Navratri is an auspicious time in the Hindu calendar that is celebrated by millions of Indians globally. If you’re looking for a delectable vegetarian menu to celebrate Navratri, try out some of Taftoon’s signature vegetarian dishes!
A time of fasting, devotion, and vibrant celebrations, Navratri is observed with great fervour across the country. It’s a period when devotees revere the goddess Durga and celebrate the triumph of good over evil. A key aspect of this celebration is the cuisine, which becomes a way to socialise and bond during the festivities.
Navratri typically involves fasting, and as such, vegetarianism takes centre stage during the festivities. This dietary restriction leads to the creation of a plethora of delightful vegetarian dishes that not only cater to spiritual requirements but also celebrate the culinary diversity of India. It’s during Navratri that we witness a magnificent array of vegetarian specialities, each unique to its region, reflecting the traditions, flavours, and ingredients that define the local culture. When you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian menu from an Indian restaurant, head over to Taftoon. Some of our signature dishes are vegetarian, and we guarantee that it’s bound to have you salivating for more!
From An East Indian Home, Silbatte ka Soya Bean
We begin our journey in the Eastern region of India, from where a dish made of soybeans is crushed using a silbatta. This dish is a testament to the versatility of soybeans. Crushed soya beans are expertly flavoured with a medley of whole spices and served with marinated potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and fresh microgreens.
To elevate the flavours, the dish is topped off with pickling oil, providing a delightful tanginess. It’s traditionally served with crispy flatbread, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavours.
Green and Tangy Palak Bhalla Papdi
Our next stop is Dera Bassi in Punjab, where street food like Palak Bhalla Papdi is highly popular. This dish embodies the essence of the region’s flavours and preferences. It consists of light, melt-away urad and spinach dumplings that are stuffed with mixed achaar.
The dish is beautifully presented, drizzled with creamy yoghurt and served with tangy, sweet-sour imli with green chutney. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, making it an ideal choice for Navratri celebrations, as it’s a snack that can be eaten anytime.
The Famous Street Food of Bihar, Mooli Ki Kachori
Moving back eastward, we find ourselves in Bihar, where the famous street food Mooli ki Kachori comes from. Navratri is celebrated with a lot of fanfare in this state, along with Durga Puja. This popular street food features flaky exteriors and hollow interiors.
The flour dough balls are stuffed with a flavourful radish mixture, deep-fried to perfection, and served with a cooling yoghurt-based mint sauce and sautéed green moong. It feels like the perfect amount of crispiness and freshness, and it’s definitely a dish that won’t make you feel too weighed down in the midst of the festivities.
A Refined Pakhtooni Favourite – Kathal ki Chapli
Raw jackfruit is minced and spiced with garam masala, kala namak, red chilli, and asafoetida. The mixture is then expertly cooked on a tawa, creating a medley of flavours and textures that is perfect for Navratri.
This is the perfect dish for those who crave meaty flavours and textures, as jackfruit works wonderfully as a meat substitute. It can be paired with fragrant basmati or with traditional flatbreads.
From Pathankot with Love, Teen Miri Aloo
Teen Miri Aloo is a delightful sabzi that comes straight from Pathankot. This dish features barbequed hill potatoes and vegetables spiked with a blend of yellow chilli, black pepper, and fresh green chilli. The result is a spicy, smoky, and utterly delicious treat that celebrates the joyous spirit of Navratri. It pairs beautifully with flatbreads like naan, tandoori roti and paratha.
A Taftoon Twist with ‘Paanch’ ratan Korma
Our journey takes us to the East Punjab region, where ‘Paanch’ ratan Korma is a culinary masterpiece. This dish is a variation of the famous Punjabi Veg Kadai, but the Taftoon version features a rich curry sautéed with mushrooms, broccoli, baby corn, paneer, and spiced cheese cubes. The diversity of ingredients provides a delightful mix of flavours and textures, making it a perfect choice for the Navratri feast.
Flavourful Bharwaan Kadhai
This dish consists of tomatoes, okra, small brinjal, and big chillies, all stuffed with a mixture of grated onion, ginger, and khatta masala. It makes for the perfect addition to a Navratri feast, and complements flatbreads like naan and paratha. The stuffed vegetables are cooked in a sweet-sour onion-tomato curry, creating a medley of flavours and textures.
A Rich Classic Curry from the Awadh, Qasr-e-Pukhtan
This dish features soft cubes of paneer cooked in a silky pumpkin and tomato gravy. The rich cumin seeds and fenugreek leaves infuse the dish with an exquisite flavour, making it a highlight of the festive feast. The combination of pumpkin and paneer is not commonly seen, which makes this dish even more of a standout on Taftoon’s menu.
Traditional Kaali Daal
This traditional preparation showcases the richness of flavours that can be achieved without onion or garlic and minimal spices. Rajma and black urad are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a velvety and wholesome dish that is a favourite during Navratri. It is perfect for Jain meals, and for those who do follow a Jain diet, Taftoon has a variety of Jain-friendly options available.
Authentic Moong Matki Masala Daal
The rural regions of Punjab offer Moong Matki Masala Daal, a delightful dish that features yellow lentils cooked in a mud pot. The tangy and crunchy tempering elevates the dish’s flavours, making it a popular choice for Navratri celebrations in the region.
Navratri is a time of celebration and spending time with loved ones, and these vegetarian specialities from different corners of India add a delightful touch to the festivities. Each dish brings its own unique flavours, textures, and regional influences to the table, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the country.
Whether you prefer the spiciness of Kathal ki Chapli or the richness of ‘Paanch’ ratan Korma, these dishes provide a delectable way to celebrate Navratri and enjoy the diverse and vibrant flavours at Taftoon in Mumbai, India. So, this Navratri, embrace the culinary diversity of India and relish these special dishes to make your celebrations even more memorable.