Navratri is a festival that not only marks the victory of good over evil but also celebrates the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of India. It's a time when people come together to fast and feast, with a focus on purity and devotion. While fasting during Navratri, it's essential to consume food that is not only delicious but also adheres to the dietary restrictions of the festival. This Navratri, let's explore a delightful and nutritious curry that combines millet, arbi (colocasia), and curd to create a sumptuous treat that's perfect for fasting.

Menu: Navratri Special Curry with Millet, Arbi, and Curd

Ingredients:

1 cup barnyard millet (sama rice)
200g arbi (colocasia), boiled and peeled
1 cup thick yogurt (curd)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ginger paste
1/2 tsp green chili paste
1/2 tsp rock salt (sendha namak)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
2 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
1 cup water
Sendha namak for seasoning (as per taste)
Ghee for tempering

Preparation:

Rinse and soak the barnyard millet: Start by rinsing the barnyard millet thoroughly under running water. Then, soak it in enough water for 30 minutes.

Cook the millet: In a deep pan, add the soaked millet and 2 cups of water. Cover the pan and cook the millet on low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it is cooked and the water is absorbed. Set it aside.

Prepare the arbi: Boil the arbi until it's tender but not mushy. Peel the boiled arbi and keep them aside.

Whisk the yogurt: In a bowl, whisk the curd until it's smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.

Prepare the curry base: In a separate pan, heat ghee, and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add ginger paste and green chili paste. Sauté for a minute or until the raw smell disappears.

Add spices: Add the rock salt, black pepper, roasted cumin powder, and red chili powder. Stir well.

Combine the millet and curd: Mix the cooked millet into the spiced curd and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously. Add a cup of water and adjust the consistency according to your preference.

Add arbi: Gently fold in the boiled arbi into the millet-curd mixture and cook for another 5 minutes.

Season: Adjust the seasoning with sendha namak as per your taste.

Prepare the tempering: In a separate small pan, heat some ghee and add cumin seeds. Once they crackle, pour this tempering over the curry.

Garnish and serve: Garnish the curry with fresh coriander leaves.

Your Navratri special curry with millet, arbi, and curd is ready to be served. It's a wholesome and delicious meal that is perfect for those observing fasts during this auspicious festival.

Nutritional Benefits:

This Navratri special curry offers a blend of essential nutrients. Barnyard millet is rich in fiber and provides sustained energy. Arbi, on the other hand, is a good source of carbohydrates, while curd provides protein and probiotics. This dish is not only a delightful treat for your taste buds but also nourishing for your body.

Navratri is a time to celebrate with food that nourishes both body and soul. This curry with barnyard millet, arbi, and curd combines the festive spirit with the goodness of nature's bounty. It's a delightful way to enjoy Navratri while staying true to the traditions and dietary requirements of the festival. So, this Navratri, embark on a culinary journey that takes you closer to the essence of the celebration, and relish every spoonful of this heartwarming curry.