During Navratri, many people observe fasting, and it's important to enjoy snacks that align with the spiritual practice while still being delicious.

French fries, a popular snack loved by all, can easily be modified to suit the fasting restrictions. In this article, we'll walk you through an easy and tasty French fries recipe that is perfect for Navratri.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this flavorful Navratri-friendly French fries, we'll use a few simple ingredients that not only make the fries crispy but also keep them in line with the fasting rules. Here's what you need:

• Potatoes: Choose fresh, firm potatoes for the best texture.

• Rock Salt: Instead of regular salt, rock salt (sendha namak) is often used during fasting.

• Black Pepper: Adds a mild spiciness to the fries.

• Chili Powder: A dash of chili powder for an extra kick (optional, adjust based on your spice preference).

• Cumin Powder: Adds a lovely earthy flavor to the fries.

• Ghee or Oil: To fry the potatoes. Ghee is a great option if you want to make the dish more traditional.

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish.

How to Prepare Navratri French Fries

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's dive into the simple steps to prepare these crispy, flavorful fries:

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

The first step is to peel and cut the potatoes into thin strips. You can choose to cut them into small thin fries or thicker wedges, depending on your preference. Once cut, soak the potato strips in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and ensures the fries will turn out crispy.

Step 2: Frying the Potatoes

After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean towel. This step is important, as excess moisture can prevent the fries from becoming crispy. Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan or fryer on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the potatoes in small batches. Fry the potatoes until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan as it may lead to uneven frying.

Step 3: Seasoning the Fries

Once the fries are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil. While the fries are still hot, sprinkle rock salt, black pepper, cumin powder, and chili powder. Toss the fries gently to ensure that the seasoning is evenly coated.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

For that extra touch of freshness, sprinkle finely chopped fresh coriander on top of the fries before serving. This adds color, flavor, and an aromatic touch. Serve the fries hot with a side of mint chutney or yogurt for dipping.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Navratri

During Navratri, we often find ourselves in search of snacks that align with the fasting guidelines but still satisfy our cravings. This recipe is ideal because it uses only fasting-friendly ingredients, such as rock salt and cumin powder. It's a quick and easy snack that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether they are fasting or not.

In addition to being tasty, this recipe is versatile. You can modify the spices to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a more savory flavor, you can add some garam masala or fennel powder. Alternatively, if you like your fries spicier, increase the amount of chili powder. The best part is that the fries can be made with just a few ingredients, and they're sure to be a hit at any Navratri celebration.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Soak the Potatoes: Soaking the potato strips in water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which leads to crispier fries.

• Fry in Batches: Fry the potatoes in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.

• Use Fresh Oil or Ghee: Always use fresh oil or ghee to fry the potatoes for the best flavor and texture.

• Serve Immediately: These fries are best enjoyed when they are hot and fresh out of the fryer.

This Navratri French fries recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional, crunchy snack while adhering to the fasting rules. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, we can easily make this delicious snack at home. Whether you are fasting or just craving something crispy and flavorful, these fries are sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy the simplicity and the flavors of this snack as you celebrate the festival of Navratri!