Sabudana Khichdi
A quintessential fasting favourite, Sabudana Khichdi is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. These soft, chewy tapioca pearls are not grains, making them an ideal choice for a Sawan fast. The dish is typically prepared by tossing soaked sabudana
with boiled potatoes, roasted peanuts, and a simple tempering of cumin seeds and green chillies in ghee. A generous squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavours. Peanuts add a lovely crunch and a dose of protein, ensuring you feel full and energised for hours. The key is to soak the sabudana well to ensure each pearl is fluffy and separate. It's a light yet substantial meal that perfectly embodies the spirit of sattvic (pure) eating.
Kuttu ki Puri with Dahi Aloo
When regular wheat flour is off the menu, buckwheat flour, or 'kuttu ka atta', comes to the rescue. These deep-fried puris have a distinct nutty flavour and a delightfully crisp texture. The dough is often prepared by combining the flour with mashed boiled potatoes, which acts as a binding agent since kuttu is gluten-free, along with sendha namak (rock salt) and black pepper. These puris are popularly paired with a simple and cooling potato curry made with yoghurt (dahi). The Dahi Aloo sabzi avoids onion, garlic, and regular salt, using rock salt and minimal spices like cumin for a creamy and tangy accompaniment that balances the richness of the puris perfectly.
Sama ke Chawal ka Pulao
For those who miss rice during their fast, Sama ke Chawal, also known as barnyard millet, is an excellent substitute. These tiny grains cook up into a light, fluffy pulao that is both easy to digest and very filling. To prepare it, the soaked millet is cooked with fasting-approved vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and tempered with ghee, cumin seeds, green chillies, and sometimes whole spices like cloves and cardamom. Roasted peanuts and cashews can be added for extra texture and nutrition. This one-pot meal is a wholesome and flavourful way to start your day, providing sustained energy without feeling heavy.
Singhare ke Atte ka Halwa
A breakfast list is incomplete without a sweet option, and Singhare ke Atte ka Halwa fits the bill perfectly. Made from water chestnut flour, this halwa is a traditional sweet prepared during fasting periods. The brownish flour is roasted in ghee until it releases a fragrant aroma, then cooked with sugar and water or milk until it reaches a dense, crumbly consistency. Garnished with toasted nuts like almonds, this halwa is not just delicious but also energy-dense, making it a great option for a quick boost. It's a simple, heartwarming dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Fresh Fruit Chaat
The simplest and freshest breakfast you can have during your Sawan fast is a vibrant Fruit Chaat. This requires no cooking and is packed with essential vitamins and fibre to keep you hydrated and energetic. You can use a mix of seasonal fruits like bananas, apples, and pomegranates. A simple dressing of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sendha namak (rock salt) and powdered black pepper is all you need to elevate the flavours. Some people also add chopped dates or nuts for extra energy and crunch. It's a light, refreshing, and naturally sweet start to a day of devotion.
