Fasting during auspicious Hindu festivals like Navratri, Ekadashi, Maha Shivratri, or Shravan Somvar is a spiritual practice observed by millions. While it’s a time of spiritual cleansing, our bodies also need nutrition and energy. That’s where Vrat Special Sabudana Khichadi comes into play — a wholesome, energizing, and deeply satisfying dish perfect for fasting days.
This easy-to-make khichadi recipe, loaded with soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls), roasted peanuts, green chillies, and ghee, offers a balanced mix of carbs, fats, and proteins to sustain energy throughout the day. Let’s dive into this comforting dish that’s not just a fasting favorite but also a delicious anytime snack!
🕉️ Why Sabudana Khichadi Is Perfect for Vrat (Fasting Days)
Sabudana is a powerhouse of carbohydrates — making it an ideal source of quick energy during fasting. Its light, gluten-free texture is easy on the stomach and pairs beautifully with healthy fats like ghee and protein-rich peanuts.
Sabudana Khichadi is popularly consumed during:
- Navratri (9 days of fasting)
- Ekadashi (bi-monthly fasting days)
- Maha Shivratri
- Janmashtami
- Shravan month
- Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri
It’s not only filling but also tastes heavenly, especially when served warm with a hint of lemon or curd (if allowed in your fast).
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients used in this recipe. All are commonly available in Indian households, especially during fasting days.
Main Ingredients for Vrat Special Sabudana Khichadi:
- 1/2 cup Sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- 1/4 cup water (for soaking)
- 1/2 cup Peanuts
- 4–5 Green Chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Sendha Namak (Fasting Salt)
- 1 tbsp Ghee
- 1/2 tsp Sugar (optional)
- Fresh Coriander (optional garnish)
Optional Add-ons:
- 1 small Boiled Potato (chopped into cubes) – adds extra flavor and texture.
⏱️ Preparation and Cooking Time
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Soaking Time | 3–5 hours |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes (excluding soaking) |
Servings: 2 plates
Serving Size: 1 plate (~½ cup sabudana)
🔥 Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50–55g |
| Protein | 7–8g |
| Fat | 12–14g |
| Fiber | 3–4g |
| Sugar | 1–2g (if added) |
| Sodium | 200–250mg |
| Potassium | 200–250mg |
| Iron | 1.5–2mg |
| Magnesium | 40–50mg |
| Calcium | 20–30mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.5–2mg |
This makes it a nutritionally rich fasting recipe that fuels your body and mind during detox days.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Sabudana Khichadi Recipe
Follow this fail-proof recipe to make non-sticky, soft, and flavorful sabudana khichadi every time.
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1: Soak the Sabudana Properly
- Rinse ½ cup sabudana 2–3 times to remove starch.
- Drain excess water completely.
- Add ¼ cup water, cover with a lid, and let it soak for 3–5 hours (or overnight).
- After soaking, sabudana should be soft and not have any water left. Test by pressing one pearl—it should mash easily.
✅ Pro Tip: Excess water can make sabudana sticky. Always soak in minimal water and drain thoroughly.
2: Roast the Peanuts
- Dry roast ½ cup raw peanuts in a pan over low flame for 10 minutes until golden and aromatic.
- Let them cool.
- Remove the skin and grind them into a coarse powder. Keep aside.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t over-grind. We want a crunchy texture, not a fine flour.
3: Make Green Chili Paste
- Grind 4–5 green chilies into a smooth paste or finely chop them if you prefer a bite.
4: Mix the Ingredients
In a bowl, mix:
- Soaked sabudana
- Coarsely ground peanut powder
- Green chili paste
- ½ tsp sendha namak (fasting salt)
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon.
Step 5: Cook the Khichadi
- Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add the sabudana mixture and stir gently.
- Cook on low flame for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sabudana turns translucent.
✅ Pro Tip: Keep stirring gently to prevent sticking and clumping. Don’t cook on high flame.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Optionally, garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges, curd, or sweet lassi (as per fasting rules).
🥔 Optional Twist: Add Boiled Potatoes
For extra bulk and flavor, you can add:
- 1 small boiled and cubed potato
- Add it during Step 4 while mixing other ingredients.
It adds a lovely softness and makes the khichadi even more filling!
🌟 Tips for Perfect Sabudana Khichadi
Want your sabudana khichadi to be restaurant-style every time? Follow these tips:
- Soak Perfectly: Soak sabudana with just enough water. Ratio = 1 part water to 1 part sabudana.
- Use Roasted Peanuts: Freshly roasted and coarsely ground peanuts give the best aroma and texture.
- Cook on Low Heat: Always use low flame to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
- Use Ghee Generously: Ghee enhances the taste and adds healthy fats. Use more if not calorie conscious.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Make it in small batches for best texture.
- Test Soaked Sabudana: Before cooking, press a pearl to check if it’s soft. Hard sabudana will remain uncooked.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
- With plain curd or sweetened curd (if allowed)
- Topped with a drizzle of lemon juice
- Served with fasting-friendly chutneys (like coconut or coriander chutney)
- Paired with fruit salad or sabudana vada for a wholesome thali
❓FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why does sabudana khichadi turn sticky?
Answer: Stickiness occurs due to excess water during soaking or overcooking. Use minimal water and soak properly. Also, avoid stirring too much while cooking.
Q2. Can I make sabudana khichadi without peanuts?
Yes, you can skip peanuts if allergic. Replace with almond powder or grated coconut for texture.
Q3. Is sabudana khichadi healthy?
Yes, it’s rich in carbohydrates for energy, protein from peanuts, and good fats from ghee. For a healthier version, use less ghee and add boiled sweet potatoes.
Q4. Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You can soak sabudana and roast peanuts a night before. Mix and cook fresh in the morning for best results.
Q5. Can I add lemon juice to sabudana khichadi?
Yes, but only if lemon is permitted in your vrat. It enhances the taste and adds a refreshing touch.
🌼 Festive Fasting with Flavor
Sabudana Khichadi is more than just food — it’s tradition, comfort, and nourishment wrapped into one. Whether you’re observing a strict fast or simply craving something light yet satisfying, this Vrat Special Sabudana Khichadi will never disappoint.
Enjoy this classic Indian fasting recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for Navratri, Ekadashi, or even as a weekend breakfast treat!
📌 Recipe Card: Quick Summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Vrat Special Sabudana Khichadi |
| Cuisine | Indian (Fasting / Vrat) |
| Prep Time | 5 mins (plus soaking) |
| Soaking Time | 3–5 hours |
| Cook Time | 15 mins |
| Total Time | 20 mins |
| Servings | 2 |
| Diet | Gluten-Free, Satvik, Vegetarian |
| Suitable For | Navratri, Ekadashi, Maha Shivratri, Fasting Days |
📲 Share & Save This Recipe
If you tried this Sabudana Khichadi recipe, don’t forget to:
- ⭐ Rate the recipe
- 💬 Comment your twist or variation
- 📌 Pin it to your fasting food board
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