First, A Quick Refresher On Vrat Rules
Before we dive into the new recipes, it's good to remember the basics of a Shravan fast. The diet is sattvik, meaning it's light, pure, and easy to digest. This typically means avoiding grains like wheat and rice, lentils, onions, garlic, and regular
table salt.. Instead, the vrat pantry is filled with special flours like kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut), and rajgira (amaranth), along with ingredients like sabudana (tapioca pearls), samak rice (barnyard millet), potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruits, and dairy products.. Sendha namak, or rock salt, is used for seasoning.. With these ingredients in mind, we can create snacks that are both traditional in spirit and modern in taste.
Sabudana and Paneer Tikkis
Sabudana khichdi and vada are classics, but combining sabudana with paneer creates a snack that's richer in protein and has a wonderful textural contrast.. To make these, mix soaked sabudana with crumbled paneer, boiled and mashed potatoes, crushed roasted peanuts, and finely chopped green chillies and coriander. Season with sendha namak and a squeeze of lemon juice. Form the mixture into small patties and shallow-fry them in ghee until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside, while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. This snack is incredibly filling and offers a welcome change from the usual potato-heavy options.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Fried potato chips are a common fasting indulgence, but a baked version using sweet potatoes offers a healthier and more flavourful alternative. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients, making them an excellent choice for maintaining energy levels during a fast. Simply cut sweet potatoes into thin, fry-like strips. Toss them in a bowl with a spoonful of ghee, sendha namak, and a pinch of black pepper powder. Spread them in a single layer on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven until they are crisp and slightly browned at the edges. They are delicious on their own or served with a simple mint and yogurt dip.
Kuttu Flour and Paneer Rolls
Think of this as a vrat-friendly version of the classic paneer roll. Kuttu (buckwheat) flour is a fasting staple, commonly used for puris and cheelas.. For this recipe, prepare a thin cheela or pancake using kuttu flour batter. For the filling, sauté crumbled paneer with cumin seeds, chopped green chillies, and sendha namak in a little ghee. You can also add grated ginger for extra flavour.. Place a spoonful of the paneer mixture onto a kuttu cheela, roll it up tightly, and serve immediately. It’s a wholesome and satisfying snack that feels like a complete mini-meal.
Makhana Bhel with a Twist
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a powerhouse of nutrients and a popular fasting snack.. While roasted makhana is a simple and healthy option, you can easily turn it into a zesty bhel.. In a large bowl, combine roasted makhana, boiled and cubed potatoes, roasted peanuts, and finely chopped tomatoes (if your tradition permits). For the dressing, mix sendha namak, black pepper, and a generous amount of lemon juice. Toss everything together and garnish with fresh coriander. For an extra crunch and sweetness, you can add pomegranate seeds. This makhana bhel is light, crunchy, and packed with flavour, making it a perfect evening snack.
Samak Rice Arancini
This is a creative, Italian-inspired twist on a traditional fasting ingredient. Samak rice, or barnyard millet, is often used to make khichdi or pulao during fasts.. To make these arancini-style balls, first cook the samak rice until it's soft and sticky. Let it cool slightly, then mix in mashed potatoes, chopped herbs like coriander, green chillies, and season with sendha namak. You can even stuff a tiny cube of paneer in the center. Roll the mixture into small balls, coat them in a thin layer of rajgira (amaranth) flour, and shallow-fry until golden brown. The result is a delightfully crispy exterior with a soft, flavourful inside.
