Sabudana Khichdi or sago pearls savoury pudding is a popular Indian dish made during fasting or certain Hindu festivals. Let us see two ways to make this.
Why 2 ways to make Sabudana Khichdi?
With a majority of non-sabudana takers at home, we don’t make Sabudana khichri that frequenly.. I am personally on the fence when it comes to this dish, but wouldn’t mind it occasionally (read once in 3-4 months), owing largely to its huge starchy content and the potatoes and peanuts don’t do anything to take away the heavy feeling once its consumed.
My kids like it, so I do make it for the occasional farali (fasting) dish if I do remember to soak it.
I guess it's ok for those who fast (either for health or religious purposes) that this tapioca based grain dish is a great meal to have to feel satiated. But, as we don’t fast often (atleast on religious grounds), it hardly gets made at home.
Somehow, I was keen to cook and present a mid way path between the starch laden dish and a bland pudding that sabudana rends itself ,and so came into focus the veggies. Ergo, the 2 variants presented here:)

And the disclaimer:
The classic Sabudana Khichdi with peanuts and potatoes is followed by those who follow farali / fasting meals. The veggie-loaded version is what we make at home as we liked it more fibre-rich. You can make what you like. The veggie-loaded sabudana khichdi isn't the traditional one, but more adapated to my household.
Other dishes made at home with Sabudana / Sago pearls:
The off-occasion that I do make Sabudana Carrot Payasam (kheer) or the Classical Festival Sabudana Kheer is not taken up enthusiastically, and the Sabudana Vada (which along with the Sabudana Khichdi is a local favourite here where I live) is detested by all, equally 🙂 . But we somehow found a way to like sabudana in this Low-Fat Sabudana Tikki
Other Fasting dishes / Farali Dishes on the blog that you may like:






Prep time - 15 mins, Cook time - 10 mins, Serves - 2
Sabudana Vegetable Khichdi and Farali Sabudana Khichdi - GF, Vegan Indian Dish made for breakfast / Snack time
PIN FOR LATER



You need (to make 2 servings of Sabudana khichdi):
- ¼ cup Sabudana / Tapioca pearls / Sago
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 3 teaspoon Roasted peanuts (peeled and crushed coarse)
- ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
- 3 spicy green chillies (Chopped, adjust spice)
- ¾ teaspoon Salt (or Sendha namak for farali version)
- ¼ cup Potato (peeled, cubed, microwaved till soft but not mushy)
- ½ cup Steamed veggies (for the non farali version - peas, carrots, french beans etc)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Coriander leaves (chopped)
How to make Sabudana Khichdi:
- In a colander, wash the sabudana under tap / filtered water several times to remove excess starch (Tip #1).
- Soak the sabudana overnight (in the fridge) or for 3-4 hours with freshwater just about covering it with a tsp of curd added (TIP #2).
- After soaking for 8-9 hours, drain the water before cooking and fluff the pearls (pour water over the soaked pearls and drain fully and keep covered till other preps are done Tip#3)
- In a non stick pan, heat the oil. splutter the cumin seeds and green chillies.
- Add the steamed veggies (or the cooked potato - depending on which version you are making), salt and toss well.
- Now add the sabudana and sprinkle very little water and cook and cover till the pearls turn translucent.
- Fluff them again after 2-3 mins, add crushed peanuts, lemon juice and toss again.
- Take off the fire and let it rest for 1 min. Serve hot as is or with chilled yoghurt

Sabudana Khichdi - 2 ways | Gluten Free | Vegan
Equipment
- Thick Bottomed Pan
- Bowl
- Pots and Pans
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Sabudana Tapioca pearls / Sago
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 3 teaspoon Roasted peanuts peeled and crushed coarse
- ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds Jeera
- 3 spicy green chillies Chopped, adjust spice
- ¾ teaspoon Salt or Sendha namak for farali version
- ¼ cup Potato peeled, cubed, microwaved till soft but not mushy
- ½ cup Steamed veggies for the non farali version - peas, carrots, french beans etc
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Coriander leaves chopped
Instructions
- In a colander, wash the sabudana under tap / filtered water several times to remove excess starch (Tip #1).
- Soak the sabudana overnight (in the fridge) or for 3-4 hours with freshwater just about covering it with a teaspoon of curd added (TIP #2).
- After soaking for 8-9 hours, drain the water before cooking and fluff the pearls (pour water over the soaked pearls and drain fully and keep covered till other preps are done Tip#3)
- In a non stick pan, heat the oil. splutter the cumin seeds and green chillies.
- Add the steamed veggies (or the cooked potato - depending on which version you are making), salt and toss well.
- Now add the sabudana and sprinkle very little water and cook and cover till the pearls turn translucent.
- Fluff them again after 2-3 mins, add crushed peanuts, lemon juice and toss again.
- Take off the fire and let it rest for 1 min. Serve hot as is or warm with a bowl of curd.






vaishali sabnani says
Cooking sabudana is a art , I have a tough time to get that non sticky version ! I see you have made it perfectly and the fibre element is naturally expected from you :))
Gayathri Kumar says
I tend to stay away from sabudana as there are no takers at home. I like it but it is hard to make it just for me. This version of the kichdi with so much vegetables looks fantastic.
Suma Gandlur says
A classic dish, well prepared. Honestly I like the kheer more but the other adult at home absolutely enjoys this khichdi.
Naina says
this khichdi is an absolute fav. I too add some veggies esp matar and carrot
Sharmila Kingsly says
Sabudana khichdi with loads of peanuts is my fav.. a delicious share..
Sharon P says
Such a delish dish. never thought we could add veggies too - definitely trying
Harini R says
Wow! Sabudana khichdi is my fav and I avoid it for the same reason you mentioned. Crisp pictures too.
sushma says
Sabudhana khichdi is my all time fav dish. Your dish looks perfect done.
Srividhya G says
I love sabudana kichadi with peanut chutney. It is such a classic combination. My sabudana kichadi is always a hit or miss and your has come out really well.
Roopa Nagar says
Always, a classic dish. Loved it with loads of peanuits
Srivalli says
Never tried with veggies but sabudana khichdi is a favorite one for us.
cookwithrenu says
I love sabudana khicdhi and your version looks yum
Swati says
I love sabudana khichdi but never made with veggies.. shall make it next time with peas and carrots.. Thanks for the share.
Mayuri Patel says
Love the version of adding other veggies to the traditional sabudana khichdi for non fasting days. As for me I simply love the traditional one, in spite of it being loaded with carbs.
Kalyani says
absolutely- the traditional one is liked by everyone
Renu says
I have yet to try sabudana khichdi with vegetables.
Priya S says
Veggie version and traditional version of sabudana khichdi both look yumm.
I must try the veg variant..somehow,I have never thought outside of potato and peanut combo for sabudana khichdi
Kalyani says
Thanks. Do try and let me know how it worked out for you..