Chatt puja: recipies without onion and garlic

 Well, Chhath is here and devotees across India are gearing up to celebrate this 4-day festival with fun and zeal. One of the most prominent rituals of Chhath is vrat (or fasting). 

During this time, people whip up dishes without onion, garlic, meat and other non-veg food ingredients in it. These two ingredients are known to hold an important spot in the kitchen. Most Indian delicacies are dominated by these two ingredients and one can definitely not imagine cooking without it. Their distinctive taste and flavour set them apart from other ingredients; add them to delicious curries, snacks, pakoras, biryanis or anything - onion and garlic make a food taste just better. However, some may not like adding both these ingredients and prefer having their dish simple and light. Are you also wondering what all you can cook without adding onion and garlic to it? If yes, then you are at the right place. 

1. Seetaphal (pumpkin) ki sabzi

It is a very light and simple recipe where pumpkin is cooked thoroughly with varieties of

masalas. It goes well with pooris, parathas, rice or phulkas.

● Method :-

Step 1 - Heat the oil in a pan and add asafoetida (heeng), fenugreek seeds (methi) and

cumin seeds (jeera).

Step 2 - When the seeds begin to pop, add ginger.

Step 3 - Saute till lightly cooked, add pumpkin and green chillies and fry over high heat until

they look glossy.

Step 4 - Add rock salt (sendha namak),

turmeric, garam masala, chilli powder and sugar and mix well.

Step 5 - Lower the flame and let simmer covered, until cooked, stirring 3-4 times.

Step 6 - Add amchoor (or tamarind water) and cook further for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7 - Garnish with some coriander leaves.

2. Hara chana

Hara chana (or green chana) is another dish you'll find in Chhath-special thali. It is served with poori and a dessert. 

● Method :-

Step 1 - Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds (jeera).

Step 2 - When the seeds begin to splutter, add the boiled chana followed by rock salt

(sendha namak), turmeric, chilli powder and coriander powder.

Step 3 - Fry until cooked and add water.

Step 4 - Lower the flame and let simmer covered for 5-6 minutes.

Step 5 - Garnish it with coriander leaves.

3. Rasiyaw

Rasiyaw is basically rice kheer, except it has jaggery (or gur) in place of sugar. This dessert completes the chhath puja meal and is offered to Surya Devta before serving it for consumption. 

● Method

Step 1 - Boil milk in medium flame and reduce it yo half

Step 2 - Fry the dry fruits in ghee and keep aside

Step 3 - Add rice to the milk and boil. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and sticking to the base 

Step 4 - When the rice gets boiled add dry fruits to it.