By Ujjainee Roy
September 29, 2024
The festive season is a time of celebration, spirituality, and togetherness. For many, it’s also an opportunity to indulge in sattvik cuisine, which is known for being pure, wholesome, and balanced. Sattvik food aligns with Ayurveda principles and excludes ingredients like onion, garlic, and heavy spices, making it ideal for maintaining a sense of calm and inner peace during auspicious occasions. Here are six sattvik dishes perfect for adding flavor and purity to your festive meals.
This light and nourishing dish made from soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls) is a classic choice during fasting. It is cooked with roasted peanuts, mild spices, and fresh curry leaves, offering a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.
Aloo Jeera, or cumin-spiced potatoes, is a simple yet delicious dish that fits perfectly into sattvik cuisine. Boiled potatoes are sautéed in ghee with cumin seeds and a dash of rock salt, making it light, aromatic, and satisfying without overpowering flavors.
For those with a sweet tooth, Lauki Halwa (bottle gourd halwa) is a must-try sattvik dessert. Grated lauki is slow-cooked in milk, sugar, and ghee, then flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts
Samvat rice, also known as vrat ke chawal, is often used in fasting and festive cooking. This pulao is prepared by sautéing the rice with mild spices, vegetables, and a sprinkle of peanuts for added crunch. It's light, aromatic, and pairs well with yogurt or a simple raita.
Pumpkin is a popular vegetable in sattvik cuisine, and Kaddu Ki Sabzi is a delightful way to enjoy it. This dish combines diced pumpkin with ghee, cumin seeds, and mild spices, resulting in a slightly sweet and savory flavor that makes it an excellent side dish for festive meals.
Paneer and makhana (fox nuts) come together in this creamy and mildly spiced curry. The dish is cooked in a yogurt-based gravy, making it rich yet sattvik-friendly. It's perfect for serving with samvat rice or sattvik rotis during the festive season.