Sabudana Kheer is a creamy Indian pudding made from tapioca pearls (sagubiyam / sago), milk, and sugar, flavored with cardamom and garnished with crunchy nuts. It is commonly prepared during fasting festivals like Navratri, Ekadashi, and Maha Shivaratri because it provides quick energy while being light and easy to digest.
A well-made kheer has soft, translucent pearls that remain separate in a rich milk base rather than forming a sticky mass. It tastes comforting when served warm and becomes thick and custard-like when chilled, making it perfect for both festivals and regular dessert occasions.
Essentials of Sabudana Kheer
- A popular Indian milk pudding made using sago pearls.
- Widely prepared during fasting days as an energy booster.
- Known for its soft, pearl-like texture.
- Flavored traditionally with cardamom and nuts.
Non-Sticky Secret
- Always rinse sabudana thoroughly before soaking.
- Removing excess starch prevents clumping.
- Proper soaking ensures pearls cook evenly.
Why People Love It
- Naturally gluten-free.
- Easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
- Ideal fasting dessert.
- Delicious both warm and chilled.
- Simple ingredients yet festive taste.
Common Pitfalls & Fixes
- Kheer too thick: Add warm milk before serving as sabudana absorbs liquid over time.
- Milk curdles: Add jaggery only after turning off heat.
- Hard pearls: Soak sabudana properly before cooking.
- Sticky texture: Rinse pearls well before soaking.
How to Make Sabudana Kheer (Saggubiyyam / Sago Payasam)
Ingredients
- ½ cup sabudana (saggubiyyam/sago)
- 3–4 cups full-fat milk
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- Pinch of saffron (optional)
- 1 tbsp ghee (optional)
Preparation Method
- Wash sabudana until water runs clear.
- Soak pearls in just enough water for 2–4 hours until soft.
- Boil milk in a heavy pan; add saffron if using.
- Add soaked sabudana and cook on medium flame.
- Stir occasionally until pearls become transparent and float.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder; simmer 5 minutes.
- Fry nuts in ghee and add to kheer.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Health Benefits
- Provides quick energy during fasting.
- Easy to digest.
- Milk supplies calcium and protein.
- Nuts add healthy fats and nutrients.
Tips for Perfect Kheer
- Stir often to avoid sticking.
- Do not over-thicken while cooking.
- Kheer thickens after cooling; adjust with milk.
- Full-fat milk gives best taste.
Variations
- Use jaggery instead of sugar for earthy flavor.
- Add condensed milk for richer kheer.
- Use coconut milk for different taste.
- Add mango or banana after cooling.
- Add dry fruit powder for extra nutrition.