In Hindu culture, fasting is a spiritual discipline in which people refrain from eating particular foods or meals as a sign of penance or devotion. Foods like grains, beans, meat, and onions should be avoided during a fast; however, certain vegetables, including potatoes, fruits, nuts, and dairy products, are permitted.
Due to their neutral taste and ease of digestion, potatoes are a common food option while fasting. They are adaptable and may be used to make a variety of foods, including boiled potato chaat, mashed potatoes seasoned with herbs and rock salt, curries made without onions or garlic, and snacks made from potatoes that are appropriate for meals during fasting.
Here is a list of potato-based dishes to have while fasting:
1. Aloo Tikki:
For the fasting periods, you can have aloo tikki with the permitted items for fasting like potato, arrowroot flour instead of the ordinary flour, sendha namak (rock salt) and add cumin and black pepper. You can make a batter by combining the ingredients and then forming patties which are shallow or deep-fried until they become golden brown. Aloo, in particular, is a vital diet for fasting because it is a traditional appetiser that can satisfy your food cravings without violating dietary restrictions.
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2. Aloo Chips:
Thinly cut potatoes should be soaked in water to remove extra starch. To start, dry the sliced potatoes simply with a paper towel and fry until crispy. For additional flavour and taste, add black pepper, cumin powder, and Himalayan pink salt. These aloo chips are great for snacking during the fasting period, and they can also be added as a side dish to sabudana khichadi to make a fulfilling meal.
3. Aloo Ka Pakoda:
One can prepare these for fasting days by mixing boiling and mashed potatoes with just rock salt, buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta) or plantain flour, green chillies, coriander leaves, and a little amount of cumin seeds. Prepare small balls from the mixture and deep fry them until golden brown. They are among the foods that can be consumed despite the dietary restrictions of fasting days, and they are snacks that can be very filling at the same time.
4. Jeera Aloo:
Jeera aloo is a speciality that is frequently prepared any day when fasting. To cook it, add cubed boiled potatoes, crushed rock/sendha namak, chopped green chillies and jeera tempered in oil or ghee in a pan. Saute the potatoes on medium heat until golden brown. Top with some chopped coriander and serve. The ingredients that are used in this dish are all acceptable for fasting and do not violate any fasting rules. So, one can easily have it without any hesitation.
5. Dahi Aloo:
The dahi aloo is an easy-to-cook yet delicious dish that is mostly prepared during the Hindu festive season or on fasting days. You need to boil peeled and chopped potatoes until soft before cooking. Take chopped cilantro, green chillies, and black salt separately in the bowl and mix them up with yoghurt. Stir evenly once the boiling potatoes are added to the yoghurt mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve chilled. This dish is a go-to for people while fasting, as it provides them with the necessary protein (from yoghurt) and carbs (from potatoes) that keep them feeling full and well-energised.
6. Aloo Chaat:
To make aloo chaat while observing a fast, boil the potatoes and cut them into cubes before preparation. Now, to add the flavours, bring along green chillies, black pepper, roasted cumin powder, and natural rock salt. Alternatively, you may add a spoonful of ghee and a squeeze of lemon juice to your taste, and optionally, you may use fresh cilantro. Aloo chaat is a perfect food while fasting because it is both tasty and fulfilling at the same time.
7. Aloo Halwa:
In India, aloo halwa is a popular meal made on fasting days. To make it, boil, mash, and simmer potatoes until thick and aromatic, adding ghee, sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped almonds. Aloo halwa is important during fasting since it offers nutrition and energy without going against the rules. It's a tasty and fulfilling delicacy that can be had as a special dish during fasting periods or during religious observances.