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In the sacred month of Shravana, dedicated to Lord Shiva, spiritual enthusiasm is very much associated with dietary changes. Many devotees fast during this auspicious period by following the sattvic diet, which bestows on both mind and body the quality of purity. The sattvic diet, as governed by Ayurveda, insists on no onion garlic foods that are fresh, light, and easily digestible. Grains are usually avoided during this period, so no-grain alternatives that are equally delicious and nutritious are considered. Be it fasting or just embracing the sattvic way of life, no-grain recipes that bring in an element of purity and flavour to your Sawan celebrations are not to be missed. Here are six delightful dishes this monsoon season. The following no-grain recipes will ensure you can enjoy this Monsoon to the fullest.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi is that one Sawan dish that is full, filling, and flavourful. Made of tapioca pearls, this vrat dish is light on the stomach, yet full of energy. Soak sabudana overnight. Then prepare the sabudana khichdi in a pan by heating cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves. Add soaked sabudana, roasted peanuts, and diced potatoes to it. The sabudana will turn translucent after cooking. Finishing the dish with a tanginess, garnish it with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. Sabudana is rich in carbohydrates, which act as long-lasting fuel during fasting.
Samvat Rice Pulao
Samvat rice, more famously known as barnyard millet, is a common alternative to grains during Sawan. To prepare a healthy pulao, first clean and soak the samvat rice for half an hour. In a pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, cloves, bay leaf, and sauté chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, potatoes. Add soaked samvat rice, water and salt. Cook till the rice is cooked and soft. This no-grain pulao is a storehouse of fibre and vital minerals; hence it can be a nourishing meal during fasting days.
Kuttu Ka Dosa
Kuttu, or buckwheat, is another excellent alternative grain consumed during Sawan. The process of making kuttu ka dosa involves mixing the kuttu flour with water, grated ginger, and salt to a batter. Take a ladle of the batter onto a hot griddle and spread it in a thin circle. Let it cook until crispy and golden brown. Serve with coconut chutney or curd. Buckwheat, being gluten-free and high in protein, makes for a healthy and filling meal.
Vrat Wale Aloo
Vrat wale aloo is a very simple yet endearing preparation. Boil and cube the potatoes. Take ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds and green chilies. Add the boiled potatoes, salt or sendha namak, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Stir fry until the potatoes turn light brown. Garnish with green coriander. This quickly prepared dish gives comfort and familiar taste during a fast.
Singhara Atta Ka Halwa
Singhara atta, or the flour of water chestnut, is used frequently in the making of sweet dishes during Sawan. Take ghee and roast singhara atta in it till fragrant. Then add water and sugar; keep on stirring so that lumps don't form. Cook it until the halwa thickens and comes away from the pan. In the end, add chopped nuts and a pinch of green cardamom. It is wholesome in nutrients and energizes, plus tastes good too.
Lauki Raita
Lauki, or bottle gourd, is a cooling and hydrating vegetable that is just right for Sawan. So, for the lauki raita, peel and grate the lauki. Boil until tender, then cool. Take yoghurt in a bowl and whisk it well. Add the boiled lauki to it. Season with roasted cumin powder and a pinch of rock salt, then chopped mint leaves. Lauki raita is a refreshing accompaniment to your sattvic meals. It helps digest the food and keeps you cool.
