The Sawan Fast and the Modern Kitchen
The month of Sawan, or Shravan, is a deeply sacred time for devotees of Lord Shiva, with many observing fasts, especially on Mondays (Sawan Somwar). This period is not just about abstaining from certain foods but also about cultivating a sattvic—pure
and light—lifestyle. The traditional Sawan diet excludes grains, lentils, onions, garlic, and regular table salt, favouring fruits, dairy, and specific ingredients like sabudana (tapioca pearls), kuttu (buckwheat flour), and sendha namak (rock salt). Many popular fasting dishes, such as pakoras and vadas, are traditionally deep-fried, providing comfort and energy. However, as health awareness grows, many are seeking ways to enjoy these beloved recipes without the excess oil. This is where the air fryer steps in, offering a way to achieve that satisfying crispiness with a fraction of the fat, aligning the traditions of the Sawan fast with a modern approach to wellness. It helps make classic fasting foods lighter on the stomach, which, according to Ayurveda, is beneficial during the monsoon when digestion can be weaker.
1. Air-Fried Sabudana Vada
Sabudana vada is the undisputed star of fasting foods. These pearly tapioca patties are crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy within. Using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect texture without submerging them in oil. To prepare, mix soaked sabudana with boiled and mashed potatoes, roasted and crushed peanuts, finely chopped green chillies, coriander, and sendha namak. Shape the mixture into flat, round patties. For best results, some suggest refrigerating the patties for about 20 minutes before cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 180-200°C, lightly brush the basket and the vadas with oil or ghee, and place them in a single layer. Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp.
2. Crispy Kuttu Ke Pakode
Buckwheat flour, or kuttu ka atta, is another Sawan staple. Its nutty, earthy flavour is perfect for making savoury pakoras or fritters. Instead of deep-frying, these can be made wonderfully crisp in an air fryer. Create a thick batter by mixing kuttu flour with mashed boiled potatoes or other vrat-friendly vegetables like grated bottle gourd (lauki). Season with sendha namak, black pepper, and chopped green chillies. Form small fritters or bites from the mixture. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Arrange the pakoras in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap, and brush them lightly with ghee. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, turning them once midway, until they are firm and crispy on the outside.
3. Air-Fried Arbi Fries
Arbi, or taro root, has a tendency to absorb a lot of oil when fried, but it becomes wonderfully earthy and crisp in an air fryer. This makes it a fantastic, healthier alternative to potato-based snacks. To prepare, parboil the arbi until it's just tender, then peel and cut it into wedges or thick fries. Toss the pieces with a little ghee or oil, sendha namak, cumin powder, and a pinch of black pepper or red chilli powder. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and slightly charred. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving adds a fresh, zesty finish.
4. Sweet Potato Shakarkandi Chaat
Shakarkandi, or sweet potato, is a naturally sweet and nutritious root vegetable that's perfect for fasting. Roasting it in an air fryer brings out its sweetness and gives it a lovely texture for a quick chaat. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with a pinch of sendha namak, cumin powder, and a light coating of ghee. Air fry at 180-200°C for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the cubes are crispy and caramelized at the edges. Once cooked, transfer the hot sweet potato cubes to a bowl. To make the chaat, toss them with roasted peanuts, pomegranate seeds, chopped coriander, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.
5. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a light, airy, and nutrient-dense snack that is ideal for munching on during a fast. While often roasted in a pan with ghee, an air fryer can make them perfectly crunchy with minimal effort and fat. Simply place the plain makhana in the air fryer basket. You can add a teaspoon of ghee for flavour, but it's not strictly necessary. Roast at 160°C for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice, until they become crisp and break easily. Once they're done, you can toss them in a bowl with a sprinkle of sendha namak and black pepper powder while they are still warm.
6. Farali Patties with a Healthy Twist
Farali patties are stuffed potato cutlets that are a festive treat. The air fryer version gives you all the flavour without the heaviness of deep-frying. The outer layer is made from mashed potatoes seasoned with sendha namak. For the filling, a classic choice is a mix of grated coconut, roasted peanuts, green chillies, sugar, and lemon juice. Create small balls of the potato mixture, flatten them, place a spoonful of the filling inside, and seal to form a patty. Brush the patties lightly with oil or ghee and air fry at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, flipping them carefully halfway through, until they are golden and crisp on the outside. Serve hot with a side of vrat-friendly mint or tamarind chutney.
