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Home » All Recipes » How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearl pilaf

How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearl pilaf

By Khushboo 65 Comments September 13, 2016 November 9, 2018

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Love Sabudana khichdi ? but somehow can’t get it right . Does it turn mushy or sticky and completely unappetizing then today’s post- How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearls pilaf  has got you covered .

How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearls pilaf , vrat khichdi

This delicious dish is vegan and gluten-free too.

how-to-make-perfect-non-sticky-sabudana-khichdi-dinner

Sabudana Khichdi is one of the most popular comfort food in India. It’s also know by sago khichdi and tapioca pearl pilaf. Beautiful tender tapioca pearls coated with crunchy roasted peanuts and sautéed with potatoes using spices with generous squeeze of lemon. A true humble meal for folks of all ages.

It’s mostly made during fasting/vrat/upvaas season like Navratri , Shivratri , Ekadashi but not limited to the same. Sabudana khichdi makes an appetizing and filling breakfast , lunch , dinner or a snack and with few minutes of pre preparation ,this delicious meal comes together in a flash.

how-to-make-perfect-non-sticky-sabudana-khichdi

We absolutely love it with a side of chilled yogurt. Simple pleasures of life right!

I have had my share of making sticky , lumpy , mushy Sabudana khichdi when I was a rookie years back but not anymore. I have learnt how to make this delicious khichdi from my mother in law and it turns out amazing every time.

how-to-make-the-perfec-non-sticky-sabudana-khichadi-veganindian

Given below is step by step pictorial followed by the recipe and tips  for making the perfect non – sticky sabudana khichdi . It is important to go through the tips for a successful khichdi so please do not skip them.

Why does my Sabudana Khichdi turn so sticky and lumpy ?:(

Well , if you soak Sabudana/ tapioca in more water than required then it will turn mushy and sticky. 

so how to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearl pilaf ?

Solution– Place Sabudana in a colander .Wash Sabudana under cold tap water until clear water appears. This takes off most of the starch and prevents sticking. Soak sabudana by adding  just enough water to cover them . Just 1/4 inch more than sabudana level. 

Secondly after the sabudana have fluffed up , drain off excess water if any before cooking. 

Thirdly , less is more. Don’t use a lot of oil to cook sabudana . 

 

how-to-make-perfect-non-sticky-sabudana-khichdi-vegan-stepbystep

How do I know when sabudana is soaked well and ready to cook ?

There is a wide range of sabudana available in the market with different quality. Some are ready instantly , some need 3-4 hours of soaking and some need more time. I suggest soaking for 5-6 hours ,preferably overnight for non instant ones.

Always do the smash test mentioned below to know that sabudana is ready or not for cooking. 

Pick up a soaked pearl and mash it between your finger and thumb. It should squish easily .

Do the smash test and if not ready , sprinkle some water and give a quick stir and let it sit for 2 more hours. 

Smash test again, drain any excess water. 

Now you are all set to make the khichdi.

Steps given below for how to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearl pilaf.How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearls pilaf , vrat khichdi How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearls pilaf

how-to-make-the-perfect-non-sticky-sabudana-khichadi-vegan

How to make Sabudana Khichdi recipe

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How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearl pilaf
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4.29 from 94 votes

How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearl pilaf

An all time favorite comfort food - Sabudana khichdi . Learn how to make a perfect one with easy tips and recipe. Vegan and gluten free
Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Indian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Adjustable Servings -4 -6
Calories 550kcal
Author Khushboo

Ingredients

  • 440 grams / 2 cups Sabudana before soaking
  • 450 ml/ 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 3-4 curry leaves*
  • ½ tablespoon grated ginger *
  • 2 green chillies finely chopped *
  • 2 medium sized potatoes peeled and cubed / 2 cups approx
  • ½ cup roughly crushed roasted peanuts *
  • Salt to taste sendha namak for upvaas
  • 2 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice or to taste
  • Fistful of Chopped cilantro *
  • Few roasted peanuts for garnish

Instructions

  • Place Sabudana in a colander .Wash Sabudana under cold tap water until clear water appears. This takes off most of the starch and prevents sticking.
  • In a big wide bowl soak sabudana by adding just enough water to cover them . Just 1/4 inch more than sabudana level.
  • Soak covered for 5-6 hours , preferably overnight.
  • Sabudana will fluff up after soaking .
  • Do the smash test mentioned above in the tips .
  • Drain off excess water if any before cooking.
  • Add oil to a heavy bottom non stick pan .
  • Once warm , add in the cumin seeds.
  • Add in the cubed potatoes and cook on a low flame until tender , flipping it occasionally.
  • Now add in the curry leaves , ginger , chopped chilies and cook for a minute more.
  • Meantime, add in sugar, salt , crushed roasted peanuts and lemon juice to the sabudana bowl and mix well.
  • Now add the coated sabudana to the pan , mix everything well and cook until the sabudana are a bit translucent and well coated.
  • Keep stirring occasionally.
  • Taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed .
  • Add in lots of chopped cilantro and more peanuts.
  • Serve warm with chilled yogurt.

Notes

Roast peanuts , crush them and store them in an air tight container so that it’s available handy whenever needed.
Go through the tips mentioned above for perfect non sticky sabudana khichdi.
You may add pomegranate or grated coconut if desired.
You may substitute green chilies with red chilly powder.
You may skip ginger, but it adds a lot of flavor .

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 116g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 596mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin C: 14.1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 6.2mg
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How to make perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi / tapioca pearl pilaf

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Filed Under: All Recipes, breads / rice, Breakfast & Mid-Day Snacks, Indian Platter Tagged With: onepotmeal, sabudana, vegan, vratSeptember 13, 2016

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bejal

    November 10, 2020 at 3:52 am

    5 stars
    Hello,

    Thanks for the recipe. I followed the recipe completely and it was not sticky, however there was a bite to the sabudana, is that normal? The taste was great, not sticky, but a bite and I’m not sure if I did something wrong.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      November 17, 2020 at 10:49 am

      Hello Bejal, may be you were too cautious about adding oil. Or it depends on the variety used. The only way to know if sabudana is ready is to squish one of the pearls between your fingers after soaked.

      Reply
  2. Mudrika

    September 14, 2020 at 10:40 pm

    Hi Khushboo, Thanks for such amazing recipe. I have never been able to make perfect mon sticky khichadi and I am so blessed to have read this post. I am curious to know how to crush roasted peanuts? Do I grind peanuts in a mixer? Thank you! A

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      September 17, 2020 at 3:44 pm

      Hello Mudrika, just pulse it in the mixer. Do not grind it fully.

      Reply
  3. Foodlover

    August 24, 2020 at 8:04 am

    5 stars
    A foolproof recipe. I followed it step by step and was super pleased with the outcome. my khichdi was non sticky and perfect! thank you!

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      August 25, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      I am glad this recipe helped you. Thank you for the lovely feedback!

      Reply
  4. reji kuruvilla

    July 23, 2020 at 9:44 am

    can we add milk when preparing rava/ poha or now sabudana
    is it safe – heating these with milk in it – until they become translucent ?
    taste is good but i never hear people doing it – hence asking.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      August 25, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      I never had savory sabudana khichdi with milk. But it is safe. We do make sabudana kheer.

      Reply
  5. Nasim D

    May 16, 2020 at 3:44 am

    Hello kushboo, what a lovely name. I have the small variety of sabudana, should I still soak overnight?

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      May 18, 2020 at 11:02 pm

      Hello Nasim, I have always soaked sabudana for at least 6-8 hours before cooking.

      Reply
  6. Shanthi

    June 29, 2019 at 12:00 am

    5 stars
    Good recipe and easy to follow

    Reply
  7. Jasmine

    June 26, 2019 at 5:22 am

    5 stars
    I love sabudhana,but didn’t know how to make it with out sticking..your recipe is perfect. Loved the result each time.
    Thank you for the wonderful recipe.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      June 28, 2019 at 2:08 am

      I am glad you liked it Jasmine!

      Reply
  8. Dipa Mehta

    April 18, 2019 at 11:12 am

    5 stars
    Your trick worked like magic, you are a magician, Khushboo! Keep blogging!

    Reply
    • mm

      August 23, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      Hi, what is the ‘coated sabudana’ mean? What did you add to the soaked sabudana in the image?

      Reply
      • Khushboo

        August 25, 2020 at 3:40 pm

        Hello MM, It refers to point no. 11 where you coat the soaked sabudana pearls with sugar, salt and so on.

  9. Hariharan Krishnamurthy

    April 16, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    5 stars
    This is exactly what me and my wife were looking for … We tried your method and the result was perfect non sticky sabudana khichdi …. Thanks and ton …

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      April 16, 2019 at 10:16 pm

      I am glad it helped Hariharan ji . Thank you for a lovely feedback!

      Reply
  10. Apeksha

    February 24, 2019 at 10:14 am

    5 stars
    Very nice tips. I made it yesterday for dinner. Everyone loved it.

    Reply
  11. Kavita

    October 18, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    5 stars
    Made twice in Navratri. It was so good!

    Reply
  12. Nidhi

    October 11, 2018 at 2:23 am

    5 stars
    Thanks

    Reply
  13. Sushma

    September 22, 2018 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    You saved me from embarrassment! My mil wanted to have made by me . I googled several recipes and settled for this one. The tips helped me a lot to make Sabudana Khichdi in one go. Thank you

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      September 22, 2018 at 9:17 pm

      Happy to know this Sushma!! That is awesome!

      Reply
  14. Anjali

    September 17, 2018 at 6:21 am

    5 stars
    I have struggled in the past with sabudana khichdi recipe – they always would turn sticky and lumpy. I would keep increasing the amount of oil, but with no success. The tips you have given made the recipe so easy. Thank you for sharing the process in detail. The khichdi turned out perfect.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      September 17, 2018 at 9:58 am

      Hey Anjali , So good to know that this sabudana khichdi recipe helped you. Thank you for a lovely feedback!

      Reply
  15. Rozina

    September 16, 2018 at 6:41 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for the easiest way of showing up on how make quick and faster

    Reply
  16. Paras

    September 03, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    5 stars
    I made sabudana khichdi for the very first time following your recipe. I am not a great cook and single. Off late trying my hands on cooking and eating homemade food. This khichdi turned out well for me . Thank you for all the tips. Will follow many more of your recipes.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      September 03, 2018 at 9:15 pm

      I am glad you enjoyed this recipe Paras. Do try other recipes. If you have any questions feel free to drop in a comment.

      Reply
  17. Suchi

    August 21, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    Yum. Tried it today.

    Reply
  18. Dharmishta

    June 11, 2018 at 3:49 am

    Was nice. Thank you for the tips. Not sticky

    Reply
  19. Mukti

    June 11, 2018 at 3:47 am

    5 stars
    Was perfect and delicious

    Reply
  20. Sadiya Patel

    May 13, 2018 at 12:38 pm

    What brand of sabudana do you use? I have tried a few and they all seem to break apart during the soaking.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      May 28, 2018 at 4:28 am

      Sadiya I am based in United States. I use whatever is available in the Indian Stores here. Currently using Deep brand.

      Reply
  21. Parvati

    April 03, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    5 stars
    Turned out well.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      April 04, 2018 at 9:45 am

      Sounds good Parvati!

      Reply
  22. Trupti

    March 26, 2018 at 10:19 am

    5 stars
    Finally got a great tasting khichdi. Thank you for all the tips Khushboo

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      March 26, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      How lovely Trupti, thank you for a lovely feedback!

      Reply
  23. Khyati

    March 21, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    5 stars
    Finally I made a perfect one thanks to your tips!

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      March 22, 2018 at 8:21 am

      Happy it worked for you as well Khyati.

      Reply
  24. Reshmi

    March 21, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    5 stars
    Was perfect . Especially My mil loved it a lot .

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      March 26, 2018 at 4:04 pm

      Glad to know that Reshmi!

      Reply
  25. Kritika

    March 21, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    5 stars
    Was easy to follow and I had nice not smushy Khichdi. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      March 22, 2018 at 8:20 am

      That’s nice Kritika !

      Reply
  26. Sarika

    February 12, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    5 stars
    It turned out well. Not sticky with your tips

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      February 13, 2018 at 9:27 am

      Awesome Sarika.

      Reply
  27. Khushi

    February 12, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    5 stars
    Was yum

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      February 15, 2018 at 4:52 pm

      Awesome Khushi.

      Reply
  28. Seema

    February 12, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    Turned out great for me. I made while fasting . Thank you!

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      February 15, 2018 at 4:53 pm

      Glad to know that Seema.

      Reply
  29. Sabu

    February 03, 2018 at 7:24 am

    1 star
    This recipe turned out bad for me. Not going to follow it again.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      February 03, 2018 at 6:32 pm

      That’s sad Sabu. Sorry it did not work out for you . May I know what the issue was so that we can sort it.

      Reply
  30. Kumud

    February 01, 2018 at 10:40 am

    5 stars
    Turned out nice with the easy instructions. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      February 02, 2018 at 4:03 pm

      I am happy that it turned out great for you!

      Reply
  31. Kanya

    December 20, 2017 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    For the first time I got proper khichdi. Not sticky or smushy. Thank you Khushboo!
    Please post more easy recipes and tips like this!

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      December 20, 2017 at 7:43 pm

      Aww Kanya , I am glad I could help you with this post. Thank you for a lovely feedback!

      Reply
  32. Radhika

    March 29, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    5 stars
    After trying other recipes so many times which was a flop I thought to give your a try. I love the explanation. It turned out so good . Thanks.

    Reply
    • Khushboo

      March 30, 2017 at 8:53 am

      I am so glad that this recipe helped you making a perfect khichdi.

      Reply
  33. Varsha

    February 22, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    Hi Khushboo ,

    Looking forward to trying this recipe . Any particular brand of sabudana that you use ?

    Reply
    • khushboo kothari

      February 22, 2017 at 8:43 pm

      Not really. Sabudana are sold all over the world under different brands.

      Reply
  34. Neha

    November 27, 2016 at 5:29 am

    Thank you! Big help. I have also noticed that post the soaking procedure that you mentioned, if I leave the soaked and drained sabudana in the fridge overnight it really also helps to keep it non sticky. Best wishes to you !

    Reply
    • khushboo kothari

      November 28, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      Hey Neha, that is a nice tip.. I will try it next time. Thanks for sharing with me and my readers.

      Reply
  35. Priya

    September 29, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    Thank you for a elaborate explanation. My sabudana khichdi was perfect . All because of you. Thanks.

    Reply
    • khushboo kothari

      September 30, 2016 at 8:43 am

      Glad it helped Priya, thanks for a lovely feedback.

      Reply
  36. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

    September 14, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    I have struggled and still struggling with many sabudana recipes and this is one among them. Love the recipe. I am going to give it a shot and maybe…..just maybe I will get it right 🙂

    Reply
    • khushboo kothari

      September 15, 2016 at 8:22 am

      Aww Sandhya, do try .. the key is not over soaking and draining all the water. Hope the jinx breaks for you with this. Do follow up if any problem. We will sort it out. Hugs!

      Reply

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