What is THE word “Farari” that I keep using?  Farari /Farali means any food that is served during fasting days. Usually, anything that is prepared with vegetableslike potatoes or sweet potatoes/sakariya, any fruit  and nuts, Yuca/Cassava/Muhogo, Tapioca pearls/Sabudhana, seeds like Little Millet/Moriyo, Barnyard Millets, Amaranth and flours made of these seeds, as well as dairy like milk and yogurt. 

If it sounds restrictive, it’s not, often Grannies would make Sabudana Kheer, Sabudana Vada, Sabudana Khichdi  Gajar no Halwo, Moriyo and a variety of potato curries cooked according to the “allowed” list of ingredients.


Once such potato Shaak is the Mari Batata nu Skaak (Stir fried potatoes with black Pepper), I usually need nothing on the side, and can have bowl full of this with just plain yoghurt, but often is it served as a part of the thali, with Moriyo, farari puri and kheer.

Ingredients:

• 5 red potatoes medium sized
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp. sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 Thai hot green chilies -chopped 
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (or more)
• 1 tsp. Himalayan salt or Shindav salt
• 2 tbsp. cilantro leaves finely chopped for garnishing. 
  

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes, and let them cool then peel.
2. Cut them into medium sized cubes or wedges.
3. Heat oil in a wide pan/wok over medium heat add the cumin seeds, sauté for 20 seconds.
4. When it is hot add the sesame seed mixture. Stir fry for a few seconds then add the green chilies and sesame seeds if using.
5. Add the cubed potato, salt and black pepper.
6. Mix gently and dry fry the potatoes for 5-6 minutes.  
7. Garnish with cilantro and serve with a side of yogurt and Moriyo Khichdi or Farari Puri.