The Classic Sabudana Khichdi
A staple in every household during fasting season, Sabudana Khichdi is the ultimate comfort food. These soft, pearly tapioca balls are tossed with boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, and mild spices like cumin and green chillies, making for a dish that
is both light and incredibly filling. Sabudana is a great source of carbohydrates, providing an instant energy boost to start your day right. The key to a perfect, non-sticky khichdi is to soak the sabudana well overnight. Cooked in ghee and seasoned with sendha namak (rock salt), this dish is not only delicious but also perfectly aligned with the sattvic principles of Sawan fasting.
Energising Kuttu Ka Cheela
If you're looking for a savoury pancake-style breakfast, a cheela made from Kuttu ka Atta (buckwheat flour) is an excellent choice. Buckwheat is a gluten-free flour permitted during fasts and is packed with nutrients. To make the batter, simply mix the kuttu flour with water, sendha namak, black pepper, and finely chopped green chillies. Some variations include adding grated potato or arbi to the batter for a softer texture. Cook the cheelas on a hot tawa with a bit of ghee until they are crisp and golden-brown. They pair wonderfully with a side of plain curd or a simple vrat-friendly peanut chutney. It's a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal for a busy morning.
Wholesome Samak Rice Pulao
Often called 'vrat ke chawal', Samak Rice (barnyard millet) is a fantastic substitute for regular rice during fasts. A simple pulao made from this millet is light on the stomach yet hearty enough to keep hunger at bay. To prepare it, sauté cumin seeds, chopped ginger, and green chillies in ghee. Add boiled potatoes and soaked Samak rice, then cook with water and sendha namak until the grains are soft and fluffy. You can also add roasted peanuts for extra crunch and protein. This one-pot meal is easy to digest and provides sustained energy, making it a perfect morning option during Shravan.
Sweet & Simple Makhana Kheer
For those who prefer a sweet start to their day, Makhana Kheer is a delightful and healthy option. Makhana, or fox nuts, are low in calories and rich in calcium. This kheer is made by roasting the makhana in ghee until they are crisp, then simmering them in milk until it thickens. The dish is gently sweetened with sugar or jaggery and flavoured with cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron. You can garnish it with slivered almonds and pistachios for added richness. It’s a creamy, comforting bowl that feels indulgent while still adhering to fasting rules.
Refreshing Fruit Chaat
Perhaps the simplest and most refreshing breakfast of all is a vibrant Fruit Chaat. During Sawan, you can consume all seasonal fruits. Create a colourful bowl with chopped apples, bananas, pomegranates, and any other vrat-approved fruits you enjoy. To turn it into a chaat, sprinkle a pinch of sendha namak, roasted cumin powder, and black pepper powder. A squeeze of lemon juice brings all the flavours together. This breakfast requires no cooking and is packed with essential vitamins, fibre, and natural sugars to keep you hydrated and energetic throughout the day. For an extra protein boost, you can add a dollop of fresh, homemade curd.
