March 13, 2013

Sabudana (Sago) Khichdi / Tapioca Pearls, Potato and Peas Pilaf


I am loving this Lenten season just because I am forced to keep my brain super active, relentlessly trying to come up with some tasty lenten/vegetarian recipes that I can share with you all. Just the other weekend, my husband requested that I make the Vermicelli Upma but I had to decline his humble request just because it was already there on my blog – LOL, ridiculous right??? Well, to keep my man happy I had to come up with an interesting alternative and therefore I opted to make Sabudana Khichdi as I realized that I hadn’t blogged about it yet. The end result was a happy husband, happy daughter and in turn a happy me :)


Sabudana (Sago)

For those of who are new to this dish here is a quick synopsis. Sabudana khichadi is an Indian dish made from soaked Tapioca pearls or Sabudana (Sago). It is usually prepared in western parts of India especially in Gujarat & Maharashtra. It is a good source of carbohydrate and hence popular when observing periods of fasting , especially during Navratri.


Ingredients
1 ½ Cups – Sabudana/Sago/Tapioca Pearls
3 Tbsp - Peanuts
¼ Cup – Coconut, shredded OR Desiccated coconut
1 Tsp – Mustard Seeds
¾ Tsp – Cumin Seeds/ Jeera
1 Sprig - Curry leaf
1/8 Tsp – Asafetida / Hing
2 - Green Chilly
2 – Potato, chopped (approx. 1 ¼ cup)
¾ Cups - Green Pea
2 Tbsp - Lemon juice
Oil or Ghee (Click here for Homemade Ghee recipe)
Salt to taste
Cilantro (to garnish)

Directions 
  • Wash the sabudana in water and soak them overnight. (If you are using smaller version then it will need less soaking time)Test by pressing a pearl of sabudana between your thumb and index finger and if it squishes completely then it is ready to use. 
  • Drain them in a colander 
  • In a wok or kadai, heat some oil/ghee and add peanuts and sauté them until golden brown. 
  • Drain them out and keep it aside. 
  • To the remaining oil add mustard seed and allow them to splutter 
  • Add jeera followed by curry leaves, green chilly and asafetida. 
  • Stir in chopped potatoes and season with salt 
  • When the potatoes are cooked, add coconut and sauté for 2 minutes to slightly toast them.
  • Mix in sabudana, peas, salt and cook until the sabudana turn translucent. 
  • Take of the heat and drizzle lemon juice and garnish with peanuts and freshly chopped cilantro 
Notes and Tips 
  • Sabudana comes in different sizes and the soaking time might vary according to the size. 
  • Test by pressing a pearl of sabudana between your thumb and index finger and if it squishes completely then it is ready to use. 
  • You can add more spices like chilly powder and turmeric but I like mine simple so I always stick to the basic recipe. 
  • You can add some grated carrots, corn or any of your favorite veggie to this dish and make it more colorful and healthy.


10 comments:

  1. I've never use tapioca pearls in a savory recipe. This dish is very original and looks delicious. Something I'll have to try someday...

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  2. Even I made Sabudhana upma/khichdi just last week...and as I hadn't soaked overnight, my sabudhana was still kinda chewy so had to add a lot of water and its became all sloppy :-) but tasted great. Loved the presentation.

    Luv,
    Manju
    http://manjuseatingdelights.blogspot.com/

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  3. Kichdi looks so delicious and colorful.. Nicely presented.. :)

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  4. Hmmm... never tried sago to make anything. My Mom used to make sago pappads when we were small, love them. I bet the kichadi tastes yum. I totally agree with you on the Vegeterian innovation during lent time :)

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  5. Yummy preparation and nice clicks..happy to follow u..
    Will be glad if u visit and join my space in your free time..
    Shabbu's Tasty Kitchen

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  6. OMG I want this khichdi right now...looks super tempting and great clicks!!!

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  7. Tapioca pearls are not available here but your stunning pictures make me want to go hunting for it.
    I can totally understand the part about cooking with the blog in mind :) I do that all the time :)

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  8. What a pretty dish.. This is served as a side dish, correct? Lovely!

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Thanks a bunch,
Shema