Kuttu Puri's Delight
Kuttu Puri, a staple during Maha Shivratri, is crafted from kuttu atta (buckwheat flour), a gluten-free grain. This recipe offers a delightful alternative
to regular puri, suitable for fasting. The process involves kneading the kuttu atta with water, salt, and sometimes spices to form a dough. Small portions of the dough are then rolled out and deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown and puffed up. Kuttu Puri is often enjoyed with fasting-friendly curries or chutneys, providing a savory and satisfying meal option during the fast. It's a traditional choice, providing the necessary energy while adhering to the religious restrictions, and is easy to prepare at home, making it a popular option.
Makhana Kheer's Sweetness
Makhana Kheer, a sweet treat, is a beloved dessert prepared during Maha Shivratri. This kheer features makhana (fox nuts), which are roasted to a crisp before being added to simmering milk. The makhana is then cooked with sugar or jaggery, along with cardamom, saffron, and dry fruits. The slow cooking infuses the milk with the flavors of the makhana and the aromatic spices, creating a rich and creamy texture. Makhana Kheer is considered auspicious and is often offered to the deity. Its light and easily digestible nature makes it suitable for consumption during the fasting period. The inclusion of dry fruits such as almonds and cashews boosts the nutritional value, adding a layer of wholesomeness to the festive dessert.
Sabudana Goodness: Tikki & Khichdi
Sabudana, or tapioca pearls, is a popular ingredient during fasting days. Two classic dishes made with sabudana include Sabudana Tikki and Sabudana Khichdi. Sabudana Tikki involves soaking sabudana, mixing it with mashed potatoes, spices, and binding agents, such as arrowroot flour. These are shaped into tikkis and shallow-fried or pan-fried until golden brown. Sabudana Khichdi involves soaking sabudana and then stir-frying it with cumin seeds, potatoes, peanuts, and spices. Both dishes provide energy and are easily digestible, making them ideal for a fasting diet. They cater to a variety of tastes, providing both a savory snack (Tikki) and a complete meal (Khichdi). These are often prepared together to offer a balanced culinary experience during the Maha Shivratri celebrations.
Aloo Rasedaar Comfort
Aloo Rasedaar, a flavorful potato-based curry, is another dish that is typically enjoyed during the Maha Shivratri fast. The recipe involves cooking potatoes in a spiced tomato-based gravy. The potatoes are boiled, peeled, and cut into pieces, then simmered in a mixture of tomatoes, ginger, green chilies, and aromatic spices such as cumin and coriander. The gravy is made with a generous amount of water to create a light consistency. Aloo Rasedaar provides a comforting and filling meal, easily enjoyed with Kuttu Puri or eaten on its own. This flavorful dish provides an appealing variation during the fasting period and is a familiar taste for most families in India.
