Sabudana Khichdi: The Fasting Favourite
No Shravan-friendly food list is complete without Sabudana Khichdi. This delightful dish, made from soaked tapioca pearls, is a staple during fasting periods across India. What makes it perfect for a monsoon morning is its warm, comforting texture and
the gentle flavours of cumin, green chillies, and peanuts. It's a light yet filling meal that provides a quick energy boost. The key to a perfect, non-sticky khichdi lies in soaking the sabudana correctly—the pearls should be soft and easily mashable between your fingers before you cook them. Typically prepared without onion or garlic, it’s cooked with simple ingredients like potatoes, roasted peanuts for crunch, and sendha namak (rock salt).
Kuttu ke Pakode: The Rainy Day Essential
Rainy weather and pakoras are a classic combination, and you don't have to miss out during Shravan. Kuttu ke Pakode, made from buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), are crispy, delicious, and perfectly suited for fasting. This flour is a popular choice during fasts like Navratri and Shravan and is naturally gluten-free. The batter is typically made by mixing buckwheat flour with boiled and mashed potatoes, green chillies, and rock salt. Some variations use raw, grated potatoes as well. These fritters are then deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. They are best enjoyed hot with a side of vrat-friendly green chutney or plain curd to balance their warming properties.
Sama ki Idli: A Steamed and Healthy Option
For those who prefer a lighter, steamed breakfast, Sama ki Idli is an excellent choice. Made from barnyard millet (sama ke chawal or varai), these idlis are soft, fluffy, and easy to digest. Barnyard millet is a permitted grain during many Hindu fasts. The batter is prepared by soaking and grinding the millet, often with a small amount of sabudana (tapioca pearls) to aid fermentation and improve texture. After fermenting overnight or for several hours, the batter is steamed in idli moulds. Being steamed, these idlis are low in calories and make for a wholesome, guilt-free breakfast. Serve them hot with a simple coconut chutney for a complete and satisfying meal.
Rajgira Paratha: The Wholesome Flatbread
Rajgira, or amaranth flour, is another nutritious, gluten-free flour used widely during fasting periods. Rajgira Parathas are soft, wholesome flatbreads that can be a wonderful addition to your monsoon breakfast menu. The flour has a slightly nutty and earthy flavour. The dough is typically prepared by mixing rajgira flour with boiled and mashed potatoes, which helps in binding and adds softness. Seasoned with rock salt, green chillies, and fresh coriander, these parathas are then rolled out and cooked on a tawa with a bit of ghee until golden-brown spots appear. They pair beautifully with plain yogurt or a simple vrat-friendly potato curry (aloo sabzi).
Vrat-Friendly Aloo Chaat: A Tangy Treat
Who says chaat is off-limits during a fast? This simplified Aloo Chaat is a tangy and spicy delight that can be easily adapted for Shravan. The recipe involves shallow frying or baking boiled potato cubes until they are crisp. These crispy potatoes are then tossed with rock salt, roasted cumin powder, and finely chopped green chillies. A generous squeeze of lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty kick. For extra texture and flavour, you can add roasted peanuts. It’s a quick and flavourful dish that brings the beloved street food experience to your fasting menu, perfect for waking up your taste buds on a grey monsoon morning.
Fruit Chaat: The Simplest and Freshest Choice
When you're short on time or prefer something uncooked, a simple fruit chaat is the perfect solution. During Shravan, consuming fresh fruits is highly encouraged. Create a vibrant and refreshing breakfast by dicing a variety of seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranate seeds, and papaya. To elevate the flavour, you can create a simple dressing of lemon juice and a little honey or powdered sugar. A sprinkle of rock salt and a pinch of black pepper powder can add a delightful contrast of flavours. It’s a naturally sweet, hydrating, and energising way to start your day, packed with vitamins and fibre.
