What is Sabudana Khichdi?
Sabudana Khichdi is a classic Indian fasting dish made from tapioca pearls (saggubiyyam / sago), potatoes, and roasted peanuts. It offers a perfect mix of soft pearls, crispy potatoes, and crunchy peanuts, providing instant energy while remaining light and easy to digest.
Popular during Navratri, Shivaratri, and Ekadashi fasting, this dish is valued for its simplicity and nourishment. Sabudana gives quick energy, while peanuts add protein and healthy fats, making it ideal for vrat meals.
The Secret is in the Soak
Correct soaking ensures fluffy, non-sticky pearls.
• Rinse sabudana until water runs clear to remove starch.
• Add just enough water to barely cover pearls (¾–1 cup for 1 cup sabudana).
• Soak 4–6 hours or overnight.
• Pearls should mash easily but remain separate.
• Drain excess water before cooking.
3 Golden Rules
• Fluff Factor: Proper washing and soaking keep pearls separate.
• Peanut Barrier: Mixing crushed peanuts with soaked pearls prevents sticking.
• Gentle Heat: Always cook on low heat after adding sabudana.
How to Make Non-Sticky Sabudana Khichdi
Ingredients
• 1 cup sabudana (saggubiyyam / sago)
• ½ cup roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 2–3 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• Rock salt (sendha namak) as needed
• Pinch of sugar (optional)
• Lemon juice to taste
• Chopped coriander leaves
Preparation Process
- Wash and soak sabudana correctly and drain water.
- Mix half crushed peanuts, salt, and a pinch of sugar into soaked pearls.
- Heat ghee in a wide pan.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chilies and potatoes; sauté until soft and slightly crisp.
- Reduce flame and add sabudana mixture.
- Mix gently without over-stirring.
- Cover and cook about 2 minutes until pearls turn translucent.
- Switch off heat, add lemon juice and coriander.
- Serve hot.
How to Serve
• Plain yogurt or cucumber raita
• Fried green chilies for extra spice
• Pomegranate seeds for sweetness and color
Health Benefits
• Provides quick energy during fasting
• Peanuts supply protein and healthy fats
• Gluten-free and easy to digest
• Keeps you full longer
Tips
• Avoid excess water while soaking.
• Do not over-stir while cooking.
• Use a wide pan to avoid steaming and mushiness.
• Cook only until pearls become translucent.
• Use sendha namak for fasting versions.
Variations
• Add grated coconut for extra flavor.
• Replace peanuts with cashews.
• Add vegetables on non-fasting days.
• Finish with a spoon of ghee for richer taste.