Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a month in the Hindu calendar that is considered auspicious for fasting and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Falling during July and August, the holy month holds a lot of importance for believers. During this time, many people opt for vegetarian or vegan meals and devote their time and energy to Lord Shiva. So, like every Indian festival, diet and food are intrinsic to the celebration of Sawan.
There are many rules that are followed when maintaining the Sawan vrat, and people do it happily out of love and devotion. The entire month of Sawan marks a full and complete vegetarian diet. So, it is important that we have options accordingly. Here are some vegetarian-friendly breakfast options from Indian cuisine that you will love.
Vrat Dosa
Vrat dosa is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is commonly enjoyed during fasting periods, including Sawan. It is made using fasting ingredients such as samak rice (barnyard millet) or amaranth flour. The batter is prepared by grinding the rice or flour and fermenting it overnight with water. The fermented batter is then spread on a hot griddle to create thin, crispy dosas. Vrat dosa is gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients. It is typically served with coconut chutney or aloo sabji.
Kuttu Ka Chilla
Recipe - Khana Khazana with Shikha
Kuttu ka chilla is often enjoyed as a fasting breakfast during Sawan. Kuttu, or buckwheat, is a grain that is commonly consumed during fasting periods due to its high nutritional content. The chilla batter is made by mixing kuttu flour with water and seasoning it with red chilli, cumin, and coriander powder. The batter is then spread on a hot griddle and cooked until it turns golden brown. Kuttu ka chilla is not only delicious but also gluten-free and provides essential nutrients like fibre, minerals, and antioxidants.
Fruit Chaat
Fruit chaat is a refreshing and healthy breakfast dish that is perfect for Sawan vrat. It is a medley of diced seasonal fruits, such as bananas, apples, pomegranates, and grapes. The fruits are mixed and then seasoned with a sprinkle of chaat masala, lemon juice, and a touch of black salt. This combination adds a tangy and spicy flavour to the sweet and juicy fruits. Fruit chaat is not only a delightful and colourful dish that is easy on the stomach but also provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making it a perfect choice for a Sawan-friendly breakfast.
Sabudana Vada
Recipe - NishaMadhulika
Sabudana vada is a popular fasting snack and breakfast option during Sawan. Made from soaked tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes, and spices, it is a crispy tikki dish. The soaked sabudana is mixed with boiled potatoes, crushed peanuts, green chilies, and dhaniya to form a dough. Small portions of the dough are shaped into patties and deep-fried or cooked on the tawa until they turn golden brown. Sabudana vada is enjoyed for its crunchy texture and filling nature. It is often served with dahi or chutney to complement the taste and provide a cooling effect during fasting.
Aloo Poha
This vrat-friendly poha is made using flattened rice, peanuts, and potatoes. The poha is first rinsed to soften it and then sautéed with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Boiled potatoes are added to the mixture along with spices like turmeric and red chilli powder. The dish is cooked until the flavours meld together, resulting in a comforting breakfast that keeps you going for a long time. Aloo poha is light, easy to digest, and provides carbohydrates and essential nutrients to start the day.
Samai Upma
Samai upma is a wholesome and nutritious breakfast dish made with samai, also known as little millet. It is a grain that is commonly consumed during fasting periods. To prepare the upma, the millets are roasted and then cooked with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and vegetables like carrots and peas. The cooked millets are seasoned with spices and garnished with fresh coriander. Samai upma is a filling and satisfying breakfast option and is a quick fix for busy mornings as it is quick and nourishing at the same time.