During the auspicious month of Sawan, many people observe vrat throughout the country. They pray to Lord Shiva for peace, prosperity, and happy lives and follow specific dietary restrictions. But eating can be super interesting and fun even during Sawan, with certain ingredients that are not just versatile but delicious and vrat-friendly.
Makhana, or fox nuts, is a popular ingredient used in Sawan special dishes as it is considered vrat-friendly. From snacks to main courses to dessert, makhana can be used to prepare many dishes. Here are six such dishes that you can cook and enjoy this Sawan with your family.
Roasted Makhana Masala
Recipe - Skinny Recipes
Prepare a crunchy and yummy Makhana Masala by dry roasting makhana in ghee until they become crispy. Toss them with vrat-friendly spices like rock salt or sendha namak, roasted cumin powder, black pepper, and a pinch of red chilli powder for a hint of heat. This healthy, crispy, and filling snack is perfect to munch on during fasting days. You can also add roasted almonds and cashew nuts to add nutritional value to the mix.
Makhana Khichdi
Sawan vrat is an excellent time to enjoy the comforting Makhana Khichdi. It is both healthy and delicious, and it doubles up for lunch and dinner. To make it, in a pressure cooker, sauté cumin seeds, grated ginger, and green chillies in ghee. Add soaked sabudana and roasted makhana along with water and cook until the khichdi reaches a soft and fluffy texture. Season with rock salt and garnish with chopped coriander leaves; your one-pot khichdi is ready!
Makhana Raita
Recipe - Sunita's Kitchen.
Wondering what to serve with your vrat waale kuttu parathe or khichdi? Makhana raita is your quick fix. It also helps you remain cool during Sawan vrat with a refreshing taste. Roast the makhana in ghee until crispy, and crush them into small pieces. Add the crushed makhana to the whisked curd and season with rock salt, roasted cumin powder, and chopped fresh mint leaves. This creamy raita complements any vrat meal, from tikkis to parathas.
Makhane ki Sabji
For a satiating vrat meal, prepare a hearty Makhana Curry. It is tasty, super quick and easy, and goes well with both rice and rotis. Roast the foxnuts in ghee. Prepare a light gravy with tomatoes, ginger, green chillies, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Add a ghee-based jeera tadka, and then, a couple minutes before turning off the flame, add the makhane. Garnish with a pinch of garam masala and dhaniya leaves to get a delicious sabji.
Makhana Kheer
The best dessert option during the Sawan vrat is definitely the creamy Makhana Kheer, which can be made with both sugar and jaggery. In a saucepan, simmer makhana in milk until they become soft and tender. Add powdered jaggery or sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. Flavour the kheer with crushed cardamom and garnish with chopped nuts of your choice. Best served chilled, this kheer can be the perfect end to your Sawan dinner.
Makhana Tikki
Another vrat special dish if you are out of ideas to make breakfast or snacks during Sawan is this tikki. All you have to do is soak the makhane until they become soft. Mash them along with boiled potatoes and finely grated ginger. Add in red chilli powder and cumin powder, and then shape them like balls and flatten them with your palms. Shallow fry in ghee till the tikkis turn golden brown. These tikkis will definitely become a fasting favourite!