Sweet Potato Bliss Tikkis
Embark on your Maha Shivratri culinary journey with these delightful Sweet Potato Tikkis, a perfect fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Begin by mashing
two medium-sized boiled and peeled sweet potatoes until they achieve a smooth consistency. To this base, incorporate two tablespoons of roasted peanut powder for a delightful crunch, a finely chopped green chili if you prefer a hint of spice (though this can be omitted based on fasting traditions), half a teaspoon of fragrant cumin powder, and sendha namak according to your taste preferences. A tablespoon of freshly chopped coriander adds a burst of freshness to the mixture. Combine all these ingredients thoroughly until a cohesive dough-like consistency is formed. Shape this mixture into small, appealing tikkis. Heat ghee or oil on a tawa (griddle) over medium flame, and carefully place the tikkis to shallow fry. Cook them until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue and a satisfying crispiness on both sides. These tikkis are best served warm, accompanied by a homemade vrat-friendly coriander chutney, making for a truly wholesome and flavorful start to your fasting day.
Savory Kuttu Pizza Bites
Indulge in a unique and satisfying treat with these Kuttu Pizza Bites, a creative take on traditional fasting food. To prepare the base, combine one cup of kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) with one grated boiled potato for binding and texture. Gradually add water, approximately half a cup or as needed, to achieve a thick batter consistency, similar to pancake batter. Season this mixture with sendha namak and half a teaspoon of black pepper for a subtle kick. For the delightful topping, crumble half a cup of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and mix it with one mashed boiled potato. If your fasting tradition allows, you can also add finely chopped tomato or capsicum for added flavor and color. Season this topping mixture with pepper and sendha namak. Heat a little ghee on a tawa and pour small spoonfuls of the kuttu batter to form mini pancake-like bases. Cook these bases until they are slightly firm. Then, spread the paneer and potato mixture evenly over each mini pancake. Cover the tawa and cook on a low flame for about two minutes, allowing the base to become crisp while the topping gently heats through. Drizzle a touch more ghee and serve these delightful Kuttu Pizza Bites warm for a truly enjoyable fasting experience.
Refreshing Dahi Aloo Chaat
Savor the cool and tangy flavors of Dahi Aloo Chaat, a light yet incredibly satisfying dish perfect for your Maha Shivratri fast. The foundation of this dish lies in two perfectly boiled potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes. In a separate bowl, whisk half a cup of fresh curd until smooth and creamy. To this whisked curd, add half a teaspoon of cumin powder, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and sendha namak to taste, ensuring a well-spiced and flavorful yogurt base. For an interesting textural contrast, toss the boiled potato cubes with one tablespoon of roasted peanut powder and a teaspoon of lemon juice, which adds a bright, zesty note. Gently pour the spiced curd over the coated potato cubes. Mix everything together with care to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated without breaking them. Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves, which offer a refreshing herbaceous aroma. This Dahi Aloo Chaat is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, providing a refreshing respite during your fast.
Hearty Vrat Uttapam
Enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal with this Vrat Uttapam, a delightful savory pancake suitable for fasting. To begin, prepare the batter by mixing one cup of samak rice flour (or finely ground samak rice) with one medium-sized potato, grated for binding and a subtle sweetness. Gradually add water, approximately one to one and a quarter cups, adjusting as needed to achieve a thick, pourable batter consistency. Incorporate sendha namak to taste, and if you desire a touch of heat, add one finely chopped green chili. For the topping, finely chop one small tomato and a sprig of fresh coriander. Heat a tawa and pour a ladleful of the prepared batter, spreading it to form a thick uttapam. Scatter the chopped tomato and coriander evenly over the surface of the uttapam. Drizzle a small amount of ghee around the edges and over the top. Cook on a low flame, allowing it to cook through. Carefully flip the uttapam and cook the other side until both surfaces are golden brown and crisp. Serve this delicious Vrat Uttapam hot, ideally accompanied by a side of curd or a homemade vrat chutney for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creamy Vrat Paneer Malai
Conclude your culinary exploration with the rich and decadent Vrat Paneer Malai, a dish that brings a touch of indulgence to your fasting menu. Start by heating one tablespoon of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add half a teaspoon of cumin seeds and sauté until they splutter and become fragrant. Next, add one teaspoon of grated ginger and sauté lightly for a few seconds, being careful not to burn it. In a separate bowl, whisk half a cup of thick curd with half a teaspoon of black pepper and sendha namak to taste. Reduce the flame of the pan to low, and carefully pour the whisked curd mixture into it. Stir continuously to prevent the curd from splitting, creating a smooth, creamy base. If desired, add half a cup of coconut milk for an extra layer of richness and a subtle tropical note. Mix well to form a cohesive gravy. Gently add 200 grams of paneer cubes to the gravy and let it simmer on a low flame for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors without becoming tough. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. This luxurious Vrat Paneer Malai pairs wonderfully with samak rice or kuttu puris, offering a delightful and satisfying end to your fasting feast.
