Sabudana khichdi Recipe

Sabudana Khichdi is a delicious, light and nutritious dish that is commonly prepared during fasting (or vrat) in India, especially during religious festivals like Navratri. Made with tapioca pearls (sabudana), peanuts, potatoes and mild spices, this dish is gluten-free and packed with essential nutrients. Sabudana Khichdi is not only a great meal for fasting days but also a wholesome option for breakfast or a quick snack.

Here, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to preparing Sabudana Khichdi and highlight its health benefits, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a light yet fulfilling meal.

Ingredients Required for Sabudana Khichdi

Before diving into the step-by-step guide, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:

Sabudana (Tapioca pearls): 1 cup (soaked overnight or for at least 4-5 hours)
Boiled potatoes: 2 medium-sized (peeled and chopped)
Peanuts: ½ cup (roasted and coarsely ground)
Cumin seeds (Jeera): 1 teaspoon
Green chilies: 2 (finely chopped)
Ginger: 1 teaspoon (grated)
Curry leaves: 7-8 leaves
Salt (sendha namak): As per taste (rock salt is commonly used during fasting)
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Ghee or Oil: 2 tablespoons
Fresh coriander leaves: For garnishing

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Sabudana Khichdi

Step 1: Soaking Sabudana

The key to making soft and non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi lies in properly soaking the sabudana. Here’s how:

• Take 1 cup of sabudana and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
• After rinsing, soak the sabudana in water. The water level should just cover the sabudana, not more than that.
• Sabudana soak for a minimum of 4-5 hours or leave it overnight for best results. By this time, the pearls should absorb the water and turn soft.
• Once soaked, drain any excess water and check the texture of the sabudana by pressing a pearl. It should mash easily between your fingers, indicating that it is soaked properly.

Step 2: Preparing the Ingredients

• Boil 2 medium-sized potatoes, peel them, and chop them into small cubes.
• Roast the peanuts until they turn golden brown and release a nice aroma. Let them cool down, and then coarsely grind them in a blender.
• Finely chop the green chilies and grate the ginger for added flavor.

Step 3: Cooking the Khichdi

• Heat the ghee or oil in a pan on medium heat. Ghee adds a rich flavor to the dish, but if you prefer a vegan option, you can use oil.
• Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle.
• Once the cumin seeds turn golden, add the finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Sauté them for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
• Add the chopped boiled potatoes to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the potatoes turn slightly golden.
• Now, add the soaked sabudana to the pan and mix everything well. Make sure the heat is low to prevent the sabudana from sticking to the pan.
• Add rock salt (sendha namak) as per taste and 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional) for a slight sweetness.
• Next, add the ground roasted peanuts to the mixture. The peanuts give the dish a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Stir everything gently and cook the khichdi for about 5-6 minutes on low heat until the sabudana pearls turn translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for tanginess. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
• Your Sabudana Khichdi is now ready to be served hot. You can enjoy it with yogurt (curd) or a side of coconut chutney.

Health Benefits of Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana Khichdi isn’t just tasty; it offers several health benefits that make it an ideal meal for fasting and beyond. Let’s explore some of the health benefits:

1. Rich Source of Carbohydrates
Sabudana is primarily made up of carbohydrates, making it a great energy booster, especially during fasting when the body needs extra fuel. It provides a quick source of energy and keeps you full for longer periods.

2. Gluten-Free and Easy to Digest
Sabudana is naturally gluten-free, making it an ideal option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The soft texture of sabudana also makes it easy to digest, preventing any digestive discomfort.

3. Packed with Nutrients
In addition to being a rich source of carbohydrates, sabudana also contains small amounts of protein, calcium, and iron. When combined with peanuts and potatoes, Sabudana Khichdi becomes a more balanced meal, offering a mix of essential nutrients.

4. Improves Digestion
The use of peanuts in Sabudana Khichdi adds fiber to the dish, which helps in improving digestion. Moreover, the mild spices like cumin and green chilies aid in boosting digestive health and prevent issues like bloating or indigestion.

5. Good for Weight Gain
If you’re looking to gain weight healthily, Sabudana Khichdi can be a good addition to your diet. Its high-calorie content, combined with the healthy fats from ghee and peanuts, makes it a calorie-dense meal that can contribute to healthy weight gain.

6. Helps Maintain Blood Pressure
During fasting, especially when consuming rock salt (sendha namak), Sabudana Khichdi can help maintain stable blood pressure levels. The potassium content in sabudana and peanuts helps regulate blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium.

7. Cooling Effect on the Body
Sabudana has a cooling effect on the body, making it a great food choice during the summer and even during fasting periods. It helps in regulating body temperature and prevents heat-related issues.

and nutrition. Whether you are fasting or just looking for a light meal, Sabudana Khichdi is a must-try!

Also Read: – Mastering Homemade Fried Rice: Your Guide to Perfecting a Classic Dish

Also Read: – Hydration Drinks Recipe for Detox and Cleansing

Tips to Make the Perfect Sabudana Khichdi

• Always soak the sabudana with just enough water to cover it. Too much water can make the pearls mushy.
• Stir the khichdi gently while cooking to avoid breaking the sabudana pearls.
• Do not overcook the sabudana, as it can turn sticky. Cook only until the pearls turn translucent.
• You can add a variety of ingredients like grated coconut, pomegranate seeds, or even vegetables like carrots to enhance the nutritional value.

Conclusion

Sabudana Khichdi is a versatile, easy-to-make, and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed not just during fasting but also as a regular meal. Its mild flavors, combined with the crunchiness of peanuts and the softness of sabudana, make it a favorite comfort food for many. With its numerous health benefits, this dish is a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you are fasting or just looking for a light meal, Sabudana Khichdi is a must-try!