The Classic Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi is a beloved fasting dish for a reason. Made from tapioca pearls, it's a great source of carbohydrates that provides instant energy. To make it light and fluffy, the key is to soak the sabudana properly until a pearl can be easily mashed
between your fingers. Sauté cumin seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves in ghee, then add boiled and cubed potatoes. Mix in the soaked sabudana along with coarsely crushed roasted peanuts and sendha namak (rock salt). Cook until the pearls turn translucent, which only takes a few minutes. A final squeeze of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh coriander leaves brightens up the flavours, making it a perfectly balanced meal that’s easy to digest and keeps you full for hours.
Energising Kuttu Ka Cheela
Buckwheat flour, or kuttu ka atta, is a gluten-free staple during fasting periods like Shravan and Navratri. Unlike deep-fried puris, a kuttu ka cheela (savoury pancake) is a much lighter yet equally satisfying option. To prepare the batter, mix kuttu flour with water, sendha namak, and spices like black pepper and cumin powder. You can enhance its nutritional value by adding grated vegetables like bottle gourd or boiled potato, which also helps in binding the batter. Cook the cheelas on a hot pan with a little ghee until golden brown on both sides. These pancakes are not only quick to make but are also packed with protein and fibre, ensuring you stay energised through the morning.
Light and Fluffy Samak Rice Pulao
Often called 'vrat ke chawal', samak rice is actually a type of barnyard millet, not a grain, making it an excellent choice for fasting. It's incredibly light on the stomach and easy to digest. A simple pulao made with samak rice is both quick and flavourful. Start by soaking the millet for about 20-30 minutes. In a pan with ghee, temper cumin seeds and green chillies, then add chopped potatoes and other vrat-friendly vegetables. Sauté for a few minutes before adding the drained samak rice, water, and rock salt. Cover and cook until the millet is tender and the water is absorbed. Garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh coriander, this pulao offers a comforting and nourishing start to your day.
Nutrient-Packed Fruit and Nut Bowl
For a no-cook breakfast that is refreshing and instantly energising, a simple fruit and nut bowl is the perfect solution. Fruits are a fasting staple, providing essential vitamins, fibre, and hydration. Create a colourful bowl with seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, papaya, and pomegranate. To make it more substantial and filling, add a handful of nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. These are packed with healthy fats and protein that provide sustained energy. A drizzle of honey or a dollop of fresh yoghurt can bring all the elements together, creating a wholesome breakfast that is both light and satisfying.
Wholesome Rajgira Paratha
Rajgira, or amaranth flour, is a powerhouse of nutrients, including calcium, iron, and protein. Making parathas from this gluten-free flour is a great way to have a substantial breakfast. To create the dough, combine rajgira flour with mashed boiled potatoes, finely chopped green chillies, cumin powder, and sendha namak. The potato acts as a binding agent. Knead into a soft dough, roll out into small parathas, and cook on a tawa with ghee until crisp and golden brown. These parathas are not only delicious but also provide a slow release of energy, keeping hunger at bay for a longer time. They pair wonderfully with a side of plain curd or a simple potato sabzi.
