Introduction: Sawan, also known as Shravan, is a significant month for devotees of Lord Shiva, who observe fasting and follow a sattvic diet during this auspicious time. However, the monsoon season often brings cravings for snacks. To balance health and taste, here are 10 vrat-friendly and sattvic snacks perfect for Sawan that will nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Sawan: A Sacred Month
Sawan, the fifth month of the Hindu lunar calendar, holds immense religious and cultural importance in India, especially for Lord Shiva’s devotees. It is believed that during this month, the Devas and Asuras churned the cosmic ocean to obtain the elixir of immortality called Amrit. Lord Shiva played a pivotal role in saving the universe by consuming the poison that emerged from the ocean.
Sattvic Practices during Sawan
Sawan is considered a spiritually charged month, and people often follow sattvic practices, which involve consuming light, easily digestible, and vegetarian food. Fasting on Mondays throughout Sawan is believed to be particularly auspicious for Lord Shiva’s worship.
10 Low-Calorie and Sattvic Snacks for Sawan
- Sabudana Chaat
Made with sago or sabudana, peanuts, vegetables, and mild spices, this light and energy-boosting dish is a popular fasting snack during Sawan. Soak sabudana, stir-fry it, and add potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, herbs, and chaat masala for a delightful taste.
- Jowar Poha
Using flattened jowar flakes, this alternative to traditional poha is gluten-free and nutritious. Soak the flakes, make a jowar poha masala with capsicums, tomatoes, and spices, and top it with coriander leaves, roasted peanuts, and lemon juice.
- Makhana Bhel
Roasted makhana (fox nuts) is a light and crunchy snack on its own. Turn it into a chaat by roasting it with minimal oil and adding chopped capsicums, peanuts, and green chillies for an interesting twist.
- Lauki Kuttu Pakora
Combine grated bottle gourd with buckwheat flour, gram flour, and spices, and shallow fry the mixture to make nutritious and low-calorie pakoras. Serve them with mint chutney for a refreshing taste.
- Samak Idli
Replace rice with samak (barnyard millet) to make light, gluten-free, and nutritious idlis. Top them with coconut chutney or peanut chutney for a delightful combination.
- Moong Dal Dhokla
Made from split green moong dal, these protein-rich dhoklas are steamed and seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves for a flavorful touch.
- Kuttu Cheela
Gluten-free and nutritious, kuttu ka cheela or pancake is made with buckwheat flour and can be filled with grated vegetables for added nutrition.
- Thinai Paniyaram
Thinai or foxtail millets are used to make these veggie-packed paniyarams. Soak thinai and lentils, grind them into a paste, and add veggies and chillies before cooking them in a paniyaram pan.
- Rajgira Chikki
Mix rajgira (amaranth grains) with jaggery and nuts to make a delicious chikki. Dry roast the grains, mix with peanuts, cashews, and sesame seeds, and add jaggery syrup to create a flavorful chikki.
- Shakarkandi Chaat
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and filling snack choice. Simply steam or boil them, chop them up, and toss with capsicums, peanuts, green chillies, and chaat masala for a tasty chaat.
Conclusion
During Sawan, while observing fasting and sattvic practices, you can still enjoy delicious and healthy snacks. These 10 low-calorie and vrat-friendly options offer a delightful balance of taste and nutrition, perfect for the monsoon season. Celebrate Sawan with these delectable treats that nourish your body and soul during this auspicious time.
