The Meaning Behind the Fast
Sawan commemorates Lord Shiva’s act of consuming poison during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean) to save the universe. This act turned his throat blue, earning him the name Neelkanth. Devotees observe fasts, especially on Mondays
(Somvar), to show gratitude and seek his blessings for spiritual purification and well-being. The diet during this period is traditionally 'satvik'—pure, light, and easy to digest, which aligns with the body's needs during the humid monsoon season when digestion is considered weaker. This means avoiding non-vegetarian food, eggs, onions, garlic, regular table salt, lentils, and common grains like wheat and rice. Instead, the focus is on fruits, dairy products, and specific vrat-friendly flours and grains.
1. Sabudana Khichdi
A quintessential fasting dish, Sabudana Khichdi is both comforting and energising. Made from tapioca pearls, it's a light yet filling meal perfect for starting or breaking your fast. To make it, soak one cup of sabudana for a few hours until soft. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and once they splutter, add chopped green chillies and a cubed potato. Sauté until the potato is cooked. Add the drained sabudana, roasted and coarsely crushed peanuts, and sendha namak (rock salt) to taste. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently. Garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
2. Kuttu ki Puri with Vrat-Friendly Aloo
This combination is a festive classic during fasts. Kuttu (buckwheat flour) is a popular vrat-friendly grain. To make the puris, knead kuttu atta with mashed boiled potato, sendha namak, and a little water to form a firm dough. Roll into small circles and deep-fry in hot ghee until they puff up and turn golden brown. For the aloo sabzi, heat ghee, add cumin seeds, chopped green chillies, and ginger. Add boiled and cubed potatoes, sendha namak, and black pepper powder. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Garnish with coriander.
3. Samak Chawal Pulao
Samak chawal, or barnyard millet, is an excellent substitute for rice during Sawan fasting. This simple pulao is a wholesome one-pot meal. Rinse half a cup of samak chawal and set aside. In a pan with hot ghee, add cumin seeds, a cinnamon stick, and a couple of cloves. Add chopped potatoes and peanuts, and sauté for a few minutes. Add the drained samak chawal, two cups of water, sendha namak, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat until the water is absorbed and the millet is cooked through. Let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
4. Makhane ki Kheer
For a sweet craving, Makhane ki Kheer is a light and divine dessert. Makhana (fox nuts) are nutritious and vrat-approved. Lightly roast one cup of makhana in a little ghee until crisp. Coarsely crush about three-quarters of them. In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring one litre of full-cream milk to a boil. Add the crushed and whole makhana and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk thickens and the makhana are soft. Add sugar to taste, a pinch of cardamom powder, and some chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. Serve warm or chilled.
5. Singhare Atte ka Halwa
A rich and flavourful sweet, this halwa is made from singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour). Heat about half a cup of ghee in a pan and add one cup of singhare ka atta. Roast on low heat until it turns fragrant and golden brown. In a separate pot, bring two cups of water and three-quarters of a cup of sugar to a boil. Slowly add the sugar syrup to the roasted flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. Garnish with chopped dry fruits.
6. Sweet Potato Chaat
A simple, healthy, and tangy snack, sweet potato chaat is quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Boil two medium-sized sweet potatoes until tender. Once they cool down, peel and chop them into cubes. In a bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with sendha namak, roasted cumin powder, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. For a bit of crunch, you can add some roasted peanuts. It’s a no-fuss dish that is both sweet and savoury, providing a great energy boost during the day.
