Sabudana khichdi, the sensible way

Sabudana khichdi is the taste of vrat days in most Indian homes, and there is no reason to give it up. The usual version swims in oil and is almost all starch, so it can leave you sleepy an hour later. This one keeps every bit of the flavour with less oil, a bigger share of peanuts, and curd on the side. Remember, the sabudana needs 4 to 5 hours of soaking, so the 25 minutes here is only the cooking.

Why it helps

Sabudana itself is nearly pure starch, which is why the peanuts matter so much. They bring protein and good fats that slow the meal down, and the curd on the side adds more protein plus a cooling balance. On a fasting day, that means steadier energy instead of a spike, a slump and a headache by evening. More easy swaps that steady meals

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 cup sabudana, soaked for 4 to 5 hours in just enough water to cover
• 1/2 cup peanuts, roasted and coarsely crushed
• 1 medium potato, boiled and cubed (optional, keep it small)
• 1 green chilli, chopped, and 1 teaspoon jeera
• 2 teaspoons ghee or oil
• Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste, lemon to finish
• Fresh coriander, and a katori of curd per person to serve

Method

1. Soak the sabudana in just enough water to cover it. After 4 to 5 hours the pearls should press flat easily between two fingers. Drain any extra water.
2. Gently mix half the crushed peanuts and the rock salt into the soaked sabudana.
3. Heat the ghee in a kadhai on medium. Crackle the jeera, then add the green chilli.
4. Add the boiled potato cubes and toss for a minute.
5. Add the sabudana mixture and stir gently for 4 to 5 minutes, until the pearls turn translucent. Do not overcook or it turns gluey.
6. Switch off, add the remaining peanuts, lemon juice and coriander.
7. Serve hot with a katori of plain curd on the side.

Make it your own

• Skip the potato and add extra peanuts if you want the plate to hold you longer.
• Between meals on a vrat day, snack on boiled peanut chaat or roasted makhana instead of fried chips.
• Not fasting? Add chopped tomato and regular salt, it works as a light weekend breakfast too.

Enjoy it as part of the CurviCare Plate, or browse more easy recipes.