Today I am sharing a very Simple and quick recipe that can cooked and consumed during fasting for festivities. Fasting during festive occasions is a significant practice in many cultures and religions worldwide, often observed as a means of purification, reflection, and even spiritual renewal. It helps you connect deeply with the spiritual essence of the celebration, offering participants the opportunity to cleanse their minds and bodies, while honoring sacred traditions. Fasting is common during festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, or Ekadashi, each having its own unique rituals and guidelines. During these occasions, fasting may involve abstaining from certain foods, such as grains or non-vegetarian items, and opting for simpler meals that are seen as purifying for the body. Purple Sweet potato Payasam (Kheer) Fits perfectly for any festivity.
SOME FACTS ABOUT FASTING :
1. Spiritual Significance
Fasting is deeply tied to spiritual practices, serving as a means of devotion, reflection, and purification. In many religious traditions, fasting is seen as a way to connect with the divine, cleanse the mind and soul, and attain a heightened sense of spiritual awareness.
- The act of fasting serves as an offering, a sacrifice, and a tool for individuals to detach from worldly distractions, allowing them to focus on their inner selves and their relationship with the divine.
2. Physical Health Benefits
Fasting has been shown to have various positive effects on physical health when practiced in moderation and with proper guidance. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved Digestion: Fasting gives the digestive system a break, which can improve gut health and metabolism over time.
- Detoxification: During fasting, the body can work to eliminate accumulated toxins, helping to rejuvenate cells and tissues.
- Weight Management: Intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a method for regulating weight by restricting eating windows and helping to regulate insulin levels.
- Reduced Inflammation: Research has suggested that fasting may reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a number of chronic health conditions.
By allowing the body to rest and reset, fasting can serve as a natural rejuvenation process, promoting longevity and well-being.
3. Mental Clarity and Focus
Fasting isn’t just beneficial for the body; it can also have a profound effect on mental clarity and focus. When not distracted by constant eating or cravings, the mind has more energy to concentrate and reflect. Many find that fasting helps them:
- Clear Mental Fog: Abstaining from food or distractions can provide clarity and help with decision-making and problem-solving.
- Increase Awareness: Without the regular disruptions of daily eating habits, one can feel more present and aware, leading to enhanced mindfulness.
- Increase Willpower and Discipline: By practicing self-control through fasting, individuals strengthen their mental discipline, which can positively influence other areas of life.
4. Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Fasting also provides an opportunity for emotional healing and psychological growth:
- Emotional Balance: By stepping back from the usual patterns of consumption, individuals may experience emotional calmness and a greater sense of self-control.
- Compassion and Empathy: Fasting fosters empathy by reminding individuals of the experiences of those who may go without food regularly, encouraging feelings of gratitude and generosity.
- Increased Resilience: The discipline required for fasting teaches patience, resilience, and the ability to endure discomfort, which can be empowering and foster greater emotional strength.
5. Cultivating Gratitude and Humility
One of the most important aspects of fasting is the reminder it provides about the value of food and the essential needs of life. When fasting, people often develop a deeper sense of gratitude for the things they may take for granted, including the availability of food, shelter, and health. Fasting also encourages humility, as it involves surrendering to a higher purpose, whether spiritual or health-related, and recognizing one’s limitations.
6. Social and Community Bonds
Fasting, especially during religious or cultural observances, often takes place in a communal setting. This shared experience can strengthen bonds within a community.
SOME BENEFITS OF PURPLE SWEET POTATO PAYASAM (KHEER) :
Known for their rich flavor and impressive health benefits, sweet potatoes are more than just a delicious comfort food–they are a powerhouse of nutrients that can support overall health in various ways.We love Purple Sweet Potato Payasam (Kheer).
- Rich in Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A
- High in Fiber
- Packed with Antioxidants
- Good Source of Potassium
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
- Boosts Immune function
- Good for Digestion
- Good for the Skin
- Known to help Manage Weight
How can you use Sweet Potato:
Sweet potatoes are very versatile in the kitchen. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, both savory and sweet, making them a popular ingredient in many types of dishes.
- Roasted or Baked: Roasting or baking sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a tender, flavorful dish. Simply slice, season, and roast them in the oven for a healthy side dish.
- Mashed: Mashed sweet potatoes make a comforting and nutritious alternative to regular mashed potatoes. They can be seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even garlic for a savory twist.
- Soups and Stews: Sweet potatoes can be added to soups and stews, adding thickness and a natural sweetness that balances the flavors of the dish.
- Salads: Roasted or boiled sweet potatoes can be chopped and added to salads for extra texture and flavor.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries can be baked or lightly fried, offering a satisfying snack or side dish.
- Desserts: Sweet potatoes are often used in pies, cakes, and puddings, where their natural sweetness shines through. They are also a key ingredient in popular desserts like sweet potato pie and sweet potato casserole.
PURPLE SWEET POTATO PAYASAM (KHEER)
Equipment
- 1 Heavy Bottom Pan
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Serving Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Nos Boiled, peeled and grated Medium Size Purple Sweet Potato
- 500 ML Full fat Milk
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Lightly Roasted and Powdered Almonds
- Few Strands of Saffron soaked in 2 tsp Milk
- 8 Nos Cashews
- 10 Nos Raisins
- 1 Tbsp Ghee / Clarified Butter
- 1/4 Tsp Cardamom Powder
Instructions
- Grate the boiled and peeled purple sweet potato and keep them aside. This ensures lump free payasam.
- Heat 1/2 tsp Ghee in a Pan . Roast cashews and raisins and transfer them on to a plate.
- In the same pan add the remaining ghee. Add the grated purple sweet potato and saute for a minute on medium flame .
- Now add milk and Let it simmer well on low flame for a 10 minutes.
- Add Coconut sugar and powdered Almonds to the payasam . Mix well.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add the saffron soaked milk, cardamom powder and turn off the heat.
- Garnish with roasted cashews and raisins.
- Serve and Enjoy!!!!
Notes
- You can use any variety of sweet potato. Adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- You can regular sugar or jaggery instead.
- Purple sweet potatoes are not so sweet. The quantity of coconut sugar added here is just perfect for my family. You can adjust the sweetness as per your palette.
- You can add boiled moong dal too to the payasam.
- Always use full fat milk to get a rich taste.
- To make it vegan Skip ghee and add Coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- You can add rose water for the essence if you like.
- I have not added rose water here as I did not have.
- The texture can be adjusted based on your preference – some prefer a thicker, pudding-like consistency, while others enjoy it a bit more fluid.
- Sweet Potato Payasam is not only rich in taste but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy during festive celebrations or simply to indulge in something wholesome and delicious.
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Wow. this purple sweet potato payasam looks very delicious and inviting, not to forget a rare colour too – I guess I will have to find a substitute with the local varieties available here..
Thank you Kalyani . Do try it with any variety you can easily find . Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Such a detailed post about fasting and informative. As for the sweet potato payasam, am so tempted to give it a try for the upcoming Shivratri. I’ll be using the normal red sweet potatoes as i don’t get the purple ones.
Thank you so much . I am so glad you liked it . Do try with whatever is available at your place .
This looks so pretty. I make it with the Orange sweet potato however the purple ones are so much pretty to look at too.
Oh yes Seema . They are less sweet and add a nice colour to the payasam.
Wow such a gorgeous looking kheer! Love the use of coconut sugar. Haven’t seen purple sweet potatoes here in the market, though we get the gorgeous orange ones! Wil definitely give this a try!
Thank you Priya. I am so glad you loved it . Do try this recipe .
Wow, this is a wonderfully delicious Sweet Potato Kheer! I loved the idea of adding moong dal to it. We do not get the purple sweet potatoes, but I get red or white ones, so I will use them.
This morning I was thinking on how would it be to make paysam with sweet potato and here I bump into your post . I made it with Desi sweet potato and it tasted yumm
I am so glad to hear that Priya . Thanks you for trying this recipe .