Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees offer prayers and also observe a fast. While some observe fast by consuming fruits and milk, a few others abstain from food. This Shivratri (the festival is being celebrated today), chefs share a few interesting fast food recipes.
Safarchand Thandai
Thandai is an important part of Shivratri. However, most people think that thandai is consumed with cannabis always. This is a myth. Thandai (without cannabis) has a lot of health benefits, and with summer approaching, it makes for a nice cooler to beat the heat. Elaichi, Saffron and Badam are a few different flavours of thandai. The ingredients for regular thandai and the one consumed during fast are the same, just that the latter has no cannabis.
Pratik Kolhe, assistant food and beverage manager, Fairfield by Marriott Pune Kharadi, shares the recipe of Safarchand Thandai. “Apart from its delicious taste, thandai boosts immunity, gives instant energy, cools down the body and also aids in digestion,” he says.
Ingredients
To blend into thandai paste
Other ingredients
For garnish
Method
Potato Pumpkin Pancakes
“Potatoes are a good source of antioxidants coupled with vitamins and minerals. Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, which makes them an excellent food choice for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content with no cholesterol make it a perfect nutritional tuber,” says Anirban Dasgupta, executive chef, Hyatt Regency Pune.
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is also incredibly healthy.
Nowadays, Indians like to experiment with food and are open to food trends. So if a dish has a novelty factor, they are likely to give it a try. Potato Pumpkin Pancake is one such food item. To the naked eye, it will easily pass off as a regular pancake, however, the taste and texture would vary.
Ingredients
Method
Pan-fried potatoes
Food consumed during a fast can be made interesting. For instance, boiled potatoes can be eaten in many different ways, and it can have a variety of flavours. “It is not only great for your taste buds but also for your health. While observing a fast, glucose levels are down and usually, people experience giddiness and weakness. Potatoes can come to your rescue. They can keep the stomach filled for long yet not give you the feeling of heaviness. Potatoes have starch that keeps the glucose levels balanced and provide energy throughout the day. It is also beneficial for maintaining the blood pressure and aids in digestion,” says Sandeep Bhandari, executive chef, Sayaji Pune.
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Method
Sabudana Dosa
A crucial part of Maharashtrian cuisine, sabudana is also used by other communities in India during days of religious fasting. The most common dishes include Sabudana Khichdi, Sabudana Vada, Sabudana Bhat, Sabudana Pulao, Sabudana Laddoo, Sabudana Tikki, Sabudana Papad and Sabudana Idli. However, Sago Dosa is not a very common food item. That said, South Indians are more familiar with the concept of Sabudana Dosa.
“Sago is basically extracted starch from the spongy centre of various tropical palm stems. While a regular dosa is made of rice and urad dal, Sabudana Dosa is made of sabudana and rice. However, the latter has more scope for variety. Depending on the consistency of the batter, you can make various types of dosas like steamed dosa, uthappam, vegetable savoury pancakes and sweet pancakes,” says Sathish Reddy, executive chef, Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan.
Sabudana has a lot of health benefits. It is a good source of protein, rich in iron and calcium, aids in gaining weight in a healthy way, prevents indigestion and constipation, and is rich in vitamin B.
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