Sabudana Khichdi Recipe – Perfect Fasting Food with Sago & Peanuts
Step 1: Soak Sabudana Rinse 1 cup of sabudana until water runs clear. Soak in water (just enough to cover) for 6–7 hours or overnight. Drain any excess water completely. Step 2: Heat Oil & Temper Spices In a non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add ½ tsp cumin seeds and let them splutter. Step 3: Roast Peanuts Add 1 tbsp raw peanuts and roast till golden and crunchy. Step 4: Add Chilies & Sabudana Add 1 chopped green chili and sauté briefly. Add the soaked sabudana and gently mix. Step 5: Cook Gently Lower the flame and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sabudana becomes translucent. Step 6: Garnish & Serve Turn off heat. Add salt, 1 tsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped coriander. Mix gently and serve warm.
This Sabudana Khichdi recipe is simple and ideal for Navratri or any fasting day. Made with minimal ingredients, it comes together quickly if you have soaked sabudana ready. The roasted peanuts and green chilies add crunch and a mild spice kick, while a dash of lemon juice adds refreshing tang.
Sabudana Khichdi is a light and delicious Indian dish made with soaked sago (tapioca pearls), roasted peanuts, and a few spices. Often prepared during fasting (vrat), this khichdi is not only healthy but also comforting, with a soft, chewy texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup sabudana (sago/tapioca pearls)
- 1 tablespoon raw peanuts
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt – as per taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Soak Sabudana:
Wash sabudana thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak in just enough water to cover for 6–7 hours or overnight. Drain any excess water before cooking. - Roast Peanuts & Spices:
Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add raw peanuts and roast until golden and aromatic. - Add Chilies & Sabudana:
Add finely chopped green chilies and sauté briefly. Add the soaked and drained sabudana to the pan. - Cook the Khichdi:
Mix everything gently. Lower the flame and cook for 3–4 minutes until sabudana becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. - Finish & Serve:
Turn off the heat. Add salt, lemon juice, and garnish with chopped coriander. Serve warm.
💡 Cooking Tips
- Avoid Stickiness: Soak sabudana with just enough water and drain excess completely.
- Fasting Variation: Use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt if making for vrat.
- Additions: You can also add boiled and diced potatoes or curry leaves for extra taste.
- Spice Levels: Increase or decrease green chili as per your spice preference.
🛠️ Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Mistake: Sticky or mushy sabudana
Fix: Use minimal water for soaking. Ensure all excess moisture is drained. - Mistake: Sabudana remains hard while cooking
Fix: Ensure sabudana was soaked adequately – it should be soft when pressed. - Mistake: Khichdi sticking to pan
Fix: Use a non-stick pan and cook on low flame with occasional stirring.
⭐ Chef’s Tips
- Always test the sabudana by pressing a soaked pearl between fingers – it should mash easily.
- For added flavor, dry roast peanuts separately and grind some coarsely to mix with khichdi.
- A splash of lemon juice right before serving enhances the freshness and taste.
🍳 Equipment & Tools
- Non-stick pan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer (for sabudana)
- Chopping board & knife
🍽️ Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with a side of chilled curd or plain yogurt.
- Goes well with vrat-friendly chutney like coconut or peanut chutney.
- A warm cup of herbal tea or buttermilk complements it beautifully.
⚠️ Allergen Info
- Nuts: Contains peanuts – avoid or replace with roasted seeds if allergic.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Vegan: Yes – this recipe is vegan-friendly.
🛒 Brand Suggestions
- Sabudana: TRS or Natco Sabudana (available at Asda, Tesco, Indian stores)
- Peanuts: Whitworths or KTC Peanuts
- Cumin Seeds: Natco or TRS Cumin Seeds
- Oil: KTC Sunflower or Groundnut Oil
- Lemon Juice: Jif or Tesco Fresh Lemons
- Coriander: Fresh from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or local produce shops