Samak Kheer Recipe: Currently, the fasts for Chaitra Navratri 2026 are being observed. According to the Hindu almanac (Panchang), Chaitra Navratri begins on the *Pratipada* (first day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of Chaitra. March 19th marked the first day of Navratri. Durga Ashtami falls on March 26th, and Navami—the ninth day—falls on March 27th. During Navratri, the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped and revered. Devotees observe fasts; while some fast for the entire nine-day duration, others choose to fast specifically on the first, eighth (Ashtami), and ninth (Navami) days. Each individual observes the fasts and performs rituals according to their physical capacity and depth of faith.

During the fasting period, *Sattvic* (pure) and *Phalahari* (fruit-based) foods are consumed. During this time, you may consume items such as *Makhana* (fox nuts), *Kuttu* (buckwheat), *Singhara* (water chestnut) flour halwa, *Poori*, *Roti*, *Sabudana Khichdi*, *Samak* rice, fruits, and vegetables like potatoes, bottle gourd, and pumpkin. For Navratri, you can also prepare and enjoy *Samak* rice kheer (pudding). This dish is not only nutritious but also light and easily digestible. Consuming it will provide you with sustained energy throughout the day. Chef Kunal Kapur has shared a special recipe for *Samak* Kheer on his Instagram account, @Chefkunal, specifically for those observing fasts during Navratri. Let's discover how you can quickly prepare this delicious and nutritious *Samak* rice kheer on a fasting day.

Ingredients for Samak Kheer:

*   Milk: 1 liter
*   Samak Rice: 1/4 cup
*   Jaggery or Sugar: 1/2 cup
*   Dry Fruits: Almonds, Raisins, Cashews, Pistachios
*   Water: 1/4 cup
*   Cinnamon Powder: 1 teaspoon

Method for Preparing Samak Kheer:

First, finely chop all the dry fruits using a knife. Pour the milk into a vessel. Bring it to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking. Thoroughly wash the *Samak* rice twice with water. Now, add this to the milk and cook it further. In a separate pan, pour in a quarter cup of water. Add sugar or jaggery to it and allow it to melt completely. Now, pour this mixture into the pot containing the Samak rice. Keep stirring continuously. Next, add all the chopped dry fruits and cinnamon powder, and mix well. Once the mixture thickens, turn off the heat. Transfer it into a serving bowl. You may also garnish it with additional dry fruits on top. Your incredibly healthy and nutritious Samak Kheer—perfect for fasting days—is now ready.

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