Kuttu ka Cheela (Buckwheat Pancake)
A fantastic gluten-free option, Kuttu ka Cheela is a savoury pancake that is both light and filling. Buckwheat flour is a powerhouse of nutrients and is a staple during fasting periods like Navratri. The batter is simple to prepare, usually combining
kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour), grated or mashed boiled potatoes for binding, sendha namak (rock salt), and spices like green chillies and cumin seeds. Some variations also include grated vegetables like carrots or bottle gourd for extra nutrition. Cooked on a tawa with a little ghee until golden and crisp, these cheelas pair beautifully with a simple vrat-friendly chutney made from mint and coriander. They are quick to make, ensuring you have more time for prayers and rituals.
Samak Dosa (Barnyard Millet Crepe)
For those who love South Indian cuisine, the Samak Dosa is a perfect vrat-friendly alternative. Made from samak ke chawal (barnyard millet), this instant dosa is crispy, light, and delicious. The millet is often ground into a flour, sometimes mixed with a little sabudana (tapioca pearls) for crispness, and made into a thin batter with water and sendha namak. The batter requires no fermentation, making it an incredibly quick breakfast option. These dosas are cooked on a hot pan until they resemble a classic thin and crispy crepe. Serve them hot with a side of vrat wale aloo or a simple coconut chutney for a satisfying and wholesome start to your day.
Vrat Wale Aloo (Fasting Potatoes)
A classic comfort food, Vrat Wale Aloo is a simple yet flavourful potato curry that is a staple in many households during fasting. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Boiled potatoes are crumbled by hand and sautéed in ghee with cumin seeds, chopped ginger, and green chillies. A light gravy is prepared using pureed tomatoes, seasoned with sendha namak and black pepper. The curry is simmered until the potatoes absorb the flavours and the gravy thickens slightly. It can be enjoyed on its own for a light breakfast or paired with Kuttu ki Puri or Rajgira Paratha for a more substantial meal.
Shakarkandi ki Chaat (Sweet Potato Chaat)
For a breakfast that is sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once, Shakarkandi ki Chaat is an excellent choice. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of energy and nutrients, making them ideal for fasting days. To prepare this chaat, sweet potatoes are boiled or roasted, peeled, and cut into cubes. They are then tossed with ingredients like sendha namak, roasted cumin powder, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. For a more elaborate version, you can add a drizzle of whisked curd, tamarind chutney, and a garnish of fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds. This chaat is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing and easy to assemble.
Makhana Kheer or Roasted Makhana
Makhana, or fox nuts, are incredibly versatile and a popular vrat ingredient. For a sweet and comforting start to the day, Makhana Kheer is an ideal choice. Makhana is lightly roasted in ghee until crisp, then simmered in milk until it softens. The kheer is sweetened with sugar or jaggery and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. If you prefer something savoury and quick, simply roast the makhana in a little ghee and toss with sendha namak and black pepper. This crunchy snack is light, healthy, and provides sustained energy, making it perfect for a fasting morning.
