Can I eat puri during fasting? Understanding the rules

Millions of Hindus observe fasts or 'vrat' throughout the year, but a common question arises regarding fried foods like puri. The ability to eat puri during fasting depends entirely on the ingredients, as traditional wheat flour is typically restricted. Fortunately, several delicious and traditional alternatives exist, ensuring you can still enjoy this popular dish.

Quick Summary

The permissibility of eating puri during religious fasting periods, or vrat, hinges on its ingredients. While traditional wheat-based puri is generally not allowed, versions made with alternative flours like kuttu or rajgira are fasting-approved.

Key Points

• Flour is Key: Traditional puri made from wheat flour is not allowed during most Hindu fasts like Navratri or Ekadashi, but alternatives made with specific flours are permissible.

• Approved Alternatives: Look for puri made with kuttu (buckwheat), rajgira (amaranth), sama (barnyard millet), or sabudana (tapioca) flour for fasting.

• Ingredients to Swap: Always use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular table salt and avoid restricted spices, onions, and garlic when preparing fasting puri.

• Homemade is Best: Making your own vrat puri ensures you control all the ingredients, adhering strictly to your fasting traditions.

• Explore Other Foods: Diversify your fasting diet with other permitted foods like vrat ki sabzi, Sama Rice Khichdi, fresh fruits, and nuts to maintain energy levels.

• Check Fasting Rules: Always confirm the specific rules of your fast, as traditions can vary. When in doubt, consult family elders or religious texts.

For many, the idea of fasting conjures images of restrictive diets, but in Indian tradition, it often involves a special array of delicious and permissible foods. Puri, a beloved deep-fried bread, is a staple at many festive meals, leading to the crucial question: can I eat puri during fasting? The short answer is yes, but only if it is made with specific, fast-friendly flours. This guide will walk you through the key distinctions between regular and vrat puri, introduce you to popular alternatives, and explain which ingredients you must avoid.

The Difference Between Regular Puri and Vrat Puri

The fundamental rule of many Hindu fasts, such as those observed during Navratri, Ekadashi, or Mahashivratri, is to abstain from consuming grains like wheat and rice. Regular puri is made from atta (whole wheat flour), which immediately disqualifies it from most traditional fasting diets. The purpose of this restriction is often to purify the body and mind by consuming simple, light, and natural foods.

Fasting-approved, or vrat, puri completely bypasses this issue by using alternative flours derived from ingredients that are permitted during these periods. These substitute flours include buckwheat, amaranth, and various millets, all of which are considered acceptable. These alternative flours, often combined with mashed potatoes, create a dough that can be rolled and fried into the familiar puffed bread, offering a satisfying and delicious meal without breaking the fast.

Popular Fasting-Friendly Puri Alternatives

Kuttu Ki Puri (Buckwheat Puri)

Buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta) is one of the most popular and traditional choices for making puri during fasting, particularly in North India.

• Key Characteristics: The puris have a slightly nutty and robust flavor. The dough is often mixed with boiled, grated potatoes, which helps bind the mixture and achieve the right consistency. It is known to be warm in nature and pairs excellently with yogurt.
• Preparation: The dough can be sticky, and some find it easier to roll the puris between two greased plastic sheets to prevent sticking.

Rajgira Puri (Amaranth Puri)

Rajgira, or amaranth flour, is another excellent option for fasting puri. It is naturally gluten-free and highly nutritious.

• Key Characteristics: Rajgira puris are light, crispy, and have a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The dough, like with kuttu, is typically made with boiled and grated potatoes to help with the kneading process.
• Versatility: This puri can be paired with aloo sabzi (potato curry) or a simple bowl of chilled yogurt, making it a wholesome meal.

Sama Puri (Barnyard Millet Puri)

Barnyard millet (sama ke chawal), a permitted grain for many fasts, can also be ground into a flour to make puris.

• Key Characteristics: Sama puris are known for being light, crispy, and easy to digest, making them perfect for sensitive fasting stomachs. They puff up beautifully when fried, creating a visually appealing and tasty dish.
• Pairing: They are a natural pairing for vrat-special curries or yogurt-based side dishes.

Sabudana Puri (Tapioca Puri)

Made from sago or tapioca flour, sabudana puris offer a chewy and delightful texture.

• Key Characteristics: These puris are also gluten-free and are prepared by mixing sabudana flour with mashed boiled potatoes. They can be fried into delicious, crispy rounds.
• Nutritional Value: Sabudana is almost pure carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy during a fast.

A Comparison of Fasting Puris

Puri Type	Main Flour	Texture	Flavor Profile	Typical Pairing
Kuttu Ki Puri	Buckwheat	Slightly coarse, soft	Nutty, robust	Yogurt, vrat potato curry
Rajgira Puri	Amaranth	Crispy exterior, soft interior	Mild, earthy	Potato curry, chilled dahi
Sama Puri	Barnyard Millet	Light, crispy, puffed	Neutral, light	Vrat aloo sabzi, peanut chutney
Sabudana Puri	Tapioca/Sago	Chewy, slightly crispy	Mild, starchy	Green chutney, potato dishes

Ingredients to Avoid During Fasting

To ensure your vrat puri is truly fasting-friendly, it's essential to use only permitted ingredients. Here is a list of common ingredients to be mindful of:

• Regular Salt: Many fasts require the use of rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular table salt. Be sure to use the correct type for your recipe.
• Certain Spices: Avoid spices like asafoetida (hing), turmeric (haldi), and mustard seeds. Stick to simple, permitted spices like cumin seeds, black pepper, and fresh ginger.
• Grains and Pulses: In addition to wheat, abstain from using rice, lentils, and other grains or pulses that are typically restricted during fasts.
• Onions and Garlic: These are generally avoided during religious fasts and should not be used in your puri dough or any accompanying curries.

How to Make Vrat-Friendly Puri at Home

Making your own fasting puri is a simple and rewarding process. Here is a general method:

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine your chosen fasting flour (e.g., rajgira or kuttu) with boiled and grated potatoes. Add permitted spices like rock salt, crushed green chilies, and a little cumin powder.
2. Knead: Knead the mixture into a soft, firm dough without adding too much water. The mashed potatoes will provide enough moisture. Let the dough rest for about 15 minutes.
3. Roll the Puris: Take small, lemon-sized balls of dough and roll them out into small circles. If the dough is sticky, grease your hands and the rolling surface with a little oil. Alternatively, roll the dough between two sheets of greased plastic wrap.
4. Fry: Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan (kadai) until hot. Gently slide the rolled puri into the hot oil. Press it down lightly with a slotted spoon to help it puff up.
5. Serve: Fry until golden brown on both sides, then remove and drain on a paper towel. Serve immediately with your favorite vrat curries or yogurt.

Beyond Puri: Other Vrat-Friendly Foods

While puri is a fantastic meal option, there are many other fasting-friendly foods that can diversify your diet during vrat:

• Vrat Ki Sabzi: A simple potato and tomato curry, flavored with cumin, ginger, and rock salt, pairs perfectly with puri.
• Sama Rice Khichdi: A light and nutritious dish made from barnyard millet and potatoes.
• Fruit and Yogurt: Fresh fruits and plain yogurt are excellent choices for a light and energy-boosting meal.
• Dry Fruits and Nuts: Cashews, almonds, and raisins are all permitted and provide essential nutrients.
• Sabudana Vada: A savory fried patty made from soaked tapioca pearls and potatoes.

Conclusion: Enjoying Puri Respectfully

So, can you eat puri during fasting? Yes, absolutely—as long as you use the correct ingredients. Traditional wheat puri is a no-go, but there is a diverse and delicious range of vrat puris to explore, from the nutty kuttu to the crispy rajgira. By being mindful of the flours and spices you use, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that aligns with your religious and dietary practices. Homemade vrat puri not only respects tradition but also offers a fresh, wholesome, and incredibly tasty addition to your fasting menu. It's a testament to how Indian culinary traditions seamlessly adapt to dietary needs, ensuring that even during periods of abstinence, there is no compromise on flavor.

Check out more fasting recipes and cooking tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is regular puri not allowed during fasting?

Regular puri is made from whole wheat flour (atta), which is considered a grain and is typically restricted during many Hindu fasts. Consuming grains is avoided to help purify the body and mind during the fasting period.

What is *kuttu ki puri*?

Kuttu ki puri is a fasting-friendly puri made from buckwheat flour, often mixed with mashed potatoes. It is a popular, traditional dish, particularly in North India, and is acceptable for consumption during most fasts.

What kind of salt should I use for fasting puri?

You should use rock salt (sendha namak) for fasting puri and any other vrat dishes, as regular table salt is not permitted during most religious fasts.

Can I use any oil to fry fasting puri?

Yes, you can use cooking oil or ghee for frying fasting puri. There are generally no restrictions on the type of oil used for cooking fasting food.

Is *rajgira* flour a good substitute for puri during fasting?

Yes, rajgira (amaranth) flour is an excellent, naturally gluten-free substitute for making puri during fasting. It results in a light and crispy puri that is easy to digest.

How do you prevent *kuttu* puri dough from getting sticky?

To prevent the dough from getting sticky, mix the kuttu flour with mashed boiled potatoes and use very little or no water. You can also roll the puri between two greased plastic sheets.

Are potatoes allowed during fasting?

Yes, potatoes are generally permitted during most fasts and are a common ingredient in many fasting recipes, including vrat puri dough and accompanying curries.