4 Protein-Rich Recipes for Navratri Vrat

Think vrat food is all about potatoes and sabudana? Think again! This Navratri, add variety to your fasting menu with protein-rich ingredients such as paneer, hung curd, peanuts, nuts, seeds, rajgira, and kuttu.

From crisp Kuttu & Paneer Dahi Kebabs and creamy Hung Curd Dip to comforting Makhana Paneer Curry and golden Rajgira Paneer Cutlets, these four recipes make your vrat menu more satisfying, flavourful and exciting.

While paneer, curd, peanuts and seeds are useful protein sources, kuttu, rajgira and makhana contribute smaller amounts. Fasting rules vary across families and regions, so always check ingredients against your vrat traditions.

1. Kuttu & Paneer Dahi Kebab

Crisp outside, creamy inside

Love dahi kebabs? Give them a vrat-friendly twist with hung curd, paneer and roasted kuttu flour. Pan-seared in a little ghee, these kebabs develop a delicious golden crust while staying soft and creamy inside.

Ingredients

• 150 g thick hung curd
• 100 g fresh paneer, finely grated
• 2–3 tbsp kuttu atta, lightly roasted
• 1 tbsp kuttu atta, for dusting
• 15 g cashews or roasted peanuts, finely crushed
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• ½ tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped, optional
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander or mint, finely chopped
• Sendha namak, to taste
• 1 tbsp ghee, for pan-searing

Get the ingredients here

Method

1. Combine hung curd, grated paneer, roasted kuttu atta, crushed nuts, ginger, green chilli and fresh herbs in a bowl.
2. Add roasted cumin powder, black pepper and sendha namak.
3. Mix gently until the mixture comes together.
4. Divide into small portions and shape into smooth kebabs.
5. Lightly dust each kebab with kuttu atta.
6. Heat ghee on a heavy tawa over medium-low heat.
7. Place the kebabs gently on the pan.
8. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
9. Serve hot with vrat-friendly green chutney or lemon wedges.

Tip for perfect kebabs: Keep the hung curd thick and the mixture fairly firm. Excess moisture can make the kebabs difficult to shape and flip.

2. Hung Curd Dip with Peanuts & Seeds

Creamy, crunchy and protein-rich

Turn simple hung curd into a delicious vrat-friendly dip with roasted peanuts and pumpkin seeds. Creamy, nutty and lightly spiced, it works beautifully with cucumber, roasted makhana or other fasting-friendly snacks.

Ingredients

• 250 g thick curd
• 25 g roasted peanuts, crushed
• 15 g pumpkin seeds
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Sendha namak, to taste
• Fresh coriander, optional

Get the ingredients here

Method

1. Place the curd in a muslin cloth and hang for several hours until thick.
2. Transfer the hung curd to a bowl and whisk until smooth.
3. Add roasted cumin powder, lemon juice and sendha namak.
4. Mix in the crushed roasted peanuts.
5. Spoon into a serving bowl.
6. Top with pumpkin seeds and fresh coriander.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Serve it with: Pair it with cucumber sticks, roasted makhana or vrat-friendly kebabs and cutlets.

3. Makhana Paneer Curry

Two Navratri favourites, one creamy curry

Makhana is a beloved fasting ingredient, but it isn’t a major protein source on its own. Pairing it with paneer and curd gives this creamy curry a more protein-rich profile while keeping it firmly on the vrat menu.

Ingredients

• 100 g paneer, cubed
• 30 g makhana
• 100 g thick curd
• 1 medium tomato, pureed
• 1 tsp ghee
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp ginger, grated
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• Sendha namak, to taste
• Water, as required
• Fresh coriander, optional

Get the ingredients here

Method

1. Dry-roast the makhana in a pan until crisp. Set aside.
2. Heat ghee in the same pan.
3. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add grated ginger and tomato puree.
5. Cook until the tomato mixture thickens.
6. Add cumin powder and sendha namak.
7. Lower the heat and gradually add whisked curd, stirring continuously.
8. Add a little water to adjust the consistency.
9. Add paneer and roasted makhana.
10. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
11. Garnish with fresh coriander.
12. Serve hot.

Vrat-friendly tip: Add the curd over low heat and keep stirring to help prevent it from splitting.

4. Rajgira Paneer Cutlets

Golden, crisp and packed with flavour

Give your vrat menu a delicious makeover with these Rajgira Paneer Cutlets. Paneer brings dairy protein, while rajgira, peanuts and seeds add texture and flavour. Pan-seared in ghee, they make a satisfying snack or light meal.

Ingredients

• 150 g paneer, finely grated
• 3 tbsp rajgira atta
• 1 tbsp rajgira atta, for dusting
• 1 small boiled sweet potato or arbi, mashed
• 20 g roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
• 10 g roasted pumpkin or melon seeds
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• ½ tsp ginger, grated
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped, optional
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Sendha namak, to taste
• 1½ tbsp ghee, for cooking
• Fresh coriander, finely chopped

Get the ingredients here

Method

1. Combine grated paneer, mashed sweet potato or arbi and rajgira atta in a bowl.
2. Add crushed peanuts, seeds, ginger, green chilli and fresh coriander.
3. Add roasted cumin powder, black pepper, lemon juice and sendha namak.
4. Mix well to form a firm mixture.
5. Divide into portions and shape into round or oval cutlets.
6. Lightly dust each cutlet with rajgira atta.
7. Heat ghee on a tawa over medium heat.
8. Place the cutlets on the hot pan.
9. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
10. Serve hot with vrat-friendly chutney or hung curd dip.

Make them extra crisp: Keep the mixture firm and avoid adding excess moisture. A light dusting of rajgira atta also helps create a lovely golden crust.

A Protein-Rich Vrat, One Delicious Bite at a Time

Fasting doesn’t mean your plate has to be repetitive. Paneer, hung curd, peanuts, nuts and seeds can add protein to your Navratri meals, while ingredients such as kuttu and rajgira bring variety, texture and flavour.

From creamy Hung Curd Dip to golden Rajgira Paneer Cutlets, these recipes make it easy to give your traditional vrat menu a delicious upgrade.

Try one, or make all four, and discover a more flavourful way to fast this Navratri!

Disalciamer: Protein content is approximate and may vary depending on the brand and type of paneer, curd, nuts and seeds used, as well as the exact quantities and serving size.