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Sawan also known as Shravan, is the fifth month of the Hindu calender and holds a great religious significance. This year, Sawan will start on 4th July 2023 and will end on 31st August 2023. During this auspicious month, devotees flock to Shiva temples across the country and offer special prayers to the deity. It's believed that Sawan is a sacred month dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva for success, marriage, and wealth. Devotees also observe fast on Mondays of the month and worship Lord Shiva.
In many Hindu households, sawan calls for a strict diet consisting of specific ingredients. And those who fast are supposed to pay special attention to their diet. They are certain foods that one must consume and certain foods that should be avoided. Since Sawan is here, here are 6 essential ingredients that must be a part of your kitchen. From main course dishes to snacks to desserts, these ingredients will be used everywhere. And these items will keep providing the right nutrients to your body. Have a look:
Video credits: Cooking With Shalini/Youtube
Sabudana
Especially during Navratri and sawan, sabudana remains to be an essential part of the diet. This high-protein food is extracted from the starch of tapioca plants and contains several essential nutrients. It is considered a great energy booster and also has a cooling effect. It helps in better digestion and prevents issues like bloating, and constipation especially during the fasts.
Kuttu Ka Aata
Known for its high nutritional value, buckwheat flour or kuttu ka aata is warm in nature and provides the right energy and nutrition to the body. Kuttu ka aata is a must have during sawan as it keeps the immunity strong and helps the body in battling the seasonal infections and diseases.
Curd
Curd not just tastes good but is extremely beneficial for the gut health. Besides, they can strengthen their immunity and can combat diseases especially during monsoon. During sawan fasts, the stomach remains empty for a long time. Curd helps in providing the right nutrients to the body while maintaining energy levels.
Fruits
Fruits are the utmost saviour during fasts. They are the powerhouse of vitamins and minerals and can keep the body refreshed and hydrated. Right from having them raw to making a juice out of them, you can fruit in any form during sawan fasts. You know what’s the best way? Chop different fruits like mangoes, apples, kiwi, berries and make an amazing fruit salad.
Potatoes
Indian cooking is literally incomplete without potatoes, isn’t it? Right from their filling properties to versatility, potatoes make up for an essential kitchen ingredient especially during the sawan fasts. From simple fried potatoes to scrumptious aloo ka halwa, you can make potatoes in multiple ways. It can efficiently satisfy your hunger and keep your body’s energy levels intact.
Nuts and Dry Fruits
If you want to have vrat-friendly snack for sawan fasts, dry fruits and nuts should be your first choice. Dry fruits contain healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals and can-do wonders for the body. Apart from eating them raw, you can have dry fruits as an ingredient in other meals and desserts too. What say?
So, stock up your kitchen with these essential ingredients!
