Navratri is inarguably one of the biggest Hindu festivals we know of. Celebrated across the country in a myriad ways, Sharadiya Navratri is a nine-day festival in which people worship nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. It is said that Goddess Durga descends upon earth during these few auspicious days. Many people wake up early, visit temples, perform pujas and observe Navratri vrat or fasts. While some people opt for a nirjala vrat where they do not consume a morsel of food or a drop of water until the break the fast, others choose to have a phallhar fast, where they (in addition to fruits and milk) have light sattvik food. One of the most popular vrat ingredients is kuttu (or buckwheat). Since people cannot use regular, everyday flours or grains during the vrat, many resort to this wholesome superfood. Buckwheat is a pseudo-grain renowned for its health benefits.
(Also Read: Navratri 2020 Special: 6 Unique Vrat Recipes to Make Fasting Fun)
Health Benefits Of Kuttu:
- Kuttu is a good source of complex carbs. These are carbs that do not get digested too quickly and maintain steady blood sugar levels.
- Kuttu's high fibre content is also good for weight loss. High fibre foods take longer to digest because of which they give you the feeling of fullness. If you feel full, you do not think about your next snack too soon.
- Kuttu is enriched with minerals like phosphorous and magnesium.
- Being rich in flavonoids makes it very favourable for your heart as well.
- The gluten-free grain is good for your gut as well.
(Also Read: Navratri Superfoods 2020: Load Up On Superfoods This Navratri 2019: Day 1 - Buckwheat (Kuttu)
Buckwheat is enriched with fibre
Nowadays, you can easily get kuttu ka atta or buckwheat flour in your local grocery stores. The same can be used to make a gamut of snacks and dishes, for instance, this kuttu cheela. Cheela is a savoury pancake, a desi breakfast that has all our heart. From moong dal cheela to besan cheela, we have had it all, but have you ever tried kuttu ka cheela? This nutty flavoured cheela is so wholesome that it will fill you up in no time, and so yummy that even the kids would leave no trace of it on the plate.
Here is the smashing recipe of kuttu ka cheela from Hilton Garden Inn, Saket. It is sattvik, healthy and oh-so- easy.
Try it at home and let us know how you liked it.
Happy Navratri 2020!
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)