1. Savoury Kuttu Cheela (Buckwheat Pancake)
A fantastic alternative to deep-fried puris, the Kuttu Cheela is a light, savoury pancake that's both healthy and quick to prepare. Buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta) is a staple during fasts and is packed with nutrients. To make these, create a batter by
mixing one cup of kuttu flour with water, grated potato or bottle gourd, chopped green chillies, coriander, and sendha namak (rock salt). The consistency should be similar to a standard pancake batter. Pour a ladleful onto a hot, greased tawa and cook on both sides until golden and crisp. Serve hot with a side of plain curd or a simple mint chutney for a fulfilling meal that breaks the monotony.
2. Flavourful Samak Rice Pulao (Barnyard Millet Pilaf)
Samak rice, or barnyard millet, is a wonderful substitute for regular rice during fasts. This one-pot pulao is a wholesome meal that can be customised with various vrat-friendly vegetables. Start by heating some ghee in a pan and tempering it with cumin seeds, cloves, and peppercorns. Sauté chopped potatoes and carrots until they are slightly tender. Add washed samak rice, rock salt, and water (typically a 2:1 ratio of water to rice). Cover and cook until the millet is tender and all the water has been absorbed. A garnish of roasted peanuts and fresh coriander adds a delightful crunch and freshness.
3. Creamy Aloo Makhana Curry (Potato and Fox Nut Sabzi)
Move over, plain aloo curry. Adding makhana (fox nuts) creates a fascinating texture and makes the dish more substantial and nutritious. Makhana is a popular fasting ingredient, known for being light yet filling. For this curry, start by roasting the makhana in a little ghee until they are crisp. In a separate pan, prepare a simple tomato-based gravy, using ginger and green chillies instead of onion and garlic. Season with rock salt, black pepper, and cumin powder. Add boiled and cubed potatoes to the gravy, let it simmer, and then stir in the roasted makhana just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy. This sabzi pairs wonderfully with kuttu puris or cheelas.
4. Tangy Shakarkandi Chaat (Sweet Potato Salad)
When you are craving something tangy and refreshing, this Sweet Potato Chaat is the perfect answer. It's a no-fuss recipe that requires minimal cooking. Simply boil or roast sweet potatoes until they are tender, then peel and cut them into cubes. In a bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with roasted and crushed peanuts, chopped green chillies, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with sendha namak and a pinch of black pepper powder. For an extra layer of flavour, you can add a drizzle of tamarind chutney (if your family customs permit) and a garnish of fresh pomegranate seeds. It’s a snack that is both healthy and bursting with flavour.
5. Unique Kele ke Kofte (Raw Banana Dumplings)
If you want to try something a little different, these Raw Banana Koftas are a game-changer. Raw bananas are a permitted vegetable during Sawan fasts and offer a meaty texture when cooked. To prepare, boil and mash raw bananas. Mix the mashed banana with a binding agent like buckwheat flour (kuttu atta), finely chopped green chillies, ginger, and rock salt. Shape this mixture into small balls or patties (koftas) and shallow-fry them in ghee until they are golden brown and crisp. These can be enjoyed as a snack with chutney or added to a light, vrat-friendly gravy to make a more elaborate curry.
6. Soothing Lauki ki Kheer (Bottle Gourd Pudding)
No meal is complete without dessert, and this Lauki ki Kheer is a light and cooling way to end your fasting meal. Bottle gourd (lauki) is hydrating and easy to digest, making it ideal for fasting. Peel and grate the lauki, squeezing out any excess water. Sauté the grated lauki in a tablespoon of ghee for a few minutes until it softens. Then, add full-cream milk and let the mixture simmer on low heat until the lauki is cooked and the milk has thickened. Add sugar to your taste, a pinch of cardamom powder, and some slivered almonds and pistachios. Serve it warm or chilled for a truly comforting and delicious dessert.
