Sawan, also known as Shravana, is a sacred month in the Hindu religion that usually falls in July and August. This month is devoted to the worshipping of lord Shiva by various individuals. It's not that the whole of India is invested in practising this holy month, but there is a huge mass that truly worships lord shiva while maintaining all the rituals that have been going on for ages now. One of the basic rituals is fasting and abstaining from various kinds of food products. Thus, the idea of vrat-friendly or fasting-friendly dishes will keep you satiated and healthy.
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There are certain recipes that adhere to the dietary restrictions associated with the fast while providing essential nutrients to sustain energy levels. Vrat-friendly dishes are typically prepared using ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and certain grains while avoiding items like grains, beans, and non-vegetarian foods. Here are six easy-to-make and delicious dishes that you can enjoy while maintaining your fast.
Sabudana Khichdi
This dish is made from soaked tapioca pearls or sabudana, cooked with peanuts, boiled potatoes, and a hint of cumin seeds. The flavours are subtle and comforting, with a nutty crunch from the peanuts and a mild spiciness from the green chillies. Garnished with fresh coriander leaves and a splash of lemon juice, sabudana khichdi is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients and energy, making it perfect for fasting during holy months.
Kuttu Paratha
Kuttu paratha, made from buckwheat flour or “kuttu”, is a popular vrat-friendly dish enjoyed during Sawan, a Hindu fasting period. This paratha is seasoned with rock salt or sendha namak and flavoured with mild spices like cumin and green chillies, which enhance its earthy taste. Typically cooked in ghee, it has a crispy texture and is often served with yoghurt or simple potato curry, making it a delicious and satisfying meal during fasting.
Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita is a refreshing and vrat-friendly dish perfect for Sawan, providing a cool and soothing contrast to the traditional spices often used in fasting foods. Made with fresh yoghurt, grated cucumber, and a touch of rock salt, it offers a creamy texture and hydrating relief during fasting days. This simple dish not only aids digestion but also complements various Sawan-special meals with its light and invigorating taste.
Aloo Jeera
Aloo jeera is a delicious vrat-friendly dish perfect for Sawan, made with boiled potatoes and cumin seeds. This simple yet flavorful dish features ingredients like ghee, cumin, green chillies, rock salt, and coriander. The cumin seeds add an aromatic touch, while green chillies offer a hint of spice, and coriander leaves provide freshness. Easy to prepare, aloo jeera is both comforting and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for those observing vrat during Sawan.
Sitaphal Basundi
Made from ripe sitaphal or custard apple and simmered with full cream milk, it features a creamy, rich texture with a unique sweetness from the fruit. Essential ingredients include milk, sitaphal pulp, sugar, and cardamom for an aromatic flavour. Garnishing with chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch. This dessert combines the fruity essence of sitaphal with the smoothness of milk, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for religious fasting periods.
Sabudana Tikki
Made primarily from sabudana , the dish features a delightful blend of ingredients. Soaked sabudana is mixed with mashed potatoes, peanuts, and a variety of spices like cumin and black pepper. The tikki is flavoured with fresh coriander and green chillies, offering a harmonious balance of textures—crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. It's seasoned with salt and sometimes a hint of lemon juice, making it a delicious and satisfying treat for those observing fasting.