Unique & Easy Mahashivratri Falhar Recipes to Try at Home

Mahashivratri is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this auspicious night, devotees observe fasts and prepare falhar (fasting-friendly) dishes made without grains and regular salt. But fasting doesn’t have to mean boring food!

This year, elevate your vrat menu with these unique, easy-to-make, and delicious falhar recipes that are light on the stomach yet rich in flavor.

Makhana Paneer Tikki

A protein-rich, crunchy snack that feels indulgent yet perfectly vrat-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup makhana (foxnuts), dry roasted & crushed
• 1 cup grated paneer
• 1 boiled potato (mashed)
• 1–2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• Ghee for shallow frying

Method:

1. Dry roast makhana and grind into a coarse powder.
2. In a bowl, mix paneer, mashed potato, crushed makhana, spices, and coriander.
3. Shape into small tikkis.
4. Heat ghee in a pan and shallow fry until golden and crisp.
5. Serve hot with vrat green chutney.

It’s crunchy outside, soft inside, and keeps you full longer.

Samak Rice & Coconut Kheer

A creamy, comforting dessert perfect for offering and enjoying after evening prayers.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup samak rice (barnyard millet)
• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 3–4 tbsp sugar or jaggery
• 2 tbsp grated fresh coconut
• 4–5 chopped almonds & cashews
• 3–4 crushed cardamom pods
• Few saffron strands (optional)

Method:

1. Wash and soak samak rice for 15 minutes.
2. Boil milk in a heavy pan and add drained rice.
3. Cook on low flame until rice softens.
4. Add sugar/jaggery, coconut, nuts, and cardamom.
5. Simmer until thick and creamy.
6. Garnish with saffron and serve warm or chilled.

A refreshing twist to traditional kheer with nutty coconut flavor.

Sweet Potato & Peanut Ladoo

A naturally sweet, quick recipe that requires minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 boiled sweet potatoes (mashed)
• ½ cup roasted peanut powder
• 2 tbsp grated coconut
• 2–3 tbsp powdered jaggery
• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potato and peanut powder.
2. Add jaggery, coconut, and cardamom.
3. Mix well and shape into small ladoos.
4. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.

No frying needed, naturally sweet, and packed with energy.

Lauki Raita with Mint

Light, cooling, and perfect to balance heavier falhar dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated bottle gourd (lauki)
• 1 cup fresh curd (whisked)
• Rock salt to taste
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves

Method:

1. Boil grated lauki for 3–4 minutes and squeeze out excess water.
2. Let it cool completely.
3. Mix with whisked curd.
4. Add rock salt, cumin powder, and mint.
5. Chill before serving.

Hydrating, easy to digest, and perfect for fasting.

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