The Quintessential Fasting Favourite
Sabudana Khichdi is a staple during any fast, and for good reason. Made from soaked tapioca pearls, this dish is light, easy to digest, and incredibly versatile. To make it comforting, ensure the sabudana is perfectly soft and fluffy. For a fresh twist,
toss in roasted peanuts for crunch, boiled and cubed potatoes for substance, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice with fresh coriander right before serving. It’s a complete meal that provides sustained energy, making it ideal for those observing the Shravan fasts.
A Wholesome, Gluten-Free Bread
Kuttu ki Puri, or buckwheat flour puri, is a fantastic alternative to regular wheat rotis. Buckwheat is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free flour permitted during fasts. The dough is often prepared by mixing the flour with mashed boiled potatoes, rock salt (sendha namak), and a hint of green chilli. When deep-fried, these puris puff up into crispy, golden-brown delights. They are deeply comforting when served hot and pair wonderfully with a simple potato curry or a cooling bowl of yogurt. This combination makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
A Creamy and Comforting Potato Curry
Potatoes are a saviour during fasting season. Instead of a simple stir-fry, try making Dahi Wale Aloo. This dish involves cooking boiled potatoes in a light, creamy gravy made from yogurt. The gravy is typically thickened with a small amount of buckwheat (kuttu) or water chestnut (singhara) flour and seasoned with cumin seeds and rock salt. It's a tangy, comforting curry that feels both indulgent and adheres to all fasting rules. It avoids the use of onion, garlic, and heavy spices, making it a perfect sattvic dish.
A Grain-Free, Pulao-Style Dish
For those who miss rice, Samak Ke Chawal (barnyard millet) is an excellent substitute. It cooks quickly and has a texture similar to broken rice. You can prepare a simple but flavourful pulao by tempering ghee with cumin seeds, adding chopped vegetables permitted during the fast like potatoes and tomatoes, and then cooking the washed millet until it's tender. Garnish with roasted peanuts and fresh coriander for a meal that is both fresh-tasting and wonderfully filling. It's a one-pot dish that brings the comfort of a familiar meal to your fasting plate.
A Sweet and Simple Dessert
No meal is complete without a touch of sweetness. Makhane ki Kheer is a light, creamy, and delightful dessert perfect for Shravan. Fox nuts (makhana) are roasted in ghee until crispy, then simmered in milk until the mixture thickens. Sweetened with sugar or jaggery and flavoured with cardamom, it's a guilt-free indulgence. Some variations include adding chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios for extra richness. This kheer is comforting when served warm and refreshing when chilled.
A Refreshing and Energising Fruit Chaat
When you need a quick, no-cook meal that is both refreshing and energising, a fruit chaat is the answer. Combine seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, and pomegranate seeds in a bowl. Sprinkle with rock salt and a pinch of black pepper, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. It's a vibrant, hydrating dish that provides natural sugars and vitamins to keep you going through the day. For added texture and protein, you can add some cubed paneer or a handful of nuts.
