonds, ghee, and aromatic spices like cloves, cumin seeds, and cardamom, this delicious pulao is perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner. It goes well with yoghurt, vrat ki kadhi, or rassedar aloo during the Navratri fast.
Samak Rice Vada
Samak rice vada can fit in both the breakfast and snack menus of fasting days. It is made with samak rice, amaranth flour, potatoes, fresh coconut, yoghurt, and spices like cumin seeds. This crispy snack is best served with coconut or green chutney.
Samak Rice Kheer
This nutrient-rich food item can also be enjoyed as a dessert during Navratri. Made from barnyard millet, milk, and sugar, it is flavoured with cardamom and saffron. You can also garnish samak rice kheer with your favourite nuts. It is best served when chilled.
