The Significance of Vrat Cooking
Observing a vrat (fast) is a practice of spiritual discipline and purification. The food consumed, known as falahari or vrat ka khana, is meant to be sattvic—pure, light, and easy to digest, keeping the body and mind clear. Traditionally, this has included
a variety of snacks made from permissible ingredients like sabudana (tapioca pearls), kuttu (buckwheat flour), potatoes, and peanuts. The irony, however, is that many beloved vrat snacks like vadas and pakoras are deep-fried, making them heavy and oily. This is where the modern kitchen appliance, the air fryer, finds its significance. It allows for the creation of these traditional snacks with minimal oil, preserving their cherished textures while aligning more closely with the sattvic ideal of light, wholesome food. This fusion of tradition and technology helps devotees maintain their fast in a healthier, more convenient way without sacrificing flavour.
1. Air-Fried Sabudana Vada
Sabudana vada is a quintessential fasting snack, especially popular in Maharashtra. These crispy fritters, crunchy on the outside and soft within, are traditionally deep-fried. The air-fried version delivers that same satisfying texture with just a fraction of the oil. To make them, start with well-soaked and completely drained sabudana. Mix it with boiled mashed potatoes, coarsely crushed roasted peanuts, finely chopped green chillies, fresh coriander, and sendha namak (rock salt). Form the mixture into flat, even patties. Brushing them with ghee or oil is key to achieving a golden-brown crust. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C and cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The result is a lighter, guilt-free vada that pairs perfectly with a side of mint chutney or plain curd.
2. Crispy Kuttu ke Pakore
Kuttu ke pakore, or buckwheat fritters, are another vrat favourite, known for their distinct earthy flavour. Buckwheat flour is naturally gluten-free and a staple during Navratri. These pakoras crisp up beautifully in an air fryer. Create a thick batter by mixing kuttu ka atta with water, sendha namak, and spices like chopped green chillies and cumin seeds. You can add boiled, mashed potatoes or grated paneer to the batter for extra substance. Instead of dropping them into hot oil, simply place spoonfuls of the batter onto parchment paper in your air fryer basket, brush with ghee, and air fry at 190°C for 12-14 minutes, turning them over once. They become wonderfully crispy and are best served hot, perhaps with a cooling yogurt dip to balance the natural warmth of the buckwheat flour.
3. Healthy Farali Pattice
Farali Pattice is a popular Gujarati snack often enjoyed during fasts. It consists of a potato casing stuffed with a sweet and savoury mixture of coconut, nuts, and spices. Traditionally, these are deep-fried, but they adapt perfectly to the air fryer. The outer layer is made from mashed potatoes bound with arrowroot flour or singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour). The flavourful filling can include grated coconut, chopped cashews, peanuts, raisins, and a hint of green chilli and lemon juice. Shape the stuffed patties, brush them with oil, and place them in the air fryer at around 180°C for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. The pattice develops a firm, golden exterior while the inside remains soft and flavourful.
4. Tangy Shakarkandi Chaat
Shakarkandi, or sweet potato, is a nutritious and filling fasting food. Turning it into a warm chaat in the air fryer is both easy and delicious. Simply wash and cube sweet potatoes, toss them with a little ghee, sendha namak, and black pepper, and air fry at 190°C for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelised at the edges. Once cooked, transfer the hot cubes to a bowl and toss with a squeeze of lemon juice and finely chopped coriander. For extra crunch, you can add roasted peanuts. This air-fried chaat is a simple, healthy, and satisfying snack that provides sustained energy during a fast.
5. Roasted Makhana
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a light, nutrient-dense, and incredibly popular fasting snack. While they can be roasted in a pan, an air fryer makes the process even quicker and more hands-off. Simply toss the makhana with a teaspoon of ghee and a sprinkle of sendha namak and black pepper. Air fry at 180°C for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crisp and lightly golden. Be sure to let them cool completely, as they continue to crisp up after being removed from the heat. This simple snack is perfect for light munching between meals and can be stored in an airtight container.
6. Quick Arbi Fries
Arbi, or taro root, is another permitted vegetable during many fasts. When made into fries, it offers a great alternative to potatoes. The air fryer helps make them crispy without the need for deep-frying. Peel and cut the arbi into fry-like shapes. If the arbi is slimy, you can parboil it for a few minutes and then pat it dry. Toss the arbi sticks with sendha namak, cumin powder, and a little oil. Air fry at 200°C for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. These arbi fries have a unique, nutty taste and make for a delightful and wholesome vrat snack.
