Navratri, a Hindu festival that spans nine nights, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. This festival is celebrated twice a year and is mostly observed among the Hindu community across India. During these times, the devotees observe fasts, and the traditional dishes they eat are free of onion and garlic. The simple reason for this is that onions and garlic result in heating the body; thus, they are considered tamasic. Excluding these two helps the devotees to meditate well.
Well, not using these two flavourful vegetables in your diet does not mean you have to keep yourself from delicious food items. One of the delectable dishes that you can still choose to eat is Chole Bhature. Although onion and garlic add a lot of flavour to this dish; however, the version without these two is equally mouthwatering. You will certainly not regret trying it.
In this blog today, let us discuss the dietary practices, such as preparing garlic and onion-free Chole Bhature, and the best spot in Delhi-NCT to get this Navratri special dish. Keep reading!
Understanding Navratri Dietary Practices
During Navratri fasting, the devotees consume foods that are considered sattvic. It is believed that having such food promotes purity and spirituality. The ingredients that are typically permissible in such food items include:
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, pears, and melons.
- Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, arbi (colocasia), pumpkin, and certain leafy greens.
- Flours and grains: Buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), and sabudana (tapioca pearls).
- Dairy products: Milk, yoghurt, paneer, and ghee.
- Nuts and seeds: Peanuts, cashews, and sesame seeds.
Certain grains, rice, and vegetables like onions and garlic are strictly not added to the food, during this period.
The Essence of Onion-Free Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a beloved North Indian dish. It comprises of the following:
- Chole: A spicy chickpea curry.
- Bhature: Deep-fried leavened bread made from refined flour.
How to Prepare No Onion, No Garlic Chole Bhature?
Preparing this fasting-friendly meal is a bit different from its traditional version. To prepare this, you have to consider adding the following ingredients:
- Chickpeas (Kabuli Chana): We all are aware of the fact that chickpeas are protein and fiber-rich. Therefore, when you consume it, you will not only enjoy the taste but it will also be good for your health.
- Tomatoes: That tangy taste you get in the chole, comes from tomatoes that are added.
- Cashews: The thickness and creamy texture you see in chole is because of the cashew paste.
- Green chilies: This is for people who love that hint of heat in chole. If you are allergic to green chilies, you can totally skip them.
- Spices: The mandatory spices that are added to chole are cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala.
- Ginger: You must add this for that zesty flavour. You can also keep some julienned ginger for garnishing later.
- Ghee or oil: Without ghee or oil, you cannot saute anything.
Preparation Steps:
- Soaking and cooking chickpeas: The chickpeas are dry and hard. Before you boil them, you need to soak them overnight. The next morning, you have to pressure cook them until tender.
- Tomato-cashew paste: The next step is to blend tomatoes and cashews and make a smooth paste out of it.
- Tempering: Now, heat ghee or oil, add cumin seeds. You can also add some chopped green chilies, although it is completely optional.
- Cooking the masala: At this stage, add the tomato-cashew paste, and spices, and sauté until the oil separates.
- Simmering: Combine the cooked chickpeas, while adjusting consistency. Let it simmer.
- Garnishing: The julienned ginger you had kept, you can use it for garnishing, along with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice.
How to Prepare Bhature?
Bhature are traditionally made from refined flour, yogurt, baking powder, and a pinch of sugar, resulting in soft, puffy bread. It is then deep-fried in ghee or oil. You can serve the bhature hot, accompanied by the flavourful onion-free chole.
Fasting-Friendly Meal
This onion-free Chole Bhature offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, which makes it a suitable choice for those observing fasts. The chickpeas provide sustained energy, while the spices help in digestion and enhance flavour. Incorporating such dishes allows devotees to enjoy festive meals without compromising on nutritional needs.
Celebrating Navratri with Food
Food plays a pivotal role in Navratri celebrations, uniting families and communities. Preparing dishes like onion-free Chole Bhature allows individuals to partake in festive indulgence while adhering to spiritual practices. It is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of India, showcasing how traditional recipes can be adapted to meet contemporary dietary preferences.
Additional Fasting-Friendly Food Options
To make your Navratri menu more diverse, you can consider incorporating the following fasting-friendly dishes:
- Sabudana khichdi: It is a light and energising dish made from tapioca pearls, potatoes, and peanuts.
- Farali aloo: These are basically spiced potatoes. These are prepared without onion and garlic, offering a satiating option during fasts.
Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Your Ultimate Spot in Delhi for Garlic and Onion-Free Chole Bhature
Sita Ram Diwan Chand, a renowned eatery, offers a special garlic and onion-free Chole Bhature that is perfect for Navratri fasting. Along with the traditional recipe, they also prepare Chole Bhature without onion and garlic. This ensures it aligns with the dietary restrictions of the festival. The flavours are rich and authentic, providing a delightful and fasting-friendly meal that lets you enjoy the essence of Navratri without compromising on taste.
Wrapping it up!
Celebrate Navratri with the special garlic and onion-free Chole Bhature from Sita Ram Diwan Chand and indulge in a delicious, fasting-friendly meal. This dish allows you to honour tradition, enjoy festive flavours, and keep your spiritual practices intact. Enjoy the best of both worlds during this auspicious time!