Shardiya Navratri is just a few days away and people are all set to welcome Goddess Durga with great pomp and fervour. During the complete nine days, devotees observe fast and refrain from eating certain food items like onion, garlic, table salt, etc. One of the most consumed ingredients during Navratri fasts is Shakarkandi also known as sweet potatoes. Over the years, the tradition of consuming shakarkandi during Navratri fasts has been passed down through generations, making it a common and well-accepted practice.
Shakarkandi or sweet potatoes are a nutritious and energy-rich food source. They are a good source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, especially vitamin A and vitamin C, and minerals like potassium and iron. Consuming sweet potatoes during fasting provides sustained energy and essential nutrients. Best part? Sweet potatoes are easy to digest, making them a suitable choice for those observing fasts during Navratri. They are gentle on the stomach and do not cause discomfort.
Shakarkandi can be prepared in various ways, making them a versatile ingredient for fasting recipes. They can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or used in dishes like chaat, tikkas, and sabudana khichdi. This versatility allows for a variety of dishes to be prepared during Navratri while adhering to fasting guidelines. So, here are 6 vrat-friendly snacks that you can make with shakarkandi or sweet potatoes. Have a look!
Shakarkandi Chaat
Shakarkandi chaat is as delicious as the regular potato chaat. To make this chaat, boil or roast sweet potatoes until they are tender. Then, dice them into bite-sized pieces and toss them with roasted cumin powder, rock salt, chopped green chilies, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Serve with a garnish of coriander and enjoy.
Shakarkandi Fries
Do you want a healthier version of regular potato fries? If yes, get your hands on easy and tasty shakarkandi fries. To make them at home, cut sweet potatoes into thin strips or wedges. Now, toss them in a mixture of spices like black pepper and rock salt. Bake or shallow fry the sweet potato fries until they are crispy and golden brown.
Shakarkandi Tikki
Shakarkandi tikki could be the perfect vrat-friendly snack you were looking for. Best part? It is too easy to make. Just boil and mash sweet potatoes. Then, mix in finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, roasted cumin powder, and rock salt. Make small patties or tikkis and shallow fry them until they are cooked.
Shakarkandi Kebabs
Yes, you can have kebabs in Navratri too. The only difference will be that these kebabs will be healthier, thanks to being made with shakarkandi or sweet potatoes. To make these vrat-friendly kebabs, boil and mash sweet potatoes. Add roasted and ground peanuts, grated coconut, chopped cilantro, and vrat-approved spices. Now, shape the mixture into kebabs and cook them on a griddle or in the oven until they are lightly browned and firm.
Shakarkandi Sabudana Khichdi
Both sabudana and shakarkandi are considered ideal for consumption during Navratri fasts. Why don’t you combine them together? To make this shakarkandi-sabudana khichdi, mix soaked and drained sabudana with boiled and diced sweet potatoes. Then, heat ghee or oil in a pan, and add cumin seeds, green chilies, and roasted peanuts. Add the sabudana and sweet potato mixture and cook.
Shakarkandi Chips
This Navratri, get over banana chips and potato chips and try crispy shakarkandi chips. To make these chips, slice sweet potatoes and toss the slices in spices black pepper, and rock salt. Deep-fry or bake the sweet potato slices until they become crispy and golden brown.