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While it is true that Delhi people are infamous for their obsession with all this deep-fried and spicy, that does not mean they love their healthy snacks any less. In addition to tikkis and bhalla papdi, we also have roasted bhutta, shakarkandi and kamrakh to feed us with good carbs, while satiating our most chatpata cravings. Another fascinating item most Delhhites are obsessed with is fruit chaat. You can easily find them at the lavish weddings of Delhi, if not, then they are quite a staple in fruit juice shops. A mix of freshly cut fruits tossed with a special masala and a drizzle of lemon juice, the Delhi Wali fruit chaat is a simple, non-fuss snack that can also be easily made at home, and now you have a perfect reason as well.
Mahashivratri falls on 1st March this year, the Hindu festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva. It is one of the biggest Hindu festivals wherein countless devotees observe a day-long fast or Shivratri Vrat. While in a 'Nirjala Vrat' you cannot even consume a drop of water along with any morsel of food when you are fasting, a ‘Phalhari Shivratri Vrat’ is much more relaxed in terms of rules and regulations. In this vrat, you can eat milk and fruits throughout the time you are fasting while refraining from grains, cereals, meat, fish and alcohol of any kind. The options left may seem repetitive and monotonous, but there are ways aplenty in which you can use fruit to fix yourself a decent meal. This Delhiwali fruit chaat is a fine example.
Since both potatoes and sweet potatoes are permissible in the Phalhari vrat, this chaat uses both of them to make a filling meal. You just need to chop them roughly and toss it up with cut fruits like apple, banan, pomegranate and a special masala made with chaat masala, cumin powder, red chilli powder (optional), green chillies, some fresh coriander and lemon juice. In place of table salt, use rock salt, as table salt is not allowed in the Shivratri vrat.
You can, of course, add and omit ingredients depending upon your limitations and choices. It is a fruit chaat after all, the most forgiving recipe there can be. Here is a step-by-step recipe you can bookmark for Shivratri. Make it soon and let us know how you liked it.
