By Suvarna Radhika Devi Dasi
As Vaishnavas, we observe ekadashi(11th day of the lunar cycle) fasting twice a month – which means that we avoid grains and beans on that day. Since I introduced solids for N I have tried to follow this diet for him on ekadashi days.
As per my understanding, fasting is not compulsory for children – especially below 5 years. But I preferred giving him non-grain meals. While the spiritual benefits of this are immense, I personally find Ekadashi days to be a great opportunity for my son to eat some non-grain super foods like quinoa, samo and amaranth.
For e.g. health benefits of quinoa include high protein content, good source of vitamins and minerals, presence of antioxidants and high fiber content which acts as a natural laxative.
Samo (Also known as Foxtail Millet, Varai, Varagu, Khododhan, Kodra, Kodon) contains a good amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and thus comprises a balanced meal. It is also rich in calcium.
It is a tradition which allows us to expand our diet as well as give the digestive system some rest from processed and refined grains. As a baby, in the initial months, there was some rejection to ekadashi foods – but now at 15 months I find that N loves the different ekadashi recipes and actually eats more on ekadashi days!
Here are a few ideas that worked for us:
Samo kheer – Cook 1/4 cup samo in 1 litre milk for 15-20 minutes (the grains will swell up) Then add 8 Tbsp sugar.
Samo/Quinoa pulav – I just make this similar to regular pulav with ekadashi veggies and spices.
Sago(sabudana) kheer – Same like samo kheer – just replace samo with sago pre-soaked overnight.
Avacado/Banana/Mango milk shake
Baked sweet potatoes – Just bake them whole in oven for 45 minutes at 180-200C. (Till cooked). Then peel, mash and mix with milk and little sugar.
Baked potatoes – I use desiree potatoes for this. (You can use any large potatoes). Grease baking tray with coconut oil/ghee and dust with spices like corriander powder, salt, pepper and amchur (dried mango powder) Slice potatoes vertically and into slices. (You can even just leave as vertical halves). Rub in tray and bake till golden.
Potato and spinach pie – Boil and mash potatoes. Spice them and press in bottom of greased tray. Add second layer of boiled spinach leaves. Cover with shredded cheese. Bake until cheese melts. (Adjust quantities as per size of tray.)
Samo and groundnut curry – recipe at Namita’s Kitchen
Potato sheera – recipe at Tarladalal
Kale chips – recipe at Modern Parents Messy Kids
Quinoa banana mash – recipe at Weelicious
Buckwheat (kuttu) muffins – recipe at Totalveg
Coconut cake – recipe at Krishna.com
Gauranga potaotes – recipe at Krishna.com
Shredded carrot halava – recipe at Krishna.com