Fasting recipes vary widely depending on the specific fasting rules and dietary restrictions you’re following. However, I can provide you with a few simple fasting recipes that are commonly enjoyed during religious or spiritual fasts in India. These recipes are meant to be vegetarian, free from certain ingredients like onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian items, and prepared without the use of regular table salt.
1. Sabudana Khichdi (Tapioca Pearl Pilaf):
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and diced
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted and coarsely ground peanuts
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp rock salt (sendha namak)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1-2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions:
- Rinse the sabudana under cold water until it’s clean, then soak them in just enough water to cover for about 4-5 hours or overnight.
- Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds and green chilies, and sauté for a minute.
- Add boiled potatoes and cook until they turn slightly golden.
- Add soaked sabudana, rock salt, sugar, and coarsely ground peanuts. Stir well and cook until the sabudana turns translucent.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and your Sabudana Khichdi is ready.
2. Fruit Salad:
Ingredients:
- Assorted fruits like banana, apple, orange, and pomegranate
- A pinch of rock salt (sendha namak)
- A pinch of black pepper powder
- Fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
- Wash and chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the fruits in a bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of rock salt and a dash of black pepper.
- Squeeze some lemon juice over the fruits for a tangy flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves.
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3. Samvat Rice Pulao:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup samvat rice (barnyard millet)
- Mixed vegetables (like potatoes, carrots, and peas)
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- Cumin seeds
- Green chilies (as per taste)
- Rock salt (sendha namak)
- Chopped coriander leaves
Instructions:
- Wash and rinse the samvat rice and keep it aside.
- Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, green chilies, and sauté.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Add the samvat rice and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Add water, rock salt, and cover. Cook until the rice is tender.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
4. Singhara Atta Puri (Water Chestnut Flour Fried Bread):
Ingredients:
- 1 cup singhara atta (water chestnut flour)
- 2-3 boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 tsp rock salt (sendha namak)
- Ghee for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix singhara atta, mashed potatoes, and rock salt to form a smooth dough. You can adjust the water or flour as needed.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into small puris.
- Heat ghee in a pan and fry the puris until they turn golden brown.
5. Makhana Kheer (Foxnut Pudding):
Ingredients:
- 1 cup makhana (foxnuts)
- 1 liter milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- A few saffron strands (optional)
- Chopped nuts for garnish (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
Instructions:
- Dry roast makhana in a pan until they become crispy. Crush them into smaller pieces.
- Heat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil. Simmer until it reduces slightly.
- Add the roasted makhana, sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Cook until the mixture thickens and the makhana are soft.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled.
These recipes are just a glimpse of the delicious dishes that can be prepared during fasting days in India. They adhere to fasting dietary guidelines and are both tasty and nutritious. Remember to adapt them to your specific fasting rules and enjoy a variety of flavors during your fasts.
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