Sweet Potato Pancake/ Ratala Thalpith

Sweet Potato Pancake or Ratala Thalpith (रताळ्याच थालिपीठ) is a classic fast recipe in most Maharashtrian homes. The recipe uses sweet potato or ratala, which is available all year round, and is hence consumed during most fasts. This recipe is like a sweet maharashtrian version of hash browns. The caramelised sugar beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the potato, which is contrasted by the crispy bits of grated ratala.

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato or Ratala (रताळ) is a tuber that's commonly consumed during fasts. The reason the tuber is popular during fasts is that it is easy to digest. Usually, mum makes kees by substituting potatoes with sweet potatoes in Batatyacha Kees. Later, we use the potato starch to make a simple but delicious kheer. 
Another popular fasting recipe uses fried discs of Ratala, dipped in sugar syrup.