Buckwheat or Kuttu is a popular ingredient used while preparing food for Navratri fasting. Buckwheat is not a grain. Instead, it is harvested from a flowering plant related to rhubarb. Since it does not belong to the wheat family, it is gluten-free and can be easily consumed by people with gluten allergies. Buckwheat can be processed into flour, which can be consumed as an alternative to wheat during Navratri fasting. According to nutritionist Dr Nicheta Bhatia, PhD nutritionist and guest lecturer at Delhi University, grains are a very good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. It has antioxidant properties and helps reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol.
While buckwheat is loaded with many health benefits, every year we hear about people falling ill and even hospitalized after eating food prepared with buckwheat flour. Why? The reason for this is not buckwheat, but the use of contaminated buckwheat flour. Therefore, it is essential to buy good quality buckwheat flour for a healthy Navratri fasting.
Also read: Navratri-Special Momos: Enjoy These Viral Purple Sabudana Momos In Your Vrat Diet
How to check the purity of buckwheat flour:
Here are some simple and important pointers to note before buying buckwheat flour, as shared by Dr Nicheta Bhatia:
1. Read the label
When purchasing buckwheat flour, its purity can be checked by looking at labels that indicate that the flour is made from 100% buckwheat and is free from additives, preservatives and artificial colors.
2. DIY test
The purity of flour can also be checked by adding one spoon of flour in a glass of water. If the flour is adulterated the other substances will float to the top while the flour will sink to the bottom.
Also read: Sharad Navratri 2024: Spice up your fasting days with this delicious Makhana Aloo Curry
3. Proper packaging
Buckwheat flour can be poisonous when exposed to air, so it is better to buy properly packaged flour and store it in an airtight container at home.
Photo: iStock
Kuttu Recipe for Navratri 2024:
Now that you know how to identify pure buckwheat flour, here are some delicious vrat-friendly recipes for you:
1. Buckwheat Dosa
If you are a dosa lover, enjoy crunchy dosa made from buckwheat flour with potato stuffing this Navratri. Don’t forget to serve it with mint and coconut chutney. Here is the full recipe.
2. Buckwheat Puri
In Kuttu ki Puri, buckwheat flour is mixed with potatoes and rock salt and deep fried until crisp. Click here for the recipe. These crispy and delicious puris are served with potato gravy and curd.
3. Kuttu Paratha
To make these crunchy parathas, buckwheat is mixed with water chestnut flour and mashed taro. This recipe is a must make during Navratri festival. Click here for full recipe.
Enjoy delicious vrat dishes prepared with safe and healthy ingredients for a joyous and joyful Navratri 2024. Happy Navratri!
