The monsoon month of Sawan is filled with many small rituals and festivities which celebrate a whole host of natural elements and offer worship to several gods and goddesses. In some northern parts of India, one such festival celebrated during this period is Teej. The Sawan month witnesses three different Teej festivals including Hariyali Teej, Karjari Teej and Hartalika Teej.
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A festival celebrated by women, Teej involves worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and offering prayers to seek blessings for good health and a happy conjugal home. Often, women come together dressed up in resplendent clothes and jewellery to mark this festival with joyous spirits. Sometimes, Teej also involves performing a day-long fast as a way to abstain from certain food groups and to worship the goddess.
The fast is broken at the end of the day with water and sweet treats that mark the end of this abstinence. A traditional meal filled with tasty dishes follows the close of the fasting period. Read on below for some delicious and nourishing healthy food alternatives to break your fast on Teej:
Ragi And Jaggery Halwa
A nourishing sweet variation to break your fast on teej, ragi or nachni and jaggery mixed with milk and lightly seasoned with cinnamon is a wholesome way to end the day-long fasting period. The halwa can also be made into a denser mix by adding dry fruits that will enhance the flavours of the dish.
Makhana Kheer
Have some healthy makhana kheer after a day of strict fasting. Abstaining from food for an entire day can lower sugar levels and energy which will be restored by eating something that is full of nutrients but also light on the stomach. Makhana kheer full of the nutrients of the lotus seeds, the sweetness of sugar and protein and fat-filled milk is an ideal option to break fast on this day.
Rice Flour Cheela
Light on the stomach and easy to process, a warm and crispy rice flour cheela is a wholesome meal that can prove thoroughly nutritious and fulfilling after a long day that might sap you of all energy. The rice flour cheela made by adding chillies, cumin and coriander to the batter will pump the body up with energy, restore sugar levels and comfort your taste buds!
Soya And Veggie Pulao
If you are in the mood to have a healthy helping of rice, opt for some soya and vegetable pulao made with a blend of whole spices. The aroma of cardamom, star anise, cinnamon, peppers and bay leaf will transport the simple flavours of the dish to a whole new level. Add some steamed veggies like carrots, potatoes, French beans and more for a dose of healthy fibre.
Hara Bhara Kebab
High in protein and fibre, the hara bhara kebab is a tasty and mouthwatering treat to indulge in after a day of fasting. It can be light on the stomach and when shallow-fried also attains a crisp exterior that is utterly tempting. Gorge on this tasty dish with its deep green hues at the end of a long period of abstaining from food.
Paneer Stir-Fry
A day-long fast will mean hunger pangs once the sun sets. However, choosing foods rich in healthy fats and protein will prevent overstuffing because eating excessively after a day of fasting can cause acidity and bloating. A simple paneer stir-fry, mildly seasoned with salt, pepper and a hint of paprika will induce a feeling of being full without leading to overeating.
Dal Rice
As the old adage goes, 'dal-bhat power, 24-hour,' this makes for a nourishing, protein-packed meal which can be had after a long day of abstaining from solid foods. Eat warm dal rice with a side of papad and pickle to break your fast. Avoid adding onions or garlic to the dish if you want to keep to the rules of a Sattvik diet.
Aloo Puri
Fried food might seem an unconventional choice but for those who have the appetite for it, have a plate of aloo subzi and puri to break your Teej fast in a wholesome way. However, be sure to go easy on the puris to avoid overeating! Enjoy with a side of pickle and a light salad that would make for a full, nourishing meal.