11 Amazing Navratri Fasting Recipes That Taste Incredible

5. Sama Rice Pulav - Aromatic Main Course

Sama rice, also called barnyard millet, cooks up like rice and makes a fragrant pulav perfect for satvik meals during Navratri. Start by rinsing the sama thoroughly and toasting briefly in a dry pan for nuttiness. Temper ghee with rock salt, cumin or black peppercorns if your tradition allows, and add vegetables like carrot, peas and beans that are vrat-friendly. Add the sama and just enough water; cook covered until grains are tender and fluffy. Finish with roasted peanuts for crunch and freshly chopped coriander for freshness. This pulav works as a light main course that fills without weighing you down. Sama rice is easier to find now in North American health food stores or online; look for “barnyard millet” or “sama rice” labels. It’s a good substitute for regular rice when you want a whole-grain option during festival days. To keep things faster on busy mornings, pre-roast and measure pulao spice mix so cooking is mostly assembly.