How to soak sabudana for khichdi
Follow this step-by-step fail-proof pictorial guide on how to soak sabudana pearls for khichdi. Say goodbye to sticky, gooey sabudana pearls and say hello to the perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi/ tapioca pearls - today and every time.
Non-sticky Sabudana pearls are a versatile ingredient to have on hand during the fasting days as it is used to make many delicious recipes.
Did you grow up enjoying Sabudana Khichdi made by your mother or grandmother? And now, does it turn out sticky, lumpy, and unappetizing for you?
I hear you! I myself have ended up with sticky, knotty sabudana pearls many times. But with time, I have mastered this step of how to make the perfect non-sticky Sabudana Khichdi.
If the guidelines are followed correctly, you can’t go wrong with this recipe.
I often receive queries related to perfect sabudana pearls-
- How to get perfect sabudana pearls?
- How to soak sabudana for khichdi?
- How to make perfect sabudana for vrat?
- My sabudana pearls have turned into a slimy mess.. help, please?
If you have the same questions in mind, then you have landed at the right spot. The answer to making perfect non-sticky sabudana pearls is relatively simple:
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Equal amounts of water + Equal amounts Sabudana + Soaked for 4-5 hours or overnight = perfect non-sticky sabudana pearls.
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What is Sabudana?
Sabudana pearls, also referred to as sago pearls or tapioca pearls, are commonly enjoyed in Indian cuisine during the Indian fasting months.
Whether it be Navratri, Mahashivratri, Janmashtami, or Ganesh Chaturthi, sabudana is THE FAVORITE ingredient in Indian cuisine because:
TAPIOCA PEARLS ARE:
- An excellent alternative for people who are gluten intolerant
- It’s light on the stomach
- Easy to digest, and How to soak sabudana for khichdi
- Provides energy. How to soak sabudana for khichdi
When combined with veggies and roasted peanuts, soft and fluffy tapioca pearls create the most delightful and satisfying meal - Sabudana khichdi.
How to soak sabudana for khichdi?
Follow these steps below, and you will have a perfect non-sticky sabudana khichdi ready and on to the table in no time.
Rinse sabudana under tap water. Rub the pearls with your hands until the water runs completely clear.How to soak sabudana for khichdi
Transfer the sabudana to a large bowl. Add 1 cup of water to sabudana. Just enough to cover them. How to soak sabudana for khichdi
Cover and allow it to rest for 4-5 hours. How to soak sabudana for khichdi
After the resting time is over, there will be hardly any water left at the bottom of the bowl. But still, drain the fluffy sabudana pearls, to be sure.
How do I check if your sabudana is ready to cook?
Always perform the finger press test. How to soak sabudana for khichdi
To do that, take a soaked sabudana pearl and press it in between your fingers. If it gets squished easily (when pressed), you are all set to make a perfect non-sticky sabudana khichdi.
CAN I STORE UNCOOKED SABUDANA PEARLS?
Absolutely! To store the soaked sabudana pearls–
- Transfer the soaked and drained pearls to a bowl lined with a kitchen paper napkin. How to soak sabudana for khichdi
- Fold the paper napkin over to cover the pearls. Now cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Store sabudana pearls in the fridge for 2 days.
- When ready to cook, remove the sabudana from the fridge, discard the napkin and use the perfect non-sticky sabudana pearls to make sabudana khichdi.
CAN YOU FREEZE SOAKED SABUDANA PEARLS?
You most certainly can! Soaked Sabudana pearls can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To store – transfer the soaked and dried sabudana pearls to a plastic bag. Gently press the bag to squeeze out the excess air and freeze.
When ready to cook, thaw the sabudana pearls at room temperature, and cook as directed.
Let Me Know What You Think!
Should you make these non-sticky sabudana pearls, please let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment below.
And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.
More Sabudana recipes that you'll love are:
| This recipe post has been updated from the archives, first published on February 15, 2015 |

How to soak Sabudana for Khichdi
EQUIPMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rinse sabudana under tap water.
- Rub the pearls with your hands until the water runs completely clear.
- Transfer the sabudana to a large bowl. Add 1 cup of water to sabudana. Just enough to cover them.
- Cover and allow it to rest for 4-5 hours or overnight.
- After the resting time is over, there will be hardly any water left at the bottom of the bowl. But still, drain the fluffy sabudana pearls, to be sure.
- To make sure if your sabudana has soaked well - Always perform the finger press test. To do that, take a soaked sabudana pearl and press it in between your fingers. If it gets squished easily (when pressed), you are all set to make a perfect non-sticky sabudana khichdi.
- Perfectly puffed-up non-sticky sabudana pearls are ready.


















Thanks I was always scared of using sago.. wish I saw this before
So glad you found the post helpful. 😊
I follow your method and get perfect sabudana every time. Thank you!
So glad you liked it. Thank you!
Hi Ruchi !
Hope you and you’re family are doing well 😃
Thank you for the detailed recipe . I have mini Sabudana at home . Will the soaking time be the same as for regular sized sabudana ?ideally mini sabudana is used to make some South Indian paysam/kheer.. thank you in advance for your reply .
Thank you for checking up on me, Veena! Yes, all is well here, and I wish the same for you. 😊
Since the pearl size is bigger, the cooking time will vary for the regular-sized sabudana.
Very precise information. lot of thanks.
Thank you!
After soaking sabudana for half n hour, i tried pressing it. It was breaking and was getting crushed. Is it usual?
Ann,
The bottom one will surely break when pressed, but the top layer will take time. Let it soak for 4 hours to make sure all the pearls are soft and tender.
Ruchi, I am an American living in Ecuador. My friend gave me white tapioca pearls. I don’t know if it is the same as your Sabudana pearls, and it is a rare find. Should I prepare this recipe as you stated with my pearls soaking in equal parts of water overnight? Do you know if they are the same texture?
First of all, welcome to the blog Tamara!
It is possible for you to share a pic of the pearls at [email protected]
That way I can guide you better.