Diabetes Friendly Navratri Recipes for a Healthy Celebration
Each article on the fitterfly website is a labor of love, reviewed by a team of certified medical experts specializing in various fields like Diabetology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Psychology.
They carefully examine all references and facts to provide up-to-date and reliable information, aiming to break myths and empower you in your health journey.
Meet Our Reviewing Team
Shweta Mehta
Experienced Nutritionist with diversified work experience over a decade in clinical and non-clinical setups - as a Nutritionist, Health Coach, Innovative and mindful Recipe Curator, Recipe Standardisation, Cafe/Food Menu Recipe Planning, Product Brand Promotions, Health Blogger, Content Writer. An amateur health food blogger with creative food styling skills and a self-taught phone photographer.
Read more
Welcome to our collection of simple and nutritious Navratri recipes. These dishes are perfect for those looking for tasty options during this special festival.
Whether you’re fasting or just seeking healthy and delicious meals, our recipes bring tradition and nourishment to your Navratri celebrations.
1. Sama Kheer
Sama rice, also known as barnyard millet, is a nutritious grain that is gluten-free and low on the glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for a diabetic-friendly sweet. Enjoy this delicious and healthy sugar-free sama rice kheer!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Serves: 1
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Barnyard Millet | 2 Tablespoon |
| Skimmed Milk | 100 ml |
| Almond (Chopped) | 2 Tablespoon |
| Pista (Chopped) | 2 Tablespoon |
| Saffron | 6 Strands |
| Green Cardamom Powder | ⅛ Tablespoon |
| Stevia | ⅛ Tablespoon |
Detailed Method:
- Pour 100 ml skimmed milk and bring it to a boil.
- Add the soaked and drained sama rice to the pan.
- Allow it to simmer on a low flame, stirring at regular intervals to prevent burning.
- Cook until the sama rice grains double in size and the kheer thickens.
- Add 1/8 Tablespoon stevia, 1/8 Tablespoon green cardamom powder, and 6 saffron strands. Stir well and serve it in a bowl.
- Garnish with 2 Tablespoon chopped almonds and 2 Tablespoon chopped pista. Serve warm or chilled, as per your preference.
Cooking Tips:
- Cook the mixture on low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Adjust sweetness according to your preference.
- Kheer thickens as it cools, so keep the consistency slightly thinner while cooking. If it becomes too thick upon cooling, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little warm milk before serving.
Nutritional Value: 1 Small Bowl (97 gm)
| Nutrients | Value Per Serve |
| Energy | 122 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16.32 gm |
| Protein | 5.15 gm |
| Total Fat | 4.33 gm |
| Total Fiber | 2.64 gm |
2. Barley Apple Smoothie Bowl
Barley Apple Smoothie Bowl is a nutritious and wholesome choice that combines the goodness of barley, the fruity flavors of apples and pomegranates, seasoned with cinnamon, nuts, and seeds toppings for a fulfilling meal.
Barley is an excellent source of soluble fiber that ensures a sustained release of energy. It is a nutrient-packed, simple, and easy-to-make recipe. This Navratri, try something different for a protein and fiber-packed refreshing meal.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Serves: 2
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Barley | 3 Tablespoon |
| Skimmed Milk | ¾ Standard Cup |
| Apple (Grated) | 3 Tablespoon |
| Pomegranate | 2 Tablespoon |
| Chia Seeds | 1 Tablespoon |
| Cinnamon Powder | ¼ Tablespoon |
| Stevia | ¼ Tablespoon |
Detailed Method:
- Pour 3/4 cup skimmed milk and bring it to a boil.
- Add 3 Tablespoons of soaked barley and cook until the barley is soft and chewy.
- Add 1/4 Tablespoon cinnamon powder, and 1/4 Tablespoon stevia, and simmer until it thickens.
- Add 1 Tablespoon Pistachio, mix well, and turn off the flame.
- Cool down and refrigerate for a few minutes.
- Layer it with 1 Tablespoon chia seeds, 2 Tablespoon pomegranate, and apple slices.
Cooking Tips:
- Before cooking, rinse barley under cold water to remove excess starch for a fluffier texture.
- Adjust fruits, toppings, and sweetness to your taste and dietary requirements.
- Add ingredients like roasted nuts, seeds, or oats for added crunch, satiety, and nutrition.
Nutritional Value per 1 Medium Bowl (150 gm)
| Nutrients | Value Per Serve |
| Energy | 142 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 23.91 gm |
| Protein | 6.43 gm |
| Total Fat | 2.19 gm |
| Total Fiber | 6.01 gm |
3. Makhana Paneer Bhel
Makhana Paneer Bhel is a delightful Navratri snack made from crispy roasted lotus seeds (makhana), fresh paneer cubes, and simple spices.
It combines the crunch of makhana with the creaminess of paneer, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and festive. It’s a perfect protein and fiber-rich treat for those observing Navratri fasting.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Serves: 1
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Makhana | 1.5 Standard Cup |
| Paneer | 8 Cubes |
| Cucumber (Chopped) | 2 Tablespoon |
| Tomato (Chopped) | 2 Tablespoon |
| Coriander Leaves (Chopped) | 2 Tablespoon |
| Pomegranate | 3 Tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 Tablespoon |
| Jeera Powder | ½ Tablespoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | ⅛ Tablespoon |
| Pink Rock Salt | ⅛ Tablespoon |
Detailed Method:
- In a bowl, add 1.5 cups roasted makhana, 8 paneer cubes, 2 Tablespoons chopped cucumber, 2 Tablespoons chopped tomato, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 Tablespoon jeera powder, 1/8 Tablespoon black pepper powder, a pinch of pink rock salt, and toss well.
- Garnish with 3 Tablespoons of pomegranate and 2 Tablespoons chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve this refreshing and crunchy snack immediately.
Cooking Tips:
- Dry roast the makhana on low heat to enhance their taste and crunch.
- Always use fresh paneer.
- Adjust the spices as per your preferences.
Nutritional Value per 1 Medium Bowl (110 gm)
| Nutrients | Value Per Serve |
| Energy | 157 kcals |
| Carbohydrates | 21.97 gm |
| Protein | 7.45 gm |
| Total Fat | 4.05 gm |
| Total Fiber | 1.85 gm |
4. Rajgira Sweet Potato Khichdi
Rajgira Sweet Potato Khichdi, a wholesome and gluten-free delight, combines the goodness of amaranth millet, sweet potato, and aromatic spices. This Navratri delicacy provides enduring energy and offers essential proteins and fibers, regulating blood sugar levels effectively.
Enjoy it with a side of yogurt for a nourishing, comforting, and balanced meal.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Serves: 2
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Rajgira | ¼ Standard Cup |
| Sweet Potato (Chopped) | ⅛ Standard Cup |
| Coriander Leaves (Chopped) | 2 Tablespoon |
| Green Chilli | 1 Number |
| Ginger (Grated) | ½ Tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice | 2 Tablespoon |
| Curry Leaves | 8 Leaves |
| Peanuts | 2 Tablespoon |
| Jeera | 2 Tablespoon |
| Pink Salt | ¼ Tablespoon |
| Oil | 1 Tablespoon |
Detailed Method:
- Heat 1 Tablespoon oil, add 2 Tablespoon jeera, green chili, curry leaves, 1/2 Tablespoon grated ginger, 1/8 cup boiled, chopped sweet potato, and saute well.
- Cook for a minute.
- Add roasted and crushed 2 Tablespoons peanuts, 1/4 cup cooked rajgira, pink salt as per taste, 2 Tablespoons lemon juice, and combine well.
- Garnish with 2 Tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve this tasty farali khichdi with a bowl of curd with flax seeds.
Cooking Tips:
- Always soak and cook rajgira, avoiding overcooking to maintain texture.
- Adjust the spices according to your preference.
Nutritional Value: 1 Medium Bowl (90 gm)
| Nutrients | Value Per Serve |
| Energy | 172 kcals |
| Carbohydrates | 22.08 gm |
| Protein | 5.58 gm |
| Total Fat | 6.45 gm |
| Total Fiber | 4.09 gm |
FitterTake
As you embrace the spirit of Navratri with these scrumptious and wholesome recipes, may your celebrations be filled with joy and blessings.
The Navratri festival not only brings a sense of devotion but also an opportunity to savor unique and nutritious dishes that enhance your well-being.
Whether you’re fasting or simply seeking a wholesome meal, these Navratri recipes provide a delectable journey through flavors and traditions. We hope you enjoy these dishes and share the festive cheer with your loved ones.
Wishing you a Navratri filled with health, happiness, and a delectable feast!
This blog provides general information for educational and informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as professional advice.
Download
