Simple, Flavorful! Aloo Bharta 🥔 😋

Frequently, we find ourselves pondering in front of the kitchen, contemplating what to prepare for the day. With a myriad of tasks to manage, time becomes a precious commodity. Particularly on busy days like Ekadashi or during fasting, the challenge intensifies for those who are working. Recognizing the demands on individuals observing fasting or dealing with health issues, I've devised a recipe aimed at simplifying the cooking process. This idea is especially beneficial for those unable to stand and cook for an extended period. I kindly request you to review the recipe, and if any aspects are unclear, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Why is aloo / potato recommended during fasting days?

Potatoes, or aloo in native language in India, are often recommended during fasting days for their ability to provide sustained energy, thanks to their complex carbohydrates. Beyond satiety, potatoes offer essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, contributing to overall well-being. Their versatility in preparation methods, including boiling, roasting, or mashing, allows individuals to integrate them into fasting meals according to cultural and personal preferences. Furthermore, potatoes are easy to digest, which can be advantageous during fasting periods when the digestive system may be more sensitive. While specific dietary recommendations during fasting can vary, potatoes are a common choice across cultures for their nutritional benefits and adaptability to diverse culinary traditions.

The tradition of consuming aloo (potatoes) during fasting holds a special place in my family's cultural practices. Growing up, my grandmother would prepare a comforting aloo dish on fasting days, emphasizing its versatility and ability to sustain us through the day. The simplicity of boiled potatoes, seasoned with homemade ghee and fragrant spices, created a dish that not only adhered to religious dietary guidelines but also became a source of familial connection and shared moments. The shared joy of enjoying aloo during fasting days not only added a sense of cultural significance to the meal but also underscored the communal aspect of breaking fasts together. It's these personal anecdotes that make aloo more than just a food choice during fasting; it becomes a cherished tradition that bridges generations and brings warmth to our cultural celebrations.

To make a special Ekadashi Aloo Bharta, you can follow a recipe that adheres to the dietary restrictions commonly observed during Ekadashi fasting or any other day. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes

• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 green chili, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

• 1/2 teaspoon rock salt (sendha namak) or as per taste

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 3-4 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves and roasted peanut paste

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish) - optional

• Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

• Boil the potatoes until they are cooked through. Peel and mash them in a bowl.

• In a pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

• Add finely chopped green chili and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.

• Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix well with the spices.

• Season with rock salt and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of spices.

• Add the coriander and roasted peanut paste, stir the mixture thoroughly once again and cook the Aloo Bharta for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

• Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves or roasted peanuts, if you prefer.

• Optionally, squeeze some lemon juice over the Aloo Bharta for a tangy flavor.

Adding up the estimated calories for each ingredient:

• Potatoes: Approximately 400 calories

• Ghee: Approximately 240 calories

• Cumin seeds: Approximately 8 calories

• Green chili: Approximately 4 calories

• Ginger: Approximately 2 calories

• Rock salt: Negligible calories

• Black pepper: Negligible calories

• Fresh coriander leaves: Negligible calories

• Lemon juice (optional): Negligible calories

Adding these together, the total calorie count for the Aloo Bharta recipe would be approximately 654 calories. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and actual calorie content may vary based on specific ingredient quantities and brands used.

This Ekadashi special Aloo Bharta is simple, flavorful, and adheres to the dietary guidelines followed during fasting days. Adjust the spices and ingredients according to your taste preferences and Ekadashi fasting rules.

* Additional Tip:

I'd love to share my cherished rendition of Aloo Bharta with you! Simply take boiled potatoes and blend them with a pinch of salt, chopped green chilli, and the aromatic goodness of homemade ghee. The distinctive flavor of homemade ghee truly elevates the dish, making it a delightful experience. Mix these ingredients with your hands and savor it anytime, be it during fasting or on any other day. Pairing it with hot rice adds an extra layer of comfort to this wholesome dish. Give it a try, and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. Happy cooking!