Often enjoyed as a healthy breakfast or snack, Sabudana Khichdi is a favorite recipe across India, particularly in Mumbai street food culture. Its simplicity, combined with the energy-boosting ingredients, makes it one of the easiest and most satisfying dishes to prepare during fasting or for a quick meal.

Why to Make It?

It’s perfect for Navratri fasting since it’s filling and provides the energy boost you need to get through the day. Packed with carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This dish is light and easy to digest, making it gentle on your stomach. Plus, it’s a fantastic gluten-free option that caters to both vegetarians and vegans, making it a versatile breakfast choice.

Ingredients

Sabudana: Sabudana in english is known as sago or tapioca pearls.For making khichdi, choose medium sized pearls of sago. Big size tapioca pearls are not good for making khichdi. Potatoes: You can use boiled potatoes or raw potatoes. If you are using raw potatoes, then first slightly cook with little oil. Spices and Seasonings: Salt to taste or Sendha Namak, red chili powder (If allowed), cumin. Flavorant: Coriander/cilantro, Lime juice, ginger. Ghee: You can use ghee or oil as per your preference. I prefer ghee for it’s healthy properties and a beautiful nutty flavor. If you are a vegan you can use a neutral oil of your choice. Peanuts: Crunchy roasted or fried peanuts. If you have nut allergy you can skip them.

I have taken care to include ingredients that are permitted during navratri. But make sure to consult your family because different people have different customs and permitted ingredients.

How to make it

Wash Sabudana thoroughly and soak 1 cup Sabudana in one cup of water. Soak it for 4-5 hours or overnight. After soaking Sabudana pearls swell up nicely and remain separated. Heat oil/ghee in a pan. Add cumin and cook for a minute. Then, add ginger and green chilies. Cook for another minute and then add chopped potatoes.

After potatoes are cooked through, add soaked Sabudana, salt, red chili and cook for few minutes. When sago pearl turn translucent, add lime juice, chopped coriander and top with crunchy roasted/fried peanuts. For authentic Maharashtrian style khichdi always finish it with grated coconut. 

Variations

Sabudana Khichdi with Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes for extra fiber and nutrients, making the dish more wholesome while staying vrat-friendly. Sabudana Khichdi with Coconut: Mix in grated fresh coconut at the end for a creamy, mildly sweet flavor, adding richness to the khichdi. Sabudana Khichdi with Ginger: Incorporate grated ginger for a refreshing zing and digestive benefits, perfect for lighter fasting meals. Sabudana Khichdi with Tomato: Add sautéed tomatoes for a tangy, juicy twist, balancing the starchy sabudana with a touch of acidity. Sabudana Khichdi with Paneer: Paneer adds protein and richness; crumble or pan-fry it before mixing for a heartier, protein-packed dish.

Substitutions

Ghee can be replaced with oil: If you prefer a vegan or lighter version, use peanut oil or any neutral cooking oil instead of ghee. Peanut oil is especially vrat-friendly and enhances the nutty flavor of the khichdi. Potatoes can be replaced with sweet potatoes: For a healthier alternatives, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. They add a touch of sweetness and are rich in fiber and vitamins.

How to Serve

Storage and Reheat

Cool completely: Let the khichdi cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent moisture buildup. Use an airtight container: Transfer the cooled khichdi into an airtight container to retain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. Sabudana khichdi can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently: When ready to eat, reheat the khichdi in a pan on low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or oil to restore its moisture and texture, as it may become slightly dry or sticky after refrigeration.

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