Navratri Fasting: Chole Bhature Bliss or No-Go? – Navratri is a special time for many people, filled with fasting, prayer, and celebrating the divine feminine. But with all that focus on the spiritual, a big question can pop up for foodies: can you enjoy your favorite Punjabi dish, Chole Bhature, while fasting?
Also Read: Can We Eat Maggi During Navratri Fast?
This article will dive into the details of Navratri fasting and answer the all-important question: Chole Bhature – yay or nay? We’ll also explore some yummy alternatives to keep your taste buds happy and your spiritual journey fulfilling! So, keep reading to find out if you can have your (healthy and Navratri-friendly) cake and eat it too!
Can You Eat Chole Bhature in Navratri Fasting?
No, During Navratri fasting, it’s best to avoid Chole Bhature. This is because it has ingredients like onions and garlic which are not allowed during this time. Instead, you can try Chana Masala, which is a similar dish but without these ingredients. You can also make your bhatura at home using special flour that’s okay for fasting. So, for Navratri, it’s better to skip Chole Bhature and choose these alternatives!
Table of Contents
What is Chole Bhature?
Chole Bhature is a delicious dish consisting of chickpeas cooked in spicy gravy mixed with fried puffed bread.
Navratri is a time for delicious food, right? Well, kind of! It’s also a time for fasting and focusing on your inner self. And that can lead to a question for fans of Punjabi cuisine: Can you enjoy that yummy Chole Bhature dish while you’re fasting?
Here’s the deal: Chole Bhature is amazing! It’s got those yummy chickpeas in a spicy sauce, all served up with fluffy fried bread. But the problem is, both parts of this dish have things you can’t eat during a strict Navratri fast. Chole (the chickpea part) often uses onions and garlic, which are a no-go during fasting.
Fasting rules can vary a bit though. Some people go super strict and avoid things like grains, legumes (like chickpeas!), and even spices. Others take a more relaxed approach and stick to fruits, veggies, and dairy products.
So, the answer to the Chole Bhature question depends on how strict your fast is. But fear not, even if you can’t have Chole Bhature, there are still delicious options to keep your taste buds happy while you’re on your spiritual journey! We’ll explore some yummy Navratri-friendly alternatives next!
Also Read: Can We Eat Sweet Corn in Navratri Fast?
Why Chole Bhature is not recommended in Navratri Fasting
Chole Bhature is a popular Punjabi dish known for its rich taste. However, it is usually avoided during Navratri fasting due to the specific dietary restrictions observed during this auspicious period. A nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, Navratri involves fasting to purify the body and mind and express devotion. This often means avoiding certain foods like grains, legumes, onions and garlic.
Ingredients in Chole Bhature which are against Navratri fast
- Onion and Garlic: These are generally avoided during Navratri fasting as they are believed to produce excessive heat and hinder spiritual practices. Chole bhature gravy often includes these ingredients for flavor and aroma.
- Grains: Deep-fried breads (bhature) are made from refined wheat flour, which falls in the category of grains. Generally grains are banned during some days of Navratri.
- Spices: While spices are an integral part of Indian cuisine, some fasting guidelines recommend limiting or avoiding strong spices during Navratri.
Options for the complete fasting experience:
If you want a taste of Chole Bhature, consider trying chana masala. This dish consists of gram cooked in a delicious spicy gravy without onion or garlic. Another option is to prepare gluten-free bhature at home in line with the principles of fasting.
How to Make Navratri-Friendly Chole Bhature
Enjoying Chole Bhature during Navratri requires adapting the traditional recipe to follow the fasting restrictions.
Here is a detailed guide:
- Preparation of Chole (Chickpea Curry): Pre-soaking the chickpeas: Start the process by soaking the chickpeas overnight, ensuring they become soft when cooked.
- Vrat-friendly spices: Use spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, green chillies and sendha namak (rock salt), which are permitted during Navratri.
- Exclusion of onions and garlic: Avoid using onions and garlic, as these are not generally used during fasting.
- Tomato-based gravy: Make a delicious gravy using tomatoes as the base.
- Cooking in ghee or permitted oil: Cook the chickpeas and spices in ghee or suitable vegetable oil permitted during the fast.
- To increase the spiciness: Increase the spiciness by adding dried mango powder or anardana powder.
- Bhatura (Fried Bread) Recipe
- Alternative Flour: Add water chestnut flour, kuttu flour or rajgira flour instead of regular wheat flour.
- To increase the softness of potatoes: Add mashed potatoes to the dough to increase the softness of the bhatura.
- Rock Salt Dough Recipe: Knead the flour with rock salt and water to make a smooth and soft dough.
- Golden Fry: Roll out small portions of the dough and fry them in ghee or approved oil till they turn golden-brown and puff up.
Important Points:
- Use of Rock Salt: Use only rock salt during the entire preparation.
- Permitted Oil and Ghee: Make sure to use the oil or ghee specifically permitted during the Navratri fast.
- Strict hygiene maintenance: Follow strict hygiene standards during the entire cooking process.
To make chole bhature for Navratri, use special flour and spices, do not use onion or garlic, and use only rock salt and oil or ghee that are permitted. Keep everything very clean while cooking.
Other Navratri-friendly dishes to enjoy:
- Sabudana Khichdi: A delicious dish made with tapioca pearls, peanuts and mild spices, offering a nutritious and satisfying option.
- Kuttu Ki Roti: Nutritious and delicious buckwheat flour bread that goes perfectly with your fasting meal.
- Methi Laddu: Nutritious fenugreek laddus that provide a touch of sweetness while still adhering to your fasting guidelines.
- Dahi Puri: A refreshing and spicy snack made of puris filled with curd and potatoes, which offers a rich flavour.
- Gulab Jamun: Enjoy these sweet, syrup-soaked pakodas, a dish that matches the festive spirit.
Also Read: Can We Eat Ice Cream During Navratri Fast?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the suitability of consuming Chole Bhature during Navratri fasting depends on the specific guidelines you follow. Although this dish holds an important place in culinary traditions, its ingredients, such as onion and garlic, are usually restricted during Navratri. Despite the intensity of the fast, Chole Bhature is not a recommended option.
Indulge in a diverse range of Navratri-friendly options, each of which captures the essence of the festival while adhering to dietary restrictions. Through conscious choices and innovative customization, you can honor the spiritual significance of Navratri while enjoying a variety of flavors. Remember, Navratri is not just about culinary preferences, but also a time of devotion, contemplation, and spiritual growth. May your fasting experience be filled with blessings, positivity, and inner harmony.
Also Read: What Drinks Can You Have During Navratri Fast Without Breaking It?
Some Important Questions and Their Answers
Can I include Chole Bhature in my Navratri fasting diet?
No, Chole Bhature is not recommended during Navratri fasting due to ingredients like onions, garlic, and grains which are typically restricted.
Why are onions and garlic not allowed during Navratri fasting?
Onions and garlic are believed to generate excessive heat and disrupt spiritual practices, which is why they are commonly avoided during Navratri fasting.
What are the key ingredients in Chole Bhature that contradict Navratri fasting guidelines?
The primary ingredients in Chole Bhature that contradict Navratri fasting are onions, garlic, refined wheat flour (used for making bhature), and strong spices.
Are there any alternatives to Chole Bhature that are suitable for Navratri fasting?
Yes, you can try dishes like Chana Masala (spiced chickpeas without onion or garlic) or prepare gluten-free bhature at home.
Can I eat Sabudana Khichdi during Navratri fasting?
Yes, Sabudana Khichdi is a delightful and wholesome option for Navratri fasting made from tapioca pearls, peanuts, and mild spices.
What are Kuttu Ki Roti and why are they suitable for Navratri fasting?
Kuttu Ki Roti is a nutty and flavorful flatbread made from buckwheat flour. It’s a suitable choice for fasting as it complies with Navratri dietary restrictions.
How can I make gluten-free bhature at home for Navratri fasting?
To make gluten-free bhature, you can use alternative flours like water chestnut flour or singhara flour along with specific fasting-friendly ingredients and follow a suitable recipe.
Are there any specific spices that should be avoided during Navratri fasting?
While spices are an integral part of Indian cuisine, some fasting guidelines recommend limiting or avoiding strong spices during Navratri.
Can I enjoy Dahi Puri during Navratri fasting?
Yes, Dahi Puri, made with yogurt and potato-stuffed puris, is a refreshing and tangy snack that can be enjoyed during Navratri fasting.
Is Gulab Jamun a permissible sweet option for Navratri fasting?
Yes, Gulab Jamun, sweet dumplings soaked in syrup, can be enjoyed during Navratri fasting as it aligns with the festive spirit of the occasion.
In this article, we have explained detailed information about What is Chole Bhature, Can You Eat Chole Bhature in Navratri Fasting, Why Chole Bhature is not recommended in Navratri Fasting, Ingredients in Chole Bhature which are against Navratri fast, etc. We hope you’ll find everything you need to know.