Sabudana Khichdi
A quintessential fasting food across India, Sabudana Khichdi is a beloved choice for a reason. These soft, chewy tapioca pearls are a fantastic source of carbohydrates, offering a quick and sustained energy release. The preparation is simple but requires
a little planning, as the sabudana needs to be soaked for a few hours or overnight to ensure a fluffy, non-sticky texture. The dish is typically prepared by sautéing the soaked pearls with boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, green chillies, and cumin seeds in ghee. Peanuts add a delightful crunch and a dose of protein, while a final squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavours. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that keeps you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
Kuttu Ka Cheela
For those who prefer a savoury, pancake-style breakfast, Kuttu ka Cheela is an excellent option. Made from buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), this dish is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Buckwheat is technically a fruit seed, making it an acceptable grain alternative during most fasts. The batter is prepared by mixing the flour with water, sendha namak (rock salt), and spices like green chillies and cumin. Many recipes incorporate grated vegetables like bottle gourd (lauki) or boiled and mashed potatoes into the batter, which adds softness and nutrition. Cooked on a tawa with a little ghee until golden and crisp, these cheelas are light on the stomach yet incredibly filling. They pair beautifully with a simple vrat-friendly coriander or coconut chutney.
Makhana Kheer
If you have a sweet tooth, starting your fast with Makhana Kheer can be a comforting and nourishing experience. Makhana, or fox nuts, are light, airy, and low in calories but rich in essential minerals. This makes them a perfect ingredient for a healthy fasting dessert. To prepare the kheer, makhana are first lightly roasted in ghee until they become crisp. They are then simmered in milk, which is thickened and sweetened with sugar. The kheer is often flavoured with cardamom powder and saffron and garnished with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. This creamy pudding is not only delicious but also provides a good amount of calcium and protein from the milk and nuts, making it a wholesome start to the day.
Vratwale Aloo Jeera
Potatoes are a staple during fasting, and this simple Vratwale Aloo Jeera dish is one of the easiest and quickest to prepare. It’s a dry preparation that is both flavourful and satisfying. The recipe involves boiling potatoes, cubing them, and then sautéing them in a pan with ghee, cumin seeds (jeera), and chopped green chillies. Seasoned only with sendha namak and perhaps a pinch of black pepper, the dish allows the earthy flavour of the potatoes and the aroma of cumin to shine through. For a bit of tang, some people add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of amchoor (dry mango powder) at the end. Often served with a side of plain curd, this humble dish provides the carbohydrates needed for energy and is incredibly easy to digest.
Singhare Atte Ka Halwa
Another wonderful sweet option is Singhare Atte ka Halwa, made from water chestnut flour. This flour is a dense source of carbohydrates and energy, making it ideal for fasting. The preparation is similar to other grain-based halwas. The singhara atta is first roasted in a generous amount of ghee until it turns aromatic and darkens in colour. Then, a syrup of sugar and water (or milk) is added, and the mixture is cooked until it thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Enriched with nuts and flavoured with cardamom, this halwa is rich, decadent, and incredibly satiating. A small portion in the morning can easily provide enough energy to last until your next meal, making your fasting journey a little sweeter and a lot more manageable.
