Fasting, or vrat, is an important part of many religions around the world, including Hinduism. Hindus often fast on specific days or during certain times of year for spiritual reasons. Some common occasions when Hindus fast Navratri and Mahashivaratri, Ekadashi, some Hindus observe a fast on a specific day of the week, for example on Mondays for Lord Shiva or Thursdays for Lord Vishnu.
Fasting is seen to cleanse the body and focus the mind on God during holy days. In essence, fasting reminds Hindus to prioritize their spiritual life. It cleanses mind and body and brings them closer to the gods. The fasting rituals unite Hindus across the many regions, languages and customs of India.
Here are 7 delicious no-salt recipes while fasting for Mahashivratri this year
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a tasty and good choice if you want something easy while fasting. Pick your favourite fruits - bananas, apples, pomegranates, papayas. Chop them up and put in a bowl. You can add honey or lemon juice to make it taste even better! This is a great way to keep your energy up when fasting. Sweet fruits give you natural sugar. The different colours and flavours make every bite delicious. Fruit salad is fun to make and fun to eat. Try some today!
Image credit: Freepik
Sweet Potato Chaat
Sweet potatoes are tasty and good for you. They give you energy from carbs. You can eat them while fasting. Make a yummy snack with sweet potatoes. First, boil the sweet potatoes. Let them cool off. Chop it into little cubes. Add lemon juice. It makes them taste fresh. Add black pepper. It gives a little kick. Mix it all up in a bowl. Munch on this healthy treat. It's so easy to make. Sweet potato chaat fills you up. It's delicious and good for your body.
Samak Kheer
Vratwali Samak kheer is a lip-smacking recipe. This creamy pudding uses samak rice instead of regular rice. Samak rice is light and easy to digest. The kheer comes together quickly by cooking the rice with milk, sugar, and spices. Then it's finished with crunchy nuts and raisins. The end result is a comforting, nourishing dessert. It gives you energy and keeps you full. Enjoy it hot or chilled.
Image credit: Freepik
Singhare Atte Ka Halwa
Make yummy Singhare Atte ka Halwa with a few simple steps. Take Singhare ka atta, sugar, water, ghee, cardamom powder and almonds. First, melt ghee in a pan. Add atta and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. In another pan, boil water and sugar together. When sugar melts, add this syrup to the atta. Also add cardamom powder and mix well. Cook for 5-7 minutes till ghee starts pooling at the edges. Garnish with almonds. Your delicious vrat halwa is ready to serve hot! Enjoy this easy and tasty sweet dish.
Kuttu Dahi Bhalla
Making Kuttu Dahi Bhalla is simple and delicious! First, mix together Kuttu flour, mashed potato, green chili, and cilantro. Roll into little balls and fry until cooked through. Let cool in water, then drain. In a bowl, whisk yogurt with sugar, black pepper, and roasted cumin. Place the fried dumplings in a dish and cover with the sweet yogurt sauce. Top with pomegranate seeds and cilantro. Chill and serve this refreshing treat!
Image credit: Freepik
Beetroot Salad
Let's make a tasty beet salad! First, chop 4 medium beets into cubes and boil them until just tender. Drain and let cool. Now add the beets to a bowl along with some cream, chopped almonds, mustard, and mint leaves. Sprinkle in a little pepper too. Mix it all up good. Top with parsley. You've got a delicious beet salad that's super easy to make! The mint, mustard, and almonds add nice flavour. Enjoy this salad cold - it's perfect for a hot summer day.
Also read: Fasting? Try These Refreshing Smoothies
Lauki Raita
Turn a simple yogurt into something special in just minutes! All it takes is a few simple ingredients. Grate some fresh bottle gourd and boil until tender. Drain well and mix into a bowl of whisked yogurt along with chopped green chilies, and a dash of red chili powder for a kick. Top it all off with roasted cumin seeds and fresh cilantro.
Image credit: Freepik
The sweetness of the bottle gourd balances the tangy yogurt perfectly. The spices and herbs add tons of flavour. This easy raita is a breeze to whip up and is the perfect to eat for any fast!