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Learn How to Prepare Creamy, Flavorful Sabudana Kheer with Authentic Ingredients

Sabudana Kheer, a luscious, creamy pudding made with tapioca pearls, is one of India's favorite desserts. It holds a special place during festivals, fasting (vrat) days like Navratri, Shivratri, and Ekadashi, or even as a comforting sweet treat after meals. This recipe, steeped in tradition, uses simple, easily available Indian kitchen staples to deliver a rich and satisfying flavor without any complicated techniques.

In this article, we will share the exact sabudana kheer recipe using ingredients authentic to the Indian style. We’ll avoid any variations like the Sri Lankan version or other international adaptations. Let’s dive into the step-by-step preparation of this timeless dessert.

Exact Ingredients for Sabudana Kheer

To prepare an authentic Sabudana Kheer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Sabudana (Tapioca pearls) – ½ cup

• Full-fat Milk – 1 liter (about 4 cups)

• Sugar – ⅓ cup (adjust according to taste)

• Cardamom Powder – ½ teaspoon

• Cashew Nuts – 10-12 pieces

• Almonds (optional) – 8-10 pieces, sliced

• Raisins – 10 pieces

• Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 1 tablespoon

• Saffron strands – 10-12 strands (optional, for flavor and color)

• Water – 2 cups (for soaking sabudana)

Step-by-Step Method to Make Sabudana Kheer

1. Soak the Sabudana

• Rinse the sabudana pearls 2–3 times under running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents stickiness.

• Soak the rinsed sabudana in 2 cups of water for about 3–4 hours or until the pearls become soft and plump.

• After soaking, drain the excess water completely and set the sabudana aside.

2. Prepare the Nuts

• Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.

• Add cashews and fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown.

• Add raisins and fry until they puff up.

• Remove fried nuts and raisins from the pan and keep aside for garnishing.

3. Boil the Milk

• In the same pan, pour 1 liter of full-fat milk and bring it to a gentle boil.

• Stir occasionally to avoid burning or sticking at the bottom.

4. Cook the Sabudana

• Once the milk starts boiling, add the soaked and drained sabudana.

• Stir well and cook on low to medium flame.

• Keep stirring frequently to prevent the sabudana from clumping or sticking.

• Cook for 15–20 minutes until the sabudana pearls turn translucent and the milk thickens.

5. Add Sweetness and Flavor

• Add sugar to the thickened milk and sabudana mixture.

• Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

• Add cardamom powder for a beautiful aroma and flavor.

• If using, soak saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk and add it to the kheer at this stage.

6. Final Touch

• Simmer the kheer for another 5 minutes, stirring gently.

• Add the fried cashews, almonds, and raisins.

• Switch off the heat. Your sabudana kheer is ready!

Important Tips for Perfect Sabudana Kheer

• Milk Quality: Always use full-fat milk for a richer and creamier texture.

• Consistency: Sabudana kheer tends to thicken as it cools. Adjust the consistency by adding a little warm milk before serving if needed.

• Flavoring: Besides cardamom, you can also add rose water or kewra water for a delicate fragrance, though it's optional.

• Sweetener Alternatives: If you are making kheer during fasting, use vrat-approved sugar like rock sugar (mishri) if desired.

How to Serve Sabudana Kheer

Sabudana Kheer can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. During fasting, it is typically served slightly warm along with fruits and other vrat dishes. For festive meals, it is often chilled and garnished with extra nuts and saffron strands for a delightful presentation.

Final Thoughts

This classic Sabudana Kheer recipe offers a nostalgic journey into the heart of traditional Indian cooking. With its delicate sweetness, creamy texture, and aromatic flavor, it is the perfect dessert to celebrate festivals, fasting days, or simple family gatherings. By following the exact ingredients and method outlined above, you can recreate the authentic magic of sabudana kheer recipe at home effortlessly.