Sawan 2024: Low Oil Dinner Picks For Devotees Fasting On Mondays

The month of Sawan or the fifth month on the Hindu calendar is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrates the arrival of the South-West monsoon. Usually, this auspicious time begins in late July and continues till the end of August. Many people give up meat and eggs and even refrain from haircuts and beard trimming unless absolutely necessary. 

Tamilians call it Aadi, Bengalis refer to it as Srabon, and Nepalis call it Sravana. During Sawan or Shravan, many Hindus observe fasts on Mondays (typically for 4-5 Mondays). Some also fast on Tuesdays which is referred to as Mangala Gauri Vrat.

The tricky aspect of fasting is to prepare a fulfilling and nutritious meal, especially for dinner when you break the vrat. With humidity making it difficult on your digestive system, you should opt for low-oil dishes so that you do not experience discomfort at night. Here are a few recommendations you must note.

Samvat Rice Pulao

Samvat rice (or sama ke chawal) is a short-grain rice that many devotees consume when they are fasting. You can prepare a nutritious batch of pulao by adding seasonal vegetables to it, like carrots, beans, spinach, and more. Make sure to soak the rice for at least 30 minutes and infuse it with flavours by cooking with spices, including cumin seeds, red chilli powder, and rock salt. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with cucumber raita for a hearty meal.

Rajgira Roti

Rajgira or amaranth roti is not only a better option over wheat and maida, but it is also lighter to digest. Moreover, many people fasting on Mondays and Tuesdays prefer not to eat atta or maida. Knead rajgira flour with mashed and boiled potatoes along with a sprinkle of rock salt. Prepare roti or paratha and serve with your preferred choice of sabzi.

Makhana Curry

Fox nuts or makhana are superfoods. This has been proven in many studies, and fasting devotees can enjoy them without guilt. You can prepare makhana curry to pair with rajgira or kuttu roti. Prepare gravy of tomatoes, green chillies, ginger, and spices and cook fox nuts. You can also add a handful of paneer cubes to prepare makhana-paneer gravy. Add coriander leaves on the top before serving. You can make the same dish with onion and garlic on any other day.

Also Read: Stay Light And Healthy This Monsoon With These Oil-Free Recipes

Lauki Sabzi

If you like lauki, your dinner is sorted. It is the easiest to cook and requires only a teaspoon of oil. Cook it with chopped green chillies, cumin seeds, and lemon juice to make a tangy batch of curry that you can pair with the roti or paratha of your choice. You can also make samak rice with it. The combination of lauki and rice is deadly and comforting. 

Sweet Potato Chaat

Many people prefer not to eat a whole meal after fasting throughout the day. Humidity also has a role to play in it, but you should eat something anyway to prevent hampering your health. You can opt for sour, sweet, and salty-sweet potato chaat prepared with rock salt. After boiling potatoes, peel them, and cut large chunks. Top them with rock salt, lemon juice, coriander leaves, and chopped green chillies. Serve after tossing the cubes in a bowl.

Kuttu Dosa

Kuttu dosa is another healthy and low-oil dish that you can savour for dinner. After relishing the South Indian staple for a meal, you won’t even realise that you were fasting throughout the day. Prepare a batch of dosa batter by combining kuttu flour, green chillies, rock salt, water, cumin seeds, and mashed potatoes. Spread a ladle of this batter on a hot skillet. Cook the dosa on both sides before serving delicious coconut chutney.

Sabudana Khichdi

When you are not in the mood to cook anything, go for sabudana khichdi. It is traditional, nutritious, and wholesome. You cannot ask for a more fulfilling meal than a bowl of khichdi. After soaking the sago, cook it with potatoes, cumin seeds, chopped green chillies, and peanuts. Top it with fresh coriander leaves and pair it with a glass of sweet lassi or sugar and curd.