1. Kuttu Ka Cheela (Buckwheat Pancake)
A perfect savoury start to your day, Kuttu ka Cheela is a crisp and nutritious pancake made from buckwheat flour. Unlike deep-fried puris, these cheelas are pan-cooked, making them a lighter yet fulfilling option. The batter is simple, typically combining
kuttu ka atta with water, sendha namak (rock salt), and spices like green chillies and ginger. Often, grated potato or other vrat-friendly vegetables are added to the batter for extra texture and flavour. Served hot with a side of plain curd or a simple fasting chutney, these pancakes offer a welcome change in texture and taste, providing sustained energy for the day ahead.
2. Samak Dhokla (Barnyard Millet Steamed Cake)
For those who love soft and spongy textures, Vrat ka Dhokla is a brilliant choice. Made primarily from samak ke chawal (barnyard millet), this dish is light, easy to digest, and entirely gluten-free. The process involves making a batter from ground samak rice, often mixed with a little sabudana powder, sour curd, and rock salt. This batter is then left to rest or ferment slightly before being steamed to fluffy perfection. A simple tempering of ghee, cumin seeds, and curry leaves poured over the top elevates the flavour. It's a wholesome and flavourful breakfast that feels both traditional and refreshingly different.
3. Shakarkandi Chaat (Sweet Potato Chaat)
If you crave something tangy and chatpata in the morning, look no further than Shakarkandi Chaat. Sweet potatoes are a fasting staple, packed with energy and fiber. This simple chaat involves boiling or roasting sweet potatoes until tender, chopping them into cubes, and then tossing them with spices. A classic preparation includes a sprinkle of black pepper, roasted cumin powder, sendha namak, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add pomegranate seeds for a sweet crunch and fresh coriander for aroma. It’s a quick, no-fuss breakfast that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying.
4. Rajgira Paratha (Amaranth Flatbread)
Hearty, wholesome, and completely grain-free, Rajgira Paratha is an excellent way to have a filling breakfast. Amaranth flour (rajgira atta) is naturally gluten-free and a powerhouse of nutrients. To make these parathas, the flour is typically mixed with boiled and mashed potatoes, which act as a binding agent, along with green chillies, coriander, and rock salt to form a soft dough. The dough is then rolled out and cooked on a hot tawa with a little ghee until golden and slightly crisp. These flatbreads are soft, delicious, and pair wonderfully with a simple lauki sabzi or a bowl of fresh curd.
5. Makhana Kheer (Fox Nut Pudding)
For those who prefer a sweet start to their fasting day, Makhana Kheer is a comforting and creamy option. Phool Makhana, or fox nuts, are light, crunchy, and a popular fasting ingredient. To make the kheer, makhana are lightly roasted in ghee until crisp, then simmered in milk until it thickens. Some of the makhana can be coarsely ground to help thicken the kheer faster. Sweetened with sugar or jaggery and flavoured with cardamom and saffron, this pudding is garnished with chopped nuts like almonds and cashews. It can be served warm or chilled, making it a versatile and delicious breakfast treat.
