Sabudana Khichdi
A quintessential fasting dish, especially popular in Maharashtra, Sabudana Khichdi is both light and incredibly satisfying. Made from soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana), it’s a gluten-free dish that provides a quick source of energy. The magic of this dish lies
in its texture and simple flavours. The soft, chewy pearls are typically tossed with roasted peanuts for crunch, boiled potato chunks for substance, and a simple tempering of cumin seeds, green chillies, and fresh coriander. A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens up all the flavours, making it a perfect meal to break a fast. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering carbohydrates from the sabudana and potato, and protein and healthy fats from the peanuts.
Kuttu ki Puri
When regular wheat flour is off the menu, buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta) comes to the rescue. Kuttu ki Puri is a staple in many North Indian households during fasting periods. These deep-fried breads have a distinct nutty flavour and a delightfully crisp texture that sets them apart from regular puris. The dough is often prepared by mixing buckwheat flour with mashed boiled potatoes, which helps in binding and adds a soft interior. Seasoned with just rock salt (sendha namak) and perhaps some cumin, these puris are the perfect vehicle for a simple vrat-friendly potato curry or a bowl of cool, creamy curd. Pairing them with yoghurt is also recommended as buckwheat can be heat-inducing, and the curd provides a cooling balance.
Makhana Kheer
For those with a sweet tooth, fasting can be challenging. Makhana Kheer offers a divine solution. Makhana, or fox nuts, are low in calories but rich in protein and calcium, making them a nutritious choice. This kheer is a luscious, creamy dessert that feels indulgent yet remains perfectly within the bounds of sattvic eating. To prepare it, makhana are lightly roasted in ghee until crisp, then simmered in milk until it thickens. The dessert is delicately flavoured with green cardamom powder, saffron, and sweetened to taste. Garnished with slivered almonds and pistachios, it’s a comforting sweet that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, serving as a perfect end to a fasting day meal.
Samak Rice Pulao
Also known as barnyard millet, samak rice is a popular substitute for regular rice during fasts. It cooks quickly and can be transformed into a fluffy, flavourful pulao that is both filling and easy to digest. The preparation is simple: the millet is cooked with a tempering of cumin seeds, green chillies, and sometimes curry leaves in ghee. Diced potatoes and roasted peanuts are often added to make it more substantial. Unlike regular rice, samak rice has a lower glycemic index and is a good source of nutrients, making it a healthy option. This Vrat Ke Chawal ka Pulao can be served with a side of plain yoghurt or a simple cucumber raita for a complete and wholesome meal.
Vrat Wale Aloo
The humble potato becomes a star ingredient during Sawan fasting, and Vrat Wale Aloo is one of its most comforting forms. This simple potato curry is made without onion or garlic, relying instead on the flavours of cumin seeds, green chillies, and grated ginger. Tomatoes are sometimes added for a tangy base, and the dish is seasoned only with rock salt. The gravy is typically light and is often made with a base of yoghurt (dahi) which gives it a creamy, tangy character. This dish pairs beautifully with Kuttu ki Puri or Rajgira Paratha, creating a classic fasting thali that is both delicious and fulfilling.
Singhare ka Halwa
Another vrat-friendly flour, singhara atta (water chestnut flour), is used to create a rich and nutty-tasting dessert. Singhare ka Halwa is a classic sweet treat that provides warmth and energy. The flour is first roasted in a generous amount of ghee until it turns aromatic and golden-brown. Then, hot water or milk is added, and the mixture is cooked with sugar until it thickens into a dense, glossy halwa. Flavoured with cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts, this halwa is a wonderfully satisfying way to address sweet cravings while fasting. Its unique taste and smooth texture make it a festive delicacy that many look forward to during Sawan.
Lauki ki Sabzi
During a fast, it's important to include foods that are hydrating and light on the stomach, and bottle gourd (lauki) fits the bill perfectly. A simple Lauki ki Sabzi, prepared in a sattvic style, is an excellent addition to a Sawan meal. This mild curry is cooked in ghee with a simple tempering of cumin seeds and green chillies. Cooked until tender and seasoned with rock salt, it's a hydrating and soothing dish. It provides a gentle counterbalance to the richer, fried foods that are often part of the fasting menu. A dash of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh coriander at the end can elevate its simple flavour, making it a refreshing and wholesome choice.
