Anshu's Food Odyssey

Sabudana ki Khichdi finds its place amongst the most popular Indian breakfast dishes and that is commonly eaten during Navratri and Shivratri in Northern and Western parts of India. Needless to say, the tiny little sago pearls stir fried along with crushed peanuts, boiled potatoes and mild spices are fully packed with carbohydrates and make for a wholesome meal that leaves you energized and pepped up for the full day of fasting. With that being said, this khichdi is so tasty that you can even have when not fasting. Not to mention, it's also a perfect recipe for those who prefer vegan and gluten-free delicacies in their daily diet routine. Now, while the plain sabudana khichdi is undoubtedly quite delightful, this Hariyali Sabudana Khichdi is further more appetizing and packed with the subtle flavors of coriander and mint. Just give it a try and I am sure, you'll be hooked to this version too. Vrat Special - Hariyali Sabudana Khichdi INGREDIENTS Sabudana/Sago

Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour) aur Samak ke Chawal (Barnyard Millet) ki Poori (Fried Puffed Indian Bread) is one of the most popular and delicious delicacies enjoyed during the Navratri festivities, especially in North Indian households. The poori is gluten free and makes for a wholesome meal for those observing fast (vrat/ upwas) during the nine day long festival.  At my home, my husband is a big Mata ke Bhakt and he observes fast for all the 9 days, taking meals only once a day. Therefore, I make sure, the one meal that he is taking is wholesome and delicious at the same time. This poori is kind of quintessential Navratri meal for us and I prepare it at-least one day out of the nine days. It can be paired with any farali sabzi of your choice; I however, usually serve it with either Khatti Meethi Kaddu ki Sabzi, Dry Dahi Masala Aloo or Rassedar Arbi Tamatar ki Sabzi. Offcourse, a bowl of curd is also a must on the thali.  Apart from this poor

Makhane aur Badaam ki Kheer is a delicious and creamy Indian style milk pudding made using foxnuts and almonds. Rich in proteins and calcium, this dessert is extremely nutritious and is often made during Indian festivals of Navratri , Ekadashi , Shivratri and other fasting days and vrat. Not to mention, Makhane aur Badaam ki Kheer is extremely simple and easy to make and is treat to both your palette and tastebuds. To make it, all you need to do is simply roast some makhana (foxnut) in ghee until crisp and then simmer it along with almond paste in the milk until it becomes a thick mixture. For a rich creamier texture of this pudding, make sure you use full fat milk. Also, you can use condensed milk as sweetener; it will give you even better results. I have, however, used sugar for the sweetness.  INGREDIENTS Full fat milk - 1 liter Makhana/foxnuts - 2 cups Sugar - 1/4 cup or as taste Soaked and peeled

I am a big pumpkin fan since my childhood days. Seriously, I love this vegetable in any form and the khatti meethi pethey ki sabzi is my absolute favorite. Coming to the halwa, my mum always used to make it during the Navratri fasting and its flavors, texture and aroma is something that I remember even till date. After I got married, pumpkin was a rare treat for me because none of the family members at my in-laws side liked this vegetable. Gradually, I too stopped making it. But, this time during Navratri, I thought making this divine halwa and remember my good old days. If you too are a pumpkin lover, this is a must for you to try as well. And don't worry, the recipe is very simple and easy and comes together in just few minutes. Kaddu ka Halwa INGREDIENTS Kaddu/Yellow Pumpkin/Butternut Squash (shredded) - 4 cups Sugar - 1/2 to 3/4 cup Milk - 1/4 cup Ghee/clarified butter - 4 to 6 tbsp Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp Nuts (melon seeds, chopped almonds, chopped pis