Baked Sabudana Vada
The classic sabudana vada is a beloved fasting staple, but it is traditionally deep-fried. You can achieve the same delightful crunch with a fraction of the oil by baking them instead. After preparing your standard vada mix of soaked sabudana, boiled
potatoes, crushed peanuts, and spices, simply shape them into patties, brush them lightly with ghee or oil, and bake them in a preheated oven. An even quicker method is using an air fryer, which circulates hot air to create a crispy exterior without submerging the vada in oil. This method not only saves oil but also frees you from standing over a hot pan, turning the vadas one by one.
Roasted Makhana Chaat
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a nutritious and Vrat-compliant powerhouse. Instead of frying, they can be easily roasted in a pan or an air fryer with just a teaspoon of ghee until they are light and crunchy. Once roasted, you can simply toss them with sendha namak (rock salt) and black pepper for a simple, addictive snack. To elevate it into a more substantial chaat, allow the roasted makhana to cool, then mix with chopped tomatoes, fresh coriander, green chillies, and a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a no-cook assembly that takes minutes and is full of fresh flavours and textures.
Pan-Seared Paneer Tikki
Paneer is an excellent source of protein, helping you stay full and energised during a fast. Instead of making oily pakoras, try pan-seared paneer tikkis. Grate fresh paneer and mix it with mashed boiled potato, finely chopped green chillies, ginger, and Vrat-friendly spices. Shape the mixture into small, flat cutlets. From there, you only need to grease a non-stick pan with a little ghee and sear the tikkis on both sides until they are golden brown and crisp. This method develops a beautiful crust while keeping the inside soft and flavourful, all without the need for deep frying.
Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are a fasting favourite, often enjoyed boiled or as part of a chaat. For a modern, snackable twist, turn them into crispy fries without the fryer. Simply peel and cut sweet potatoes into fry-shaped sticks, toss them with a tiny amount of oil, sendha namak, and cumin powder, and then spread them in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Baking them in a hot oven is also a great option. They become wonderfully crisp on the outside and remain soft and sweet on the inside. This is a hands-off snack that cooks while you can attend to other things, satisfying cravings for something savoury and crunchy in a much healthier way.
Kuttu ke Appe
An appe or paniyaram pan is a fantastic tool for making low-oil snacks. You can use it to create delicious, bite-sized puffs with Vrat-friendly flours like kuttu (buckwheat flour). Prepare a thick batter using kuttu flour, mashed potatoes, grated ginger, green chillies, and sendha namak. You can also add other permitted vegetables like grated pumpkin. Lightly grease the cavities of the appe pan, pour in the batter, and cook on low heat, turning them once until they are golden and cooked through. This technique provides the satisfaction of a fried snack with minimal oil, and the enclosed pan ensures even cooking without constant watching.
No-Cook Fruit and Nut Bowl
Perhaps the quickest and most effortless snack is one that requires no cooking at all. A vibrant bowl of fresh fruit is a fasting classic for a reason, but you can make it more interesting and satiating. Combine chopped seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, and pomegranate with a bowl of plain yoghurt. To make it more substantial and add healthy fats, top it with a handful of chopped almonds and walnuts. This snack is not only refreshing but also packed with natural energy, fibre, and protein, making it a perfectly balanced option that is ready in minutes.
