8 high-protein meal ideas for Navratri Ashtami fasting

When it comes to Navratri fasting, there are two categories of devotees. One set of devotees observes a fast for all nine days, while others observe only the first and last days. The last day, popularly called Asthami, is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri. She is a four-armed deity who rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands. Goddess Mahagauri is offered coconut or coconut-based dishes as bhog on this day. So, if you are also fasting on Ashtami and thinking of how to keep a check on your protein intake while fasting, take a look at these high-protein meal ideas.

Samak rice is a popular vrat-friendly grain that cooks quickly. Cook it into a khichdi with diced potatoes, green chilies, cumin seeds, and sendha namak. Add peanuts to the khichdi for extra nutrition and to make it more filling. Top the khichdi with roasted peanuts and enjoy.

Kuttu flour is a rich source of protein and fiber and you can easily make cheela with it for a filling lunch or dinner with added protein. Make a batter with kuttu flour, water, green chilies, and mild spices. Cook on a tawa with minimal ghee and serve with thick curd. This combo will provide sustained energy and keep you full.

Singhara atta is also a vrat staple and can be made into paratha to meet protein intake. Knead a dough with mashed paneer, sendha namak, cumin powder, and boiled potato. Roll out the parathas and cook with minimal ghee. For the dip, combine curd with peanut powder, rock salt, and cumin powder.

This is a one-pot curry. Make a gravy with tomatoes, mild spices, and a touch of cream. Add roasted makhana and pan-fried paneer cubes, let it simmer and enjoy.

This is also a one-pot meal. Take protein-rich yogurt and add fruits like banana, apple, berries, and a handful of almonds and walnuts. Top it with some honey and enjoy.

Sabudana is a fasting favourite rich in carbs. To balance it, add roasted peanuts and small cubes of paneer. Use tempering of ghee, cumin, and green chilies to make it more aromatic and flavorful.

This comforting snack is rich in protein. Mix ghee-roasted makhana and peanuts and season with sendha namak and black pepper.

This is a hydrating smoothie. Blend soaked almonds with peanuts, banana, and coconut pulp. It will make for a refreshing and filling meal.

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