Air-Fried Sabudana Vada
The Story: Sabudana, or tapioca pearls, are a staple during Hindu fasts. Derived from tapioca root, it's considered a non-grain food suitable for vrat. It's packed with carbohydrates, providing a quick and sustained source of energy that keeps you feeling
full and prevents fatigue during fasting days. The Recipe: Soak one cup of sabudana for 4-5 hours, then drain completely. Mix with two boiled and mashed potatoes, a half cup of crushed roasted peanuts, finely chopped green chillies, and sendha namak (rock salt). Shape the mixture into flat, round patties. For extra crispiness, some suggest refrigerating the patties for about 20 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Lightly brush the vadas with oil or ghee and place them in the basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.
Kuttu Ke Pakore (Buckwheat Fritters)
The Story: Kuttu ka atta, or buckwheat flour, is not a true grain but the seed of a fruit, making it a perfect choice for fasting. It's considered a 'sattvic' food that is light, nourishing, and easy to digest, which aligns with the spiritual and physical goals of fasting. Rich in protein and fibre, it provides steady energy without feeling heavy. The Recipe: In a bowl, mix one cup of kuttu ka atta with boiled and cubed potatoes. Add sendha namak, black pepper, chopped green chillies, and fresh coriander. Add a little water to form a thick batter that coats the potatoes. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into a preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Brush or spray with a little ghee. Air fry at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, turning them over once, until they are crisp and cooked through.
Crispy Arbi Fry (Taro Root Wedges)
The Story: Arbi, or taro root, is a dense, starchy root vegetable that is permitted during most fasts. Traditionally, it’s known for absorbing a lot of oil when fried. However, its earthy flavour and satisfying texture make it a beloved vrat dish. The story here is one of modern adaptation, where the air fryer makes it possible to enjoy this favourite with minimal oil. The Recipe: Boil the arbi until just tender, then peel and slice it into thick rounds or wedges. In a bowl, toss the arbi with a teaspoon of oil or ghee, sendha namak, cumin powder, and red chilli powder. Arrange the seasoned arbi in a single layer in a preheated air fryer. Roast at 180°C for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket midway, until the edges are golden and slightly crisp.
Air-Fried Sweet Potato Chaat
The Story: Shakarkandi, or sweet potato, is another fasting-friendly root vegetable. Its natural sweetness and high fibre content make it a filling and nutritious option. In many parts of India, roasted sweet potato chaat is a popular street food. This recipe brings that rustic, tangy, and sweet flavour home, but without the need for a charcoal fire or deep frying. The Recipe: Peel and cut two medium sweet potatoes into half-inch cubes. Toss them with a little ghee, sendha namak, and black pepper. Air fry at 190°C for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until they are tender and roasted on the outside. Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a bowl. Add roasted peanuts, pomegranate seeds, and fresh coriander. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top and toss everything together. For a non-vrat version, you can also add chutneys and chaat masala.
Vrat Ke Aloo (Spiced Fasting Potatoes)
The Story: Potatoes are the undisputed king of fasting foods. They are versatile, filling, and a great vehicle for flavour. The story of Vrat Ke Aloo is one of simplicity and comfort. It’s a dish that can be found in almost every home during fasting seasons, offering a simple, satisfying meal that adheres to all the dietary rules. The Recipe: Cube two large boiled potatoes. In a pan, heat a spoonful of ghee and add a teaspoon of cumin seeds. When they splutter, add chopped green chillies and ginger. Add the cubed potatoes, sendha namak, and black pepper. Sauté for a few minutes. To give this a modern, crispy twist, transfer the sautéed potatoes to an air fryer and cook at 200°C for 5-7 minutes until the edges become golden and crisp. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Roasted Masala Makhana (Fox Nuts)
The Story: Makhana, or fox nuts, are the seeds of the lotus plant and are considered a pure and highly nutritious food for fasting. They are light, crunchy, and packed with protein and fibre. Traditionally roasted in ghee, makhana is a go-to snack to curb hunger pangs between meals during a long day of fasting. The air fryer makes this process quicker and uses even less fat. The Recipe: In a bowl, toss two cups of makhana with a teaspoon of melted ghee, sendha namak, and a pinch of black pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Spread the makhana in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for just 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They burn quickly, so keep a close eye. Let them cool for a few minutes; they will become perfectly crisp as they cool down.
