1. Crispy Roasted Makhana
Forget frying; the best way to enjoy makhana (fox nuts) is by dry roasting. Pour the makhana into a heavy-bottomed kadhai or pan and roast on a consistent low to medium flame. The key is patience and continuous stirring for 7-10 minutes. This slow, even
heat draws out moisture, making them perfectly crisp without a single drop of excess oil. Once they are crunchy enough to break easily, turn off the heat and toss with a pinch of sendha namak (rock salt) and a sprinkle of black pepper. Store them in an airtight container for a ready-to-eat snack that satisfies your craving for crunch.
2. Spiced Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes are a fasting staple, but they don't need to be fried to be delicious. Baking is a fantastic alternative that enhances their natural sweetness. Simply scrub the sweet potatoes, cut them into wedges, and toss them with a bare minimum of ghee—just enough to help the spices adhere. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at a high temperature (around 425°F or 220°C). The dry, high heat caramelises the outside, creating a crispy exterior while leaving the inside tender and fluffy. Season with rock salt and roasted cumin powder for a simple, flavourful, and healthy snack or side dish.
3. Tawa-Grilled Paneer Tikka
You don't need a tandoor or a deep fryer to get that signature char on paneer tikka. A simple non-stick tawa (griddle) and the right heat management work wonders. Marinate cubes of firm paneer in a thick mixture of hung curd, rock salt, and vrat-approved spices like cumin and black pepper. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your tawa over medium-high heat and place the paneer cubes, ensuring you don't overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until you see golden-brown, charred spots. This quick, high-heat searing locks in the moisture, keeping the paneer soft on the inside while creating a delicious crust outside.
4. Steamed and Tempered Arbi
Arbi (taro root) is notorious for being slimy if not cooked correctly, often leading people to deep-fry it. A much healthier and simpler method is to steam it. Boil the arbi until it's just tender, then peel and slice it into discs. The steaming process cooks the vegetable perfectly without adding any fat. To infuse flavour, prepare a light tadka by heating a teaspoon of ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and chopped green chillies, let them splutter, and then toss the steamed arbi pieces in the pan. Sauté for a few minutes until they are lightly golden. This method uses steam for cooking and just a touch of ghee for flavour, not for cooking.
5. Guilt-Free Air-Fried Sabudana Vada
The beloved sabudana vada, traditionally a deep-fried indulgence, gets a modern, low-oil makeover with the air fryer. Prepare your vada mix as usual with soaked sabudana, boiled and mashed potatoes, coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, green chillies, and sendha namak. Shape the mixture into flat patties. The trick here is to use circulating hot air to achieve that classic crunch. Preheat your air fryer, brush the vadas lightly with ghee or oil, and place them in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at around 180-190°C for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The result is a perfectly golden and crispy vada that’s fluffy on the inside, using up to 90% less oil.
6. Pan-Seared Raw Banana Kebabs
Raw bananas (kachhe kele) are a versatile fasting ingredient that can create hearty kebabs without deep-frying. First, boil or steam the raw bananas until they are tender, then peel and mash them thoroughly. To this, add a binder like singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) along with rock salt, chopped green chillies, and fresh coriander. Shape the mixture into flat, round tikkis or kebabs. Heat a non-stick pan and grease it with just a teaspoon of ghee. Carefully place the kebabs on the pan and cook on a medium-low flame. The key is timing: allow a crisp, golden-brown crust to form on one side before flipping. This pan-searing technique delivers a delightful texture that’s firm on the outside and soft within.
