Classic Sabudana Khichdi
A quintessential fasting dish, Sabudana Khichdi is a beloved breakfast across India. Made from tapioca pearls, it is light on the stomach yet provides a great source of energy to keep you going. To make this non-sticky delight, begin by thoroughly rinsing
and soaking the sabudana for at least five to six hours until the pearls are soft and can be mashed easily. Heat ghee in a pan, and temper it with cumin seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves. Add boiled and cubed potatoes, and sauté for a minute before adding the drained sabudana. The key is to add crushed roasted peanuts, rock salt (sendha namak), and a pinch of sugar to the soaked sabudana before adding it to the pan. Mix gently and cook for a few minutes until the pearls turn translucent. A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens up all the flavours.
Kuttu ki Puri with Aloo Sabzi
This combination is a classic and comforting meal during fasts. Kuttu ka atta, or buckwheat flour, is a gluten-free staple during religious fasts like Shravan. To prepare the puris, a dough is made by combining kuttu flour with boiled and mashed potatoes, rock salt, and a little water. Small discs are rolled out and deep-fried until they are crisp and puffed up. For the accompanying aloo sabzi, boiled potatoes are cooked in a simple, flavourful curry. Heat ghee, add cumin seeds, chopped ginger, and green chillies. A simple tomato-based gravy seasoned with rock salt and black pepper is all it needs. This hearty breakfast feels indulgent while still adhering to all fasting rules.
Creamy Makhana Kheer
For those who prefer a sweet start to their day, Makhana Kheer is a perfect choice. Makhana, or fox nuts, are light, nutritious, and a popular fasting ingredient. To make the kheer, start by lightly roasting the makhana in ghee until they become crunchy. Grind about two-thirds of the roasted makhana into a coarse powder. In a separate pan, bring whole milk to a boil and let it simmer until it thickens slightly. Add the makhana powder, the whole roasted makhana, sugar, and flavourings like cardamom powder and saffron strands. Let it simmer until the makhana softens and the kheer reaches a creamy consistency. Garnish with roasted nuts for a delightful crunch.
Sama ke Chawal ka Pulao
Sama ke chawal, or barnyard millet, is a fantastic substitute for rice during fasting periods. This Farali Pulao is both wholesome and flavourful. Begin by washing and soaking the sama rice for about 20 minutes. In a pan with hot ghee, splutter cumin seeds and add slit green chillies. You can also add chopped potatoes and other vrat-friendly vegetables like carrots. Sauté for a few minutes before adding the drained sama rice. Add water (usually double the quantity of the millet), rock salt, and pepper powder. Cover and cook on a low flame until the millet is cooked through and all the water is absorbed. Garnish with roasted peanuts and fresh coriander.
Rajgira Paratha
Rajgira, or amaranth flour, is another nutritious, gluten-free flour used during fasts. A stuffed paratha made from this flour is filling and delicious. To make the dough, combine rajgira flour with mashed boiled potatoes, rock salt, and black pepper. For the stuffing, you can use grated paneer mixed with chopped green chillies, coriander, and a dash of lemon juice. Roll out a small portion of the dough, place the stuffing in the center, and seal it. Carefully roll it out again into a paratha. Cook on a hot tawa with ghee until both sides are golden brown and crisp. Serve hot with plain curd for a complete and satisfying meal.
Sweet Potato Chaat
A simple, tangy, and healthy breakfast, sweet potato chaat requires minimal cooking. Sweet potatoes are a great source of energy and fibre. Boil or roast the sweet potatoes until they are tender, then peel and cut them into cubes. In a bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes with roasted peanuts for crunch, finely chopped green chillies for a bit of heat, and fresh coriander. For the dressing, mix rock salt, roasted cumin powder, and a generous squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Toss everything together gently. This chaat is a refreshing and colourful way to start your fasting day.
Fruit and Nut Smoothie
When you are short on time, a smoothie is the quickest and easiest breakfast option. It's hydrating, nourishing, and can be customised with your favourite fasting-friendly ingredients. In a blender, combine a base of plain yoghurt or milk with a ripe banana for natural sweetness and creaminess. Add a handful of seasonal fruits like apples or pomegranates. For sustained energy, include a mix of nuts like almonds and walnuts, and perhaps a few dates for extra sweetness instead of sugar. A pinch of cardamom powder can add a lovely fragrance. Blend until smooth for a wholesome breakfast that you can enjoy on the go.
