What comes to your mind when you think of Indian fasting recipes? Probably sabudanda khichdi, fruits or maybe farali pattice right?
But if you are looking for something very unique and traditional, then Upvasachi Ratalyachi Bhaji also called as Sweet Potato Sabzi is a must-try!
This is a vegetarian, no onion no garlic (satvik recipe), easy-to-make, beginner-friendly side dish.
About Upvas Ratalyachi Bhaji (Sweet Potato Sabzi)
Upvasachi Ratalyachi Bhaji is a simple, wholesome dish packed with flavours.
This is a popular vrat recipe that you will find in many Maharashtrian households when observing fasts.
Sweet potato sabzi is made with steamed sweet potatoes, roasted peanut powder and mild spices.
This sabzi is made especially during Hindu fasting periods like Ekadashi, Mahashivratri, and Navratri.
This traditional Maharashtrian-style sabzi is made in ghee and spiced with spicy green chillies and cumin seeds. Roasted peanut powder also called as ‘shengdanyacha kut’ is added to give this sabzi a nutty taste which also adds a delightful crunch to this sabzi.
This is a gluten-free recipe and can be made vegan if you skip adding ghee and use oil instead.
With just two main ingredients ie sweet potatoes and peanut powder this dish comes together in under 15 minutes (once you have steamed potatoes at hand)
It is one of the quickest and easy meal options during vrat (upvas) and pairs best as a side dish with bhagar and upvasachi shengdanyachi amti (peanut curry).
Sweet potatoes are healthy and highly nutritious.
They are rich in vitamin A, fiber and antioxidants. Interestingly, they are even considered suitable for diabetics when consumed in moderation as they are low in glycemic index.
Sweet potato sabzi offers a perfect balance of flavours. The natural sweetness from the potatoes, the mild heat from green chillies, and the nutty crunch from peanuts and cumin seeds make this a wholesome dish to keep you energised during fasting (vrat/upas) days.
Your Guide to Easy & Tasty Indian Vegan Cooking
ingredients
Sweet Potatoes – To make this dish, you can cook the sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker, or boil them in a sauce pan. Once cooked, remove the skin and cut them into cubes.
Peanut Powder (Shengdanyacha Kut) – To give the nutty taste and crunch, we will add 2 tablespoons of roasted peanut powder. Just roughly crush the roasted peanuts in a blender or use mortar-pestal.
Cumin Seeds & Chillies – To enhance the flavour and spice up this sabzi, we will add finely chopped green chillies along with some whole cumin seeds.
Seasoning – To season this sabzi, we will add salt and a teaspoon of sugar.Adding sugar balances the taste of this sabzi. I have used regular salt here but you can also use rock salf if fasting.
Ghee – Traditionally sweet potato sabzi is made in ghee, but this can also be made in coconut or peanut oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sweet potato sabzi without peanuts?
Yes, if you are allergic to nuts or do not like peanuts, you can skip them and instead add some sesame seeds or freshly scrapped coconut instead.
What type of potatoes should I use to make sweet potato sabzi?
The ones which are white-fleshed sweet potatoes with purple or pink covering are commonly used in India which are sweeter and softer.
Outside India, you can use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes.
Can I use rock salt instead of regular salt?
Yes, if you are making for upvas / vrat you may use rock salt also called sendha namak.
How do I make sweet potato sabzi vegan?
To make a vegan version of this sweet potato sabzi, use coconut oil or flavourless oil instead of ghee.
What other vegetables can I use instead of sweet potatoes in making this sabzi?
You may use raw banana (kaccha kela), red pumpkin or regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes.
What is the best combination that goes with this sweet potato sabzi?
The most popular one is to serve as a side dish with vari tandul (bhagar / samo rice) and peanut curry (shengdanyachi amti).
You may also serve this with rajgira puri, farali kadhi or plain curd.
What more recipes can be made using sweet potatoes for vrat / upvas?
Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be used in making
Ratalyacha kees also called shakarkand upma.
You may also make sweet potato halwa, sweet potato soup, sweet potato chaat and sweet potato salad for upvas.
Variations
If not making for vrat (fasting), you may add curry leaves, and mustard seeds in the tadka (tempering) along with a garnish of chopped coriander leaves.
Masala Sweet Potato Sabzi – You may make this sweet potato sabzi more spicy using red chilli powder, coriander powder and garam masala.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato sabzi (ratalyachi bhaji) pairs best with rajgira puri.
This sabzi also pairs best as a side dish with vari tandul and shengdanyachi amti (samo rice & peanut curry).
You may also enjoy this sabzi as a standalone snack, it’s a total comfort food!
Storage Options
Sweet potato sabzi stays good for 2 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
Related Recipes
Latest Recipe Post
Maharashtrian Recipes
Breakfast Recipes
Snack Recipes
Diabetic-Friendly Recipes
Sabzi & Stir-Fry Recipes
No Onion No Garlic (Satvik) Recipes
Beginner-Friendly Recipes
Vegan Ebook
More Vrat (fasting) Recipes
Rajgira Puri (Amaranth Puffed Puri), Ratalyacha Kees (Shakkarkand Upma / Spicy Grated Potatoes), Sabudana Vada (Tapioca Fritters), Sabudana Khichdi, Farali Pattice (Kachori)
How to make Sweet Potato Sabzi Step-by-Step Recipe
Note:
If you are allergic to nuts, avoid adding peanuts, use freshly scrapped coconut and sesame seeds instead.
Looking for delicious vegan recipes? Don’t forget to check out My Vegan eBook – packed with simple, flavorful dishes to make your vegan journey effortless and delicious!
Join “Easy Indian Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes” on Facebook & be a part of our community.
If you like recipes like these, let’s connect on YouTube, Instagram & Facebook.
Thank you for stopping by, I would really love to know your thoughts on this recipe.
Also, do check out my Lifestyle Blog eralivine.com if interested.
Recipe Card
Ratyalyachi Bhaji | उपवासाची रताळ्याची भाजी रेसिपी | Sweet potato Sabzi
Ingredients
- 500 grams Sweet Potatoes
- 1 tablespoons Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
- 3-4 Green Chilies finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons Roasted Peanut Powder
- 1 teaspoons Sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons Ghee (Homemade Clarified Ghee)
Instructions
- Wash the sweet potatoes under water and pressure cook them until 4-5 whistle.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooled down remove the skin and cut them into medium bite-size cubes.
- In a pan add ghee and cumin seeds. When cumin seeds sizzles add green chillies and saute for 30 seconds.
- Now add the cubed sweet potatoes, salt, sugar and roasted peanut powder. Mix all the ingredients well.
- Cover the sabzi/vegetable with a lid and let the sweet potato cook on steam for 5-7mins on a low flame. Keep stirring occasionally.
- Upvasachi Ratalyachi Bhaji / Sweet Potato & Peanut Stir Fry Vegetable is ready.
Cooking Sweet Potatoes In Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat the bottom of the baking tray with oil.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into medium size pieces and place them in the baking tray.
- Bake for 60 minutes or till they are cooked completely. Once cooked you can start with the tempering.
