Sabudana Kheer or Tapioca Pudding is a popular Indian dessert recipe prepared using sabudana (sago), milk, sugar, and nuts during the fasting festival season on the stovetop or Instant Pot.
Every region of the nation has its own version of the traditional Kheer recipe. Jaggery kheer, makhana kheer, rice kheer, and more are examples. Here is one more intriguing applicant that we have for you. It's referred to as Sabudana kheer.
Sabudana or tapioca balls are a vrat (Or fast) staple, and we don't mind incorporating this superfood in our diet all year. Soaked sabudana balls have a delightful spongy feel that goes well with a simple milky pudding. Cardamom may be used to add flavor to the kheer.
Sabudana means Tapioca pearls, and Kheer means pudding in Hindi. You can make several dishes like Sabudana Khichdi, Sabudana Vada with sabudana.
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What is Sabudana?
Sabudana, also known as tapioca pearl or sago, is a starch extracted from the roots of tapioca and processed into pearl-like spears.
It contains a high amount of carbohydrates, making it a fast energy booster. Due to its neutral flavor, it can also add texture to bread and soups without affecting the taste. (Source Healthline)
What is Sabudana Kheer?
Sabudana Kheer is a rich and creamy popular Indian dessert made from tapioca pearls (also known as sabudana or sago), milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and chopped nuts. It is typically made during festive occasions or the fasting (vrat) period of Navratri.
Sabudana Kheer Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients to make the sabudana kheer recipe.
- Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls): I have used small tapioca pearls in this recipe. They can be easily found in Indian Grocery stores or on Amazon.
- Milk: I have used full-fat whole milk in this recipe. You may also use unsweetened almond milk if you are looking for plant-based.
- Sugar: I have used refined sugar. You can also use brown sugar or jaggery. If using jaggery, ensure to add it in the end, as impurities in it can curdle the milk.
- Dry fruits: I used Dry fruits like cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins.
- Ground Cardamom: Is used for flavoring; if you don't have you can use vanilla extract.
- Saffron strands:Â A few saffron strands are added to the milk, you may also soak them in warm milk and add them to the kheer to add flavor and color. But it's optional.
How to Make Sabudana Kheer
Prep
Rinse the sabudana in water 1-2 times and drain all the water.
Soak the sabudana in 1 cup of water for 1 hour in a bowl.
Stovetop Method
In a heavy bottom pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee, then add chopped dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and pistachios, and roast till it turns light golden. Then add raisins and fry till they turn plump. Remove and keep aside.
Once the sabudana has soaked for 1 hour, drain and add them to the same pan and saute for a minute while stirring continously.
Add the whole milk, give a quick stir, and let it come to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the milk simmer for around 10-15 minutes while stirring it occasionally to prevent the pearls from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
The milk will begin to reduce, and the sabudana will soften and get cooked.
Stir in the sugar, and saffron milk. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the kheer thickens further, stirring occasionally.
Lastly, add the cardamom powder, and roasted nuts. Mix well. Turn off the heat.
Note: Sabudana kheer thickens as it cools down.
Serve sago kheer warm or chilled.
Instant Pot Method
Clean the Instant Pot thoroughly – the steel pot, lid, and sealing ring. If you have an extra sealing ring for sweet foods, use it. Else, milk may curdle.
Press Saute on the Instant pot, Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee, then add chopped dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and pistachios, and roast till it turns light golden. Then add raisins and fry till they turn plump. Remove and keep aside.
Once the sabudana has soaked for 1 hour, drain and add them to the same pot and saute for a minute while stirring continously.
Add the whole milk, and give a quick stir. Close the lid, and turn the pressure valve to the SEALING position. Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (Low Pressure) and set the timer to 10 minutes.
Once the pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, and then quick release the remaining pressure.
Open the lid, Add the sugar and saffron milk, and stir well. Simmer for 4-5 minutes or until the kheer thickens further, stirring occasionally. If you dint get the desired consistency, cook for extra 2 minutes until it thickens a bit.
Note: Kheer thickens after cooling down or refrigeration.
Lastly, add the cardamom powder, and roasted nuts. Mix well. Cancel Saute. Serve this instant pot sabudana kheer warm or chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sabudana kheer warm or chilled, based on your preference, during special occasions or festivals such as Diwali, Holi, or Navratri.
You may also pair sabudana kheer with poori or paratha; the combo tastes delicious.
Storage Suggestions
Fridge: Sago kheer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cool down completely before storing in the fridge.
Do not freeze: Sabudana kheer does not freeze well; sabudana becomes mushy and loses its shape when thawed.
Reheat: When you are ready to serve, add a little milk to thin the kheer and reheat it in the microwave or stovetop until it's warm.
Tips to Make Perfect Sabudana Kheer
- Soaking Sabudana: Soaking the sabudana for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before making kheer is an important step, so do not skip it. They become soft and reduce cooking time.
- Use full-fat milk: Use Whole milk to make the kheer rich and creamy. I do not recommend using low-fat or 2% reduced milk.
- Stir the kheer frequently: Stirring the kheer frequently prevents the sabudana from sticking to the bottom of the pan and clumping together.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot: Use a heavy-bottomed pot or non-stick pan to prevent the kheer from sticking to the bottom or burning.
- Kheer Consistency: The sabudana kheer becomes thick after cooling down or refrigeration. Add warm milk to adjust the consistency while serving.
Variations of Indian Tapioca Pudding
- Nuts: You can add any nuts of your choice to this tapioca pudding/kheer.
- Vegan Friendly: To make vegan-friendly tapioca pudding, substitute dairy milk with almond milk or full-fat coconut milk.
- Sweetener: You can replace refined sugar with organic powdered jaggery or brown sugar.
- Add fruits: You can add small pieces of fruits such as mango after the kheer has cooled down for a fruity twist.
- Sago Kheer with condensed milk: If you want to make richer sago kheer, Add ¼ cup of condensed milk if you like and reduce the sugar appropriately.
More Desserts Recipes
- Badam Halwa with Almond Powder
- Shrikhand
- Carrot Halwa
- Instant Pot Rice Kheer
- Moong Dal Payasam
- Milk Powder Burfi
- Semiya Payasam
- Paneer Kheer
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Sabudana Kheer (Tapioca Pudding)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- 1 cup water for soaking sabudana
- 3 cups whole milk (or almond milk)
- a pinch of saffron strands
- ¼ cup sugar (or as needed)
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon ghee for roasting nuts
Instructions
- Rinse the sabudana in water 1-2 times and drain all the water.
- Soak the sabudana in 1 cup of water for at 1 hour in a bowl.
Stovetop Method
- In a heavy bottom pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee, then add chopped dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and pistachios, and roast till it turns light golden. Then add raisins and fry till they turn plump. Remove and keep aside.
- Once the sabudana has soaked for 1 hour, drain and add them to the same pan and saute for a minute while stirring continously.
- Add the whole milk, give a quick stir, and let it come to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the milk simmer for around 10-15 minutes while stirring it occasionally to prevent the pearls from sticking to the bottom of the pan.The milk will begin to reduce, and the sabudana will soften and get cooked.
- Stir in the sugar, and saffron milk. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the kheer thickenes further, stir occasionally.
- Lastly, add the cardamom powder, roasted nuts. Mix well. Turn off the heat. Serve warm or chilled.Note:Â Sabudana kheer thickens as it cools down.
Instant Pot Method
- Clean the Instant Pot thoroughly – the steel pot, lid, and sealing ring. If you have an extra sealing ring for sweet foods, use it. Else, milk may curdle.
- Press Saute on the Instant pot, Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee, then add chopped dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and pistachios, and roast till it turns light golden. Then add raisins and fry till they turn plump. Remove and keep aside.
- Once the sabudana has soaked for 1 hour, drain and add them to the same pot and saute for a minute while stirring continously.
- Add the whole milk, and give a quick stir.
- Close the lid, and turn the pressure valve to the SEALING position. Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (Low Pressure) and set the timer to 10 minutes.Once the pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, and then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, Add the sugar and saffron milk, and stir well. Simmer for 4-5 minutes or until the kheer thickens further, stirring occasionally. If you dint get the desired consistency, cook for extra 2 minutes until it thickens a bit.Note:Â Kheer thickens after cooling down or refrigeration.
- Lastly, add the cardamom powder, and roasted nuts. Mix well. Cancel Saute. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Tips to Make Perfect Sabudana Kheer
- Soaking Sabudana: Soaking the sabudana for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before making kheer is an important step, so do not skip it. They become soft and reduce cooking time.
- Use full-fat milk: Use Whole milk to make the kheer rich and creamy. I do not recommend using low-fat or 2% reduced milk.
- Stir the kheer frequently: Stirring the kheer frequently prevents the sabudana from sticking to the bottom of the pan and clumping together.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot: Use a heavy-bottomed pot or non-stick pan to prevent the kheer from sticking to the bottom or burning.
- Kheer Consistency: The sabudana kheer becomes thick after cooling down or refrigeration. Add warm milk to adjust the consistency while serving.
Variations
- Nuts: You can add any nuts of your choice to this kheer.
- Vegan Friendly: To make vegan-friendly tapioca pudding, substitute dairy milk with almond milk or full-fat coconut milk.
- Sweetener: You can replace refined sugar with organic powdered jaggery or brown sugar.
- Add fruits: You can add small pieces of fruits such as mango after the kheer has cooled down for a fruity twist.
- Sago Kheer with condensed milk: If you want to make richer sago kheer, Add ¼ cup of condensed milk if you like and reduce the sugar appropriately.
Nutrition
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