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Karwa Chauth is observed with deep commitment, and sargi plays an important role in the pre-dawn meal that sustains women through the day. Traditionally, the platter includes items such as fried savouries, sweets, fruits, nuts, and parathas, each chosen to provide strength during the fast. In recent years, many households have looked for ways to reduce excess oil while retaining the comfort of traditional flavours. This is where an air fryer proves valuable, as it allows one to prepare foods with much less oil while keeping them crisp and satisfying. Using an appliance like the Usha air fryer, recipes can be created that combine tradition with health-focused cooking. The following suggestions bring together familiar ingredients and cooking methods suited to the occasion, offering balance for those who wish to approach sargi in a thoughtful and lighter way.
1. Methi Mathri
Mathri is often included in festive meals, and its crisp texture makes it a popular choice for sargi. To prepare a lighter version, whole wheat flour is mixed with dried fenugreek leaves, carom seeds, and a touch of ghee for flavour. The dough is rolled into small discs and brushed lightly with oil before being placed in the air fryer. Cooking them at a steady temperature gives a golden colour and crunch without deep frying. This version retains the taste associated with traditional mathri but reduces the heaviness of excess oil, which is especially useful before a long fast.
2. Paneer Tikka
Paneer is often preferred during sargi for its protein content, which helps maintain energy. Cubes of paneer can be marinated in yoghurt mixed with ginger, garlic, cumin, and turmeric, along with a little mustard oil for depth. The marinated paneer is then skewered with slices of onion and capsicum and arranged in the air fryer basket. The result is paneer tikka with a smoky flavour and charred edges, without the need for tandoor or heavy oil. Served with fresh mint chutney, it offers both nourishment and taste.
3. Stuffed Paratha Pockets
Parathas are commonly seen on sargi platters, yet traditional versions can be oil-rich. A lighter approach is to prepare whole wheat dough and fill it with spiced potato, paneer, or mixed vegetables. Instead of rolling into flatbreads, the dough can be shaped into small pockets or triangles, brushed with oil, and placed in the air fryer. They emerge crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside. These paratha pockets can be made ahead, making them practical for a pre-dawn meal when time is limited.
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4. Dry Fruit Ladoo
Dry fruits are essential during Karwa Chauth as they provide natural sweetness and long-lasting energy. A ladoo prepared with dates, figs, almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds brings both taste and nutrition. The dry fruits can be lightly roasted in the air fryer to release flavour and then ground together with a small amount of ghee. Rolled into small ladoos, they offer a natural sweet option without refined sugar. These keep well when stored in an airtight container and are convenient to include in sargi.
5. Dahi Kebabs
Dahi kebabs, known for their creamy texture, are another indulgent item that can be prepared in a healthier way. Thick hung curd is combined with breadcrumbs, grated carrots, and chopped coriander, then shaped into small discs. Brushing the kebabs with a little oil and cooking them in the air fryer creates a crisp exterior with a soft centre. These kebabs are light yet satisfying, and they can be served with a coriander or tamarind chutney. Their protein content makes them a good choice for sustaining energy during the fast.
