Ekadashi is a significant day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to fasting and spiritual practices, observed on the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight. This ritualistic fasting, known as Ekadashi Vratham, is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is followed by millions of Hindus worldwide. The lunar month is divided into two phases: Krishna Paksha (waning moon) and Shukla Paksha (waxing moon).
Ekadashi occurs on the eleventh day of both these phases, making it a bi-monthly event. The primary purpose of Ekadashi fasting is to purify the soul, rid oneself of negative influences, and progress towards spiritual enlightenment. Observing this fast involves abstaining from certain foods and focusing on light, easily digestible meals that support meditation and spiritual activities.
So, here’s a guide on what you should eat to stay energised even while the fast is going on. Just a reminder: Keep yourself hydrated enough throughout the day when following an Ekadashi fast.
Food Items To Eat During Ekadashi Fast
Rajgira Paratha
Rajgira Paratha is a healthy, gluten-free flatbread made with amaranth flour and mashed potatoes. Amaranth flour, known as rajgira atta, is a staple during fasting due to its high nutritional value. The addition of mashed potatoes makes the dough easy to roll and gives the parathas a soft texture. These parathas are typically seasoned with cumin powder and green chillies, offering a mild yet flavourful taste. Shallow frying in ghee enhances the paratha's flavour while keeping it light. Rajgira Paratha is best enjoyed with a side of yogurt or pickles, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal during fasting.
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Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a popular fasting dish made with sago pearls, boiled potatoes, and roasted peanuts. This dish is light yet nutritious to add sufficient energy during the fast. The sago pearls are soaked until they become soft and then sautéed with cumin seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves. Boiled potatoes add substance, while roasted peanuts provide a delightful crunch. As an add-on tip, always add a sprinkle of grated coconut, fresh lemon juice, and coriander leaves to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. Sabudana Khichdi is not only easy to digest but also keeps you full and energised throughout the fasting day.
Sama Rice Khichdi
Sama Rice Khichdi, also known as barnyard millet khichdi, is a simple and healthy dish ideal for fasting. Barnyard millet, or sama rice, is a gluten-free grain commonly used during Ekadashi. This khichdi is prepared by cooking the millet with a mix of vegetables like potatoes and carrots, seasoned with cumin seeds, bay leaves, and a hint of garam masala. The addition of roasted peanuts and cashews adds a nutty flavour, while a dash of lemon juice gives it a refreshing tang. Sama Rice Khichdi is a light yet filling meal that is perfect for maintaining energy levels during fasting.
Farali Patties for Vrat
Farali Patties are crisp potato patties stuffed with a sweet-tangy coconut and dry fruit filling, popular during fasting. The outer layer is made of mashed potatoes mixed with arrowroot flour for binding. The filling includes grated coconut, chopped nuts (peanuts, cashews), raisins, and a hint of green chilli paste and lemon juice for flavour. These patties are shallow-fried until golden brown and served with curd or coriander chutney, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavours.
Kuttu Ki Khichdi
Kuttu Ki Khichdi is a wholesome dish made with buckwheat groats, potatoes, and peanuts. Buckwheat, or kuttu, is a nutritious grain often consumed during fasting. This khichdi is cooked by combining buckwheat with sautéed potatoes, seasoned with cumin seeds, green chillies, and a touch of rock salt. The dish is simple to prepare and provides a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins. Buckwheat's unique flavour, combined with the mild spiciness of green chillies and the crunch of peanuts, makes Kuttu Ki Khichdi a delightful and sustaining meal during Ekadashi.
Singhare Ki Poori
Singhare Ki Poori is a delicious, deep-fried bread made from water chestnut flour and mashed potatoes. Water chestnut flour, known as singhare ka atta, is a common ingredient used during fasting. The dough is prepared by mixing the flour with mashed potatoes, rock salt, and a few spices then rolled into small discs and fried until golden brown. These pooris have a slight earthy flavour from the water chestnut flour and a soft texture from the potatoes. Singhare Ki Poori is usually served with a side of yogurt or potato curry, making it a flavourful and satisfying dish for fasting days.
Lauki Halwa
Lauki Halwa is a sweet dessert made with bottle gourd, milk, ghee, and sugar, flavoured with cardamom and nuts. Bottle gourd, or lauki, is grated and cooked in milk until soft, then combined with ghee and sugar to create a rich, creamy halwa. The addition of cardamom powder enhances the flavour, while chopped nuts like almonds and cashews add a delightful crunch. Lauki Halwa is a nutritious and delicious treat that can be enjoyed as a sweet ending to a fasting meal. Its light texture and subtle sweetness make it a perfect dessert for Ekadashi.
Aloo Tamatar Curry
Aloo Tamatar Curry is a simple yet flavourful curry made with potatoes and tomatoes, cooked without onion and garlic. This curry is seasoned with cumin seeds, green chillies, and a pinch of rock salt, making it suitable for fasting. The potatoes are cooked until tender, and the tomatoes add a tangy flavour to the dish. Aloo Tamatar Curry is light, easy to digest, and pairs well with various fasting breads like rajgira paratha or singhare ki poori. This curry is a comforting and nourishing option for those observing Ekadashi.
Ekadashi fasting is a spiritual practice that involves abstaining from certain foods and focusing on light, easily digestible meals. The dishes listed above, including Rajgira Paratha, Sabudana Khichdi, Sama Rice Khichdi, Kuttu Ki Khichdi, Singhare Ki Poori, Lauki Halwa, and Aloo Tamatar Curry, provide a variety of nutritious and delicious options to sustain energy levels and support spiritual activities during the fast. These meals not only adhere to the dietary restrictions of Ekadashi but also offer delightful flavours and textures, making the fasting experience more enjoyable.