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Navratri is a time of devotion, fasting, and also of mindful eating. During this time, each meal is prepared in adherence with vrat rituals and tradition while providing nourishment for the day-long fasts. Vrat food, or fasting food, is prepared without using the regular grains, onion, garlic, and certain spices, keeping it sattvic and easy to digest.
Ingredients like kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut), sabudana, fruits, and paneer are commonly used to make vrat meals wholesome. Paneer has emerged as a versatile element that is slowly finding its way onto vrat-friendly menus.
From savoury tikkis and curries to stuffed parathas and creamy kheer, paneer allows devotees to enjoy wholesome, filling meals without having to compromise on fasting rules. Whether served as bhog, a main course, or enjoyed as a light snack, these paneer recipes bring both creativity and nutrition to the festive table.
Paneer Tikka
A light, smoky paneer tikka is an excellent snacking option for Navratri fasts. Paneer cubes are marinated in a mix of sendha namak, curd, and some vrat-friendly mild spices such as cumin, red chilli powder and black pepper. Once marinated, the paneer cubes are roasted or air-fried until it has a light char and a smoky aroma. Unlike the regular paneer tikka, this version is prepared without onion and garlic to adhere to vrat guidelines. Served with a coriander chutney prepared without regular salt, it is a snack that is both wholesome and satisfying, making it a great evening snack option during the fasting days.
Image courtesy: Freepik
Paneer Makhana Curry
Paneer and makhana come together to create a mild, spicy and sweet vrat-special curry. In this curry, roasted makhanas are boiled in a creamy yoghurt-cashew-based gravy along with the paneer cubes. Spiced with cumin, green chillies, and sendha namak, this curry goes well with kuttu or singhara rotis as well as pooris. The creamy texture of paneer contrasts with the light crunchiness of makhana, making a dish that feels festive while following the vrat rules. It’s a comforting main course dish perfect for lunch or dinner during Navratri fasting, which keeps both nutrition and tradition intact.
Paneer Stuffed Kuttu Paratha
This paratha is prepared with kuttu flour and spicy paneer stuffing. The paneer filling is spiced up with green chillies, sendha namak, and coriander leaves, keeping the stuffing light yet flavorful. Cooked on a tawa with little ghee, these paneer-stuffed kuttu paratha are ideal if you are looking for a wholesome lunch or dinner option during Navratri fasting. Pair it with yoghurt or a simple aloo sabzi to make a complete meal.
Paneer Kheer
Paneer is not just for savoury dishes, but can also be used to make desserts. Paneer kheer is a delectable vrat-friendly dessert that is prepared with grated paneer simmered in thickened milk. Flavoured with cardamom, some saffron strands, and garnished with almonds and pistachios, it’s a creamy and light sweet option for Navratri. The paneer melds the milk beautifully, giving the kheer a soft, but textured finish that sets it apart from traditional kheer varieties. Paneer kheer is often prepared as bhog, making it a festive must-have.
Image courtesy: Freepik
Paneer Malpua
Paneer malpua is a special dessert that is prepared during the festival of Navratri. Grated paneer is mixed with singhare ka atta and milk to form a thick batter, which is then lightly fried into a small pancake-like shape. After frying, the malpuas are then soaked in cardamom-infused sugar syrup to give them a festive touch. Soft, spongy, and dipped in sugar syrup, these paneer malpuas are a great prasad option as well. Since these malpuas are prepared by using vrat-friendly ingredients, they fit perfectly into fasting rules while being a delightful variation to the traditional Navratri sweets such as halwa or kheer.
Image courtesy: Freepik
