Bake with Neetu
Fasting recipes don’t have to be bland or difficult to prepare. If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish to enjoy during fasting days, Sabudana Momos are the perfect choice. These steamed dumplings are light, nutritious, and delicious. Made with sabudana (tapioca pearls), mashed potatoes, peanuts, and a burst of color from beetroot, this recipe is packed with flavors and is completely vrat-friendly (suitable for fasting). Whether you’re observing Navratri, Ekadashi, or any other fasting occasion, these sabudana momos will be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy, colorful, and healthy snack that’s both satisfying and wholesome!
What Makes Sabudana Momos Special?
These Sabudana Momos are not only a great option for those observing a fast but also an excellent way to introduce a twist to traditional fasting foods. The combination of sabudana, potatoes, and peanuts makes them rich in energy, providing the body with the necessary carbohydrates and healthy fats needed during fasting. The addition of beetroot provides a vibrant color and loads of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The best part? These sabudana momos are easy to make, and their steamed texture ensures they are light on the stomach while still providing enough satiety. This recipe is a great alternative to more common fasting foods, like sabudana khichdi or sabudana vada, adding variety to your meals during fasting.
Key Ingredients
The ingredients for this delicious recipe are simple, nutritious, and can be found easily at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls) – 1 cup
- Boiled Potatoes – 2 (for the stuffing)
- Peanuts (roasted and coarsely ground) – ½ cup
- Beetroot (for color and nutrition) – 1 small
- Green Chilies (for a spicy kick) – 3-4 (paste)
- Sendha Namak (Rock Salt) – 1 tsp (a fasting-friendly salt)
- Ghee (clarified butter) – 1 tbsp
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and healthy treat that can be enjoyed during fasting and other occasions.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sabudana Momos
Step 1: Soak the Sabudana
Start by washing the sabudana (tapioca pearls) thoroughly to remove any excess starch. After washing, soak the sabudana in minimal water (about ¼ cup) for 30 minutes. This will allow the sabudana to absorb the water and soften, making them perfect for steaming later on.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes
While the sabudana is soaking, boil the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a pressure cooker and cook them until they are soft. Once cooked, peel and mash the potatoes thoroughly. Set them aside to cool. This will form the base for your momo stuffing.
Step 3: Prepare Beetroot Water
To add a natural color to the sabudana, prepare beetroot water. Blend the beetroot with water, and then strain it to remove any pulp. The resulting water will give your sabudana a beautiful pinkish-red hue. This is a unique twist to the traditional momo dough, adding a natural and vibrant color while also providing a dose of nutrients.
Step 4: Color the Sabudana
Take the soaked sabudana and soak them in the beetroot water for about 2 hours. This will allow the sabudana to absorb the beetroot color and create a stunning pink or red dough for your momos.
Step 5: Roast & Grind the Peanuts
While the sabudana is soaking, take roasted peanuts and grind them coarsely in a blender or food processor. The peanut powder will add a nutty flavor and texture to the momo stuffing.
Step 6: Make the Green Chili Paste
Blend the green chilies into a fine paste. You can adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. This paste will give the momos an aromatic heat that complements the other flavors in the dish.
Step 7: Prepare the Stuffing
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the ground peanuts, green chili paste, and sendha namak (rock salt). Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well-incorporated. This mixture will serve as the filling for your sabudana momos.
Step 8: Shape the Momos
Now it’s time to assemble your sabudana momos. Take small portions of the beetroot-colored sabudana dough and flatten them gently using your palms. Place a spoonful of the prepared potato-peanut stuffing in the center, then fold the edges to seal the momo into a neat pouch. Make sure the edges are well-sealed to avoid any filling spilling out during steaming.
Step 9: Steam the Momos
Arrange the shaped momos in a steamer and steam them for about 7 minutes. The steaming process will cook the dough and allow the flavors to blend beautifully. You’ll know the momos are ready when they are tender and slightly translucent.
Step 10: Serve with Green Chutney
Once steamed, your sabudana momos are ready to be served! Pair them with a vrat-friendly green chutney for an added burst of flavor. You can make a simple chutney using mint, cilantro, lemon juice, and sendha namak. Enjoy the momos hot, as a healthy snack or light meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Sabudana Momos
- Soak sabudana properly: Make sure you soak the sabudana in just a small amount of water to prevent them from becoming too soggy. Proper soaking ensures that the pearls will cook perfectly.
- Use fresh beetroot: For the best color and flavor, use fresh, firm beetroot. It will give your momos a bright and attractive color.
- Adjust spiciness: The green chili paste can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use fewer chilies.
- Steam carefully: Be careful not to overcook the momos, as they can become mushy. Steaming for 7 minutes should be just right.
Health Benefits of Sabudana Momos
- Rich in Carbohydrates: Sabudana is primarily made up of carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy, especially when you’re fasting and need to replenish your energy levels.
- Good for Digestion: Both sabudana and peanuts are gentle on the digestive system, which is why they are commonly consumed during fasting or during a detox period.
- High in Nutrients: The addition of beetroot provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals, while peanuts offer healthy fats and protein.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Conclusion
These Sabudana Momos are the ultimate fasting snack, offering a delicious combination of flavors and colors. With their easy preparation, rich nutrition, and light texture, they’re perfect for any vrat or fasting occasion. Whether you’re new to fasting foods or an experienced cook, this recipe is a must-try. Serve them with your favorite chutney, and you’ll have a satisfying, healthy, and vibrant dish to enjoy during your fasting days.
FAQ
- Can I make these sabudana momos in advance? Yes! You can prepare the momos and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before steaming. Just steam them fresh before serving.
- Can I make the dough without beetroot? Yes, you can skip the beetroot if you prefer. The color will be slightly different, but the taste will still be delicious.
- Can I freeze these momos? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked momos and steam them straight from the freezer when needed.
By following this recipe, you’ll have a delightful snack that’s not only healthy and filling but also ideal for fasting days. Happy cooking!
