Healthy Shravan Bhaji with Besan Roasted Chana Dal and Fresh Chutney

श्रावणातील भजी

श्रावणमासी हर्ष मानसी        हिरवळ दाटे चोहीकडेक्षणांत येते सरसर शिरवे      क्षणात फिरूनी ऊन पडे

अशा या श्रावण महिन्यात संपूर्ण सृष्टी हिरवळीने सजलेली असते

क्षणांत पाऊस येतो      क्षणात ऊन पडतं        आणि

अशा या वातावरणामध्ये भजी खाण्याची इच्छा प्रत्येकाच्याच मनामध्ये निर्माण होत असते.

मी डॉ सतीश वसंत शिंदाडकर आज आपल्यापुढे श्रावणातील आरोग्यमय भजी याविषयी बोलणार आहे  - - -

श्रावण महिना हा उपवासाचा महिना आहे 

वातावरणातील बदलामुळे शरीरामधील पचनक्षमता थोडी कमी झालेली असते आणि पचनक्षमतेच्या अल्पते मुळे उपवास करणे आरोग्याच्या दृष्टीने हितकर असते  

परंतु अशाच वेळी जर आपल्याला भजी खाण्याची इच्छा निर्माण झाली तर आपण आरोग्यमय भजी म्हणजेच श्रावणातील भजीची सेवन इच्छा कशी पूर्ण करू शकतो ? हे बघणार आहोत  - - -

भजीसाठी आपण जे बेसन पीठ घेणार आहोत ते नेहमी प्रमाणे हरबऱ्याचच पीठ घेणार आहोत

पीठ करण्यापूर्वी हरभऱ्याची डाळ ही तव्यावर किंवा कढईत थोडी परतून घ्यावी म्हणजेच त्याला थोडंसं भाजावं आणि त्याचं पीठ तयार करून त्याचा उपयोग भजी करण्यासाठी करावा

आता या भाजीमध्ये मिरचीची भजी, बटाटय़ाची भजी, गिलके ची भजी असे अनेक प्रकार आपणास माहीत असतात. या ऋतूमध्ये अशा सर्व प्रकारच्या भज्यांचा आपण आस्वाद घेऊ शकतो.

बटाटे, गिलके, कमी तिखट असणारी मिरची यांचा भजी प्रकरणात श्रावण महिन्यामध्ये वापर करणे आरोग्याच्या दृष्टीने उत्तम असते पण शक्यतो कांद्याची भजी श्रावण महिन्यामध्ये आपण टाळावी किंवा सेवन करू नये.  

भजी सोबत छानपैकी चटणी करावी, यात पुढील पदार्थ असावेत - - -

अंदाजे पन्नास टक्के कोथिंबीर, पुदिना आणि तुळशीची पानं

सोबत ओल्या खोबऱ्याचा कीस किंवा ओल्या खोबऱ्याचे दूध   

चवीपुरता सैंधव मीठ आणि आलं

एकत्र करून त्याची चटणी बनवावी आणि भजी सोबत ही चटणी सेवन करावी

नक्कीच श्रावणातील ही भजी आपणास आरोग्य प्रदान करणार आहे

चला तर मग आज आत्ता लगेच आरोग्यमय श्रावण भाजीचा आस्वाद घेऊ या

Healthy Shravan Bhaji with Besan Roasted Chana Dal and Fresh Chutney

Shravan brings rain, devotion, fasting, and that familiar craving for something hot and crisp with evening chai. Bhaji feels perfect in this season, but deep-fried, heavy snacks can sit uncomfortably in the stomach, especially when fasting has already changed the day’s eating pattern.

During Shravan, many people eat lighter, sattvik meals and avoid certain ingredients. Fasting may give the digestive system a break, but it can also make oily food feel heavier than usual. The answer is not to give up bhaji completely. It is to make it lighter, smarter, and more Shravan-friendly.

Why bhaji needs a healthier Shravan twist

Traditional bhaji often uses only besan and is fried in plenty of oil. It tastes wonderful, but too much oil during fasting days can cause acidity, bloating, or sluggishness for some people.

A better batter can help. Mixing besan with roasted chana dal powder adds nuttiness, improves texture, and makes the coating crisp without needing a very thick layer. Pair it with watery, light vegetables and a fresh chutney, and the plate feels festive without being too heavy.

Avoid onion bhaji during Shravan. Onions are commonly left out in sattvik food, and they can also feel sharp or heavy for digestion during fasting periods. Potato, gourd, and mild chilli bhaji are better choices for this month.

Shravan-friendly bhaji recipe

Ingredients

1 cup besan

¼ cup roasted chana dal powder

½ tsp cumin seeds

¼ tsp turmeric

½ tsp ajwain

Sendha namak or regular salt, as per your fasting practice

1 tsp hot oil for the batter

Water as needed

Thin slices of potato

Thin slices of bottle gourd or ridge gourd

Mild green chillies, slit

Oil for shallow frying or air frying

Method

Mix besan, roasted chana dal powder, cumin, turmeric, ajwain, salt, and hot oil. Add water slowly to make a smooth, medium-thick batter.

Dip potato, gourd, and mild chillies into the batter. Shallow fry on medium heat until golden. For a lighter option, brush with oil and cook in an air fryer until crisp.

Serve immediately. Bhaji tastes best when the coating is thin and the vegetables stay tender inside.

Fresh coriander mint tulsi chutney

Blend together:

1 cup coriander

½ cup mint leaves

5 to 6 tulsi leaves

2 tbsp fresh coconut

½ inch ginger

Lemon juice

Salt

A little water

This chutney is cooling, aromatic, and bright. Ginger adds warmth, coconut gives body, and tulsi brings a gentle Shravan touch.

FAQ

Can I eat bhaji while fasting in Shravan?

Yes, if your family’s fasting rules allow besan and the vegetables used. Keep the bhaji light, avoid excess oil, and eat it in moderation.

Why use roasted chana dal with besan?

Roasted chana dal powder gives a crisp texture and a mild nutty flavour. It also helps reduce the need for a very thick besan coating.

Which bhaji is best for Shravan?

Potato bhaji, gourd bhaji, and mild chilli bhaji work well. They are simple, satisfying, and easier to keep sattvik.

Can I skip frying completely?

Yes. Use an air fryer or appe pan with a light brushing of oil. The texture will be different, but still tasty.

Shravan food can be devotional, seasonal, and enjoyable at the same time. With a light batter, sattvik vegetables, and fresh chutney, bhaji becomes a treat that respects both craving and comfort.