Sabudana Khichdi Recipe for Navratri: A Perfect Fasting Delight

Navratri, the auspicious nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is observed with great devotion. During these days, many devotees observe fasts, and one of the most popular dishes to enjoy during this time is Sabudana Khichdi. This flavorful and nutritious dish is light, easy to digest, and perfect for fasting, making it a must-have during Navratri.
Here’s how you can make Sabudana Khichdi to add flavor and energy to your Navratri fasting routine.

Ingredients:
●    1 cup Sabudana (Tapioca pearls)
●    2 medium-sized potatoes (boiled and diced)
●    1/2 cup roasted peanuts (crushed coarsely)
●    1-2 green chilies (chopped, adjust according to taste)
●    1 teaspoon cumin seeds
●    1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) or oil
●    Curry leaves (optional, for extra flavor)
●    Salt or Sendha Namak (rock salt) (to taste, preferred during fasting)
●    1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)
●    1 tablespoon lemon juice (for freshness)
●    2 tablespoons coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)

Preparation:
Step 1: Soak the Sabudana
●    Wash the sabudana thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
●    Soak the sabudana in water for about 4-5 hours or overnight. Ensure that the water level is just enough to cover the sabudana.
●    After soaking, drain the excess water and fluff the sabudana with a fork. The pearls should be soft and separate, not mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Peanuts
●    Boil the potatoes until tender, peel, and dice them into small cubes.
●    Dry roast the peanuts in a pan until they turn slightly brown and give off a nutty aroma. Crush them coarsely with a rolling pin or in a mortar and pestle.
Step 3: Cooking the Khichdi
●    In a large pan or kadhai, heat ghee or oil.
●    Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. For added flavor, you can also add curry leaves at this stage.
●    Add the chopped green chilies and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
●    Add the diced boiled potatoes and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
●    Now, add the soaked and drained sabudana to the pan.
●    Sprinkle the crushed peanuts, salt (sendha namak), and a pinch of sugar (optional). Mix everything gently, ensuring the sabudana gets evenly coated with the peanut mixture.
●    Cook the mixture on a low flame for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the sabudana doesn’t stick to the pan. The pearls will become translucent and soft when fully cooked.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
●    Turn off the heat and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the khichdi.
●    Garnish with chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Sabudana Khichdi hot, paired with a bowl of curd or raita. You can also enjoy it with a side of fruits to complete your Navratri fasting meal.
Tips for Perfect Sabudana Khichdi:
●    Soak the sabudana properly: The key to perfect sabudana khichdi is in soaking the pearls just right. Make sure they are soft but not mushy.
●    Use Sendha Namak (rock salt): This is commonly used during fasting, as regular salt is avoided.
●    Cook on low flame: Sabudana can quickly become sticky, so cook on a low flame and stir gently.

Nutritional Benefits:
Sabudana Khichdi is not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. Sabudana (tapioca pearls) is rich in carbohydrates, making it a great energy booster during fasting. The addition of peanuts provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, while the potatoes add a hearty texture to the dish. It's gluten-free and light on the stomach, making it an ideal fasting meal.
Conclusion:
Sabudana Khichdi is the ultimate fasting dish for Navratri. It’s easy to make, full of flavors, and loaded with nutrition. Whether you're fasting or simply looking for a quick, light meal, this recipe will delight your taste buds while keeping you energized throughout the day.