By Shreya Sarpal
March 20, 2026
A warm bowl of samak rice cooked in ghee with cumin and soft potatoes brings a light, soothing feel to Navratri meals, keeping fasting food simple, flavourful, and easy on the stomach.
1 cup samak rice (barnyard millet) 2 cups water 1 tbsp ghee 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 chopped green chilli 1 diced potato Sendha namak to taste 1 tbsp chopped coriande
Rinse samak rice well under water until it runs clear, then drain
Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds and green chilli and let them crackle
Add diced potatoes and sauté until lightly golden and half-cooked
Add samak rice, mix gently, then pour water and add sendha namak
Cover and cook on low flame until grains are soft and water is absorbed, then garnish with coriander and serve