Sabudana Khichdi
Arguably the most iconic fasting dish in India, Sabudana Khichdi is both comforting and energising. Made from soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana), it is a light meal that keeps you full for hours. The pearls are sautéed in ghee with cumin seeds, green chillies,
boiled potatoes, and a generous amount of roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch. A final squeeze of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh coriander brighten up the flavours, making it a perfect meal for any time of the day during your vrat.
Kuttu Ki Puri with Vrat Wale Aloo
This combination is a festive treat that turns any fasting day into a feast. Kuttu ki puri is a deep-fried bread made from buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), which is gluten-free and a staple during religious fasts. These crispy, dark-hued puris are often made by combining the flour with boiled and mashed potatoes to create a soft dough. They pair perfectly with Vrat Wale Aloo, a simple yet flavourful potato curry made without onions or garlic, using tomatoes, ginger, green chillies, and rock salt (sendha namak) for seasoning.
Samak Ke Chawal Ki Khichdi
When regular rice is off the menu, barnyard millet, known as 'samak ke chawal' or 'vrat ke chawal', comes to the rescue. It's not a grain but a seed, making it a popular choice for fasting. This khichdi is a wholesome and easy-to-digest dish. The millet is cooked with ghee, cumin seeds, green chillies, and chunks of potato until soft and porridge-like. Peanuts can also be added for extra texture and protein. It’s a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a Sawan lunch.
Makhane Ki Kheer
No meal is complete without a dessert, and Makhane Ki Kheer is a divine and healthy option for Sawan. Makhana, or fox nuts, are roasted in ghee until crisp, then simmered in milk until it thickens into a creamy pudding. Sweetened with sugar or jaggery and flavoured with cardamom and saffron, this kheer is rich in calcium and nutrients. Garnished with sliced almonds and pistachios, it’s a comforting sweet dish that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making your fast feel indulgent.
Singhare Atte Ka Halwa
Another delightful sweet treat for fasting days is Singhare Atte Ka Halwa. Made from water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), this dish has a rich, dense texture and a unique, nutty flavour. The flour is roasted in ghee until it turns aromatic and darkens in colour. Then, sugar and water are added, and the mixture is cooked until it thickens into a glossy halwa. It is often garnished with chopped nuts, providing a boost of energy and satisfying your sweet cravings.
Lauki Ki Sabzi
During fasts, it is important to eat dishes that are light and hydrating, and Lauki Ki Sabzi fits the bill perfectly. Bottle gourd (lauki) is a cooling vegetable that is permitted during most vrats. This simple curry is prepared without the usual onion, garlic, or heavy spices. It is typically cooked in ghee with just cumin seeds, green chillies, and tomatoes, seasoned with rock salt. The result is a mild, soupy, and incredibly soothing dish that pairs well with kuttu ki puri or rajgira paratha.
Refreshing Fruit Chaat
The simplest and perhaps healthiest dish on any fasting menu is a fresh fruit chaat. It’s a vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, papaya, and pomegranate seeds. The fruits are chopped and tossed together with a sprinkle of rock salt and roasted cumin powder, which enhances their natural sweetness. A dash of lemon juice adds a tangy kick, making it a refreshing snack or a light meal that provides essential vitamins, hydration, and natural energy to get you through the day.
