The Classic Sabudana Khichdi
No Shravan fast feels complete without Sabudana Khichdi. Made from tapioca pearls, this dish is a fantastic source of carbohydrates that provides instant energy. To keep it light and balanced, the key is in the preparation. Ensure you rinse the sabudana
thoroughly to remove excess starch and soak it in a 1:1 water ratio to get fluffy, non-sticky pearls. Sauté it in ghee with cumin seeds, green chillies, and boiled potato cubes. For added protein and a satisfying crunch, toss in a generous amount of roasted peanuts. A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavours and helps separate the pearls. This dish is a perfect example of how fasting food can be both filling and easy to digest.
Nutrient-Packed Fruit Chaat
For a breakfast that is truly light, hydrating, and requires no cooking, a simple fruit chaat is an excellent choice. Fruits are a staple during fasts as they provide essential nutrients and natural sugars to keep the body hydrated and energized. Combine seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, and pomegranates in a bowl. For a twist, add some chunks of sweet potato or cucumber. Sprinkle with sendha namak (rock salt) and a pinch of black pepper. A handful of nuts like almonds and walnuts can be added for healthy fats and to make the meal more substantial, helping to curb hunger pangs through the morning.
Hearty Kuttu ki Puri with Aloo Sabji
For those mornings when you need a more substantial meal, Kuttu ki Puri with Aloo Sabji is a traditional and deeply satisfying option. Kuttu (buckwheat flour) is a gluten-free grain alternative permitted during Shravan fasting. The dough is typically made by combining kuttu atta with boiled and mashed potatoes, which makes the puris soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Pair these hot puris with a simple and flavourful potato curry, or 'aloo sabji', cooked without onion or garlic and seasoned with cumin, green chillies, and tomatoes. This meal is hearty enough to keep you full for hours while still adhering to all the sattvic principles of the fast.
Warm and Comforting Rajgira Porridge
Rajgira, or amaranth, is a superfood that is rich in protein, calcium, and fibre, making it an ideal ingredient for a healthy fasting breakfast. A warm bowl of Rajgira porridge, or kheer, is both comforting and incredibly nourishing. To prepare it, you can cook amaranth seeds in milk until they soften and the mixture thickens. Sweeten it with jaggery or a little sugar and flavour it with a pinch of cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron. This porridge is not only easy to digest but also provides sustained energy, preventing the mid-morning slump that can sometimes accompany fasting.
Light and Crunchy Makhana
Makhana, or fox nuts, are a versatile fasting food known for being low in calories and rich in nutrients. For a quick and easy breakfast, you can simply roast them in a teaspoon of ghee until they are crisp, and season with a sprinkle of rock salt and black pepper. If you're in the mood for something sweet, Makhana Kheer is a wonderful option. Roasted makhana is simmered in milk until it thickens, creating a creamy and delicious dessert-like breakfast. Whether eaten roasted or as a kheer, makhana provides a feeling of fullness without being heavy, making it perfect for light seasonal eating.
Savory Sweet Potato Tikki
Sweet potatoes are another excellent root vegetable for fasting, providing complex carbohydrates for lasting energy. Instead of the usual boiled sweet potato, try making savory tikkis or cutlets. Mash boiled sweet potatoes and mix them with crushed roasted peanuts, chopped green chillies, and sendha namak. You can use a little bit of rajgira or singhara (water chestnut) flour as a binding agent. Shape the mixture into flat patties and shallow-fry them in ghee until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. These tikkis are flavourful, filling, and offer a welcome savoury alternative to sweeter breakfast options.
