The month dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Shravan or Sawan, is going well. This period is marked by several rules and customs that devout Hindus observe. One important aspect of this observance is the dietary restrictions and choices. In this article, we will explore some traditional dishes you can prepare during Sawan.
Sawan is a significant month for Hindus, marked by the worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees adhere to a sattvic diet, abstaining from onions, garlic, meat, and alcohol. Common ingredients include sabudana (tapioca pearls), kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut), and rajgira (amaranth). These ingredients are used to make various dishes like rotis, pooris, kadhi, and pakoras. If you are bored with the usual fare, here are some traditional dishes you can try during Sawan.
Banana Fries
Raw bananas are a versatile ingredient often used during fasts. While many make a curry, you can try banana fries for a tasty snack. To make them more delicious, prepare a thin batter using kuttu or singhara flour with salt and water. Marinate the banana slices in this batter and deep-fry them. These banana fries make a perfect tea-time snack.
Sabudana Uttapam
Sabudana uttapam is a traditional South Indian dish that is both healthy and delicious. You can prepare the batter using sabudana flour. If you don’t prefer sabudana, you can use another flour. Top the uttapam with sweet potato filling for an extra touch of flavor and enjoy.
Samak Atta Lapsi
Lapsi is a traditional dessert popular in Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. It’s perfect for the rainy season. Prepare lapsi using samak atta (barnyard millet flour) and add plenty of dry fruits for a rich taste. Roast the flour in ghee, add dry fruits, sugar, and milk, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Your delicious vrat-friendly lapsi is ready.
Khamang Kakdi
Tired of eating sweet potato salads or snacks? Try Khamang Kakdi, a special Maharashtrian and Gujarati salad. Made with cucumber, coconut, peanuts, lemon, and rock salt, this dish is both healthy and appetizing. Finely chop the cucumber, sprinkle salt, and set it aside. Coarsely grind the peanuts, and mix with green chilies and sugar for a refreshing salad.
Sweet Potato Bhaji
Known as Ratali Bhaji in Marathi, this dish is a great accompaniment to kuttu pooris or as a snack on its own. Finely chop the sweet potatoes, heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and sauté the sweet potatoes for 2-5 minutes. Add rock salt and coarsely ground peanuts, and garnish with fresh coriander.
Panifolar Palo
This Bengali dessert, often forgotten, is a delightful option for Sawan. Made with singhara flour, it can also be offered as prasad. Heat ghee in a pan, roast the flour for 2-3 minutes, and then add milk and sugar. Mix in a pinch of cardamom powder, and once the halwa is ready, transfer it to a greased pan. Top with finely chopped pistachios and let it set. Cut into pieces and serve.
These are just a few of the many traditional dishes you can prepare during the month of Sawan. We hope this article inspires you to try something new and delicious.