Sabakki Upittu Recipe (South Indian Style Sabudana Khichdi)
Discover the refreshing and vibrant flavors of South India with this delightful Sabakki Upittu, also known as South Indian-style Sabudana Khichdi. This hearty and light dish is a perfect choice for a weekend breakfast or a light dinner. The combination of soft sabudana, yellow moong dal, and a variety of aromatic spices makes this dish not only tasty but also a nourishing way to start your day or wind down in the evening. Letโs dive into this easy, flavorful recipe thatโs bound to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 cup |
| Nylon Sabakki (small variant of sabudana) | 3/4 cup |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup, strained to remove lumps |
| Onions | 3, finely diced |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup, boiled |
| Green Chillies | 10, slit |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Ghee | As needed |
| Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Curry Leaves | 20 |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 2 teaspoons |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Urad Dal (Split) | 2 teaspoons |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Cashew Nuts | 10, chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 3 tablespoons, chopped |
| Fresh Coconut | As needed, grated |
Preparation Time
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 30 minutes
Instructions
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Soak the Sabakki (Sabudana): Begin by washing the sabakki thoroughly to remove any impurities. Soak the sabakki in buttermilk for about 4-6 hours to ensure it absorbs the flavors and becomes soft. After soaking, drain the excess liquid using a colander, ensuring that the sabakki is not too wet.
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Cook the Moong Dal: In an open pot, add yellow moong dal with a teaspoon of oil and some turmeric. Boil the dal until it is thoroughly cooked but not mushy. The dal should retain its shape. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.
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Prepare the Spice Base: In a wide pan, heat the oil and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter, then add chana dal, urad dal, and cashew nuts. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the dals and cashews turn golden brown.
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Add Aromatics: Now, add curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), turmeric, and the slit green chillies and red chillies. Stir everything well to release the aromatic flavors.
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Cook the Onions: Add the finely diced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture on medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and change color. Be careful not to let them brown.
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Combine the Sabakki and Dal: Add the drained sabakki to the pan and stir it into the spice mixture. Cook on medium heat until the sabakki turns slightly transparent and glossy, indicating it is properly cooked.
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Add the Cooked Moong Dal and Peas: Stir in the cooked moong dal, green peas, lemon juice, and additional salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for a couple of minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the Sabakki Upittu with freshly chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut. These add an extra layer of freshness and flavor.
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Serving Suggestions: Sabakki Upittu can be served for breakfast with a hot cup of Ginger Cardamom Tea for a refreshing start to the day. Alternatively, pair it with a serving of Burani Raita for a light, fulfilling dinner. Either way, this dish is bound to impress with its delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Sabakki Upittu
- Soaking Time: Ensure the sabakki is soaked for at least 4-6 hours to ensure it cooks evenly. If youโre short on time, you can also soak it overnight for the best results.
- Consistency: While cooking the dal, be sure not to overcook it, as it should retain its individual grains. You want it to be soft but not mushy.
- Flavor Variations: You can adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing the number of green chillies and dry red chillies to suit your taste.
- Make it Vegan: To make the dish completely vegan, you can replace the ghee with additional oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Allergen Information
- This recipe contains cashew nuts, which may trigger allergies in individuals with nut sensitivities. It is essential to check for any potential allergens before serving this dish to guests or family members.
- Dairy: The use of buttermilk adds a dairy component to this dish. If you are avoiding dairy, you can substitute it with a non-dairy yogurt or coconut milk.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is entirely plant-based and vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, perfect for those avoiding gluten or with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan-Friendly Option: By substituting ghee with oil and using a plant-based buttermilk or yogurt, this recipe can also be made vegan.
Conclusion
Sabakki Upittu is a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for a light and satisfying meal. The combination of sabakki, yellow moong dal, and aromatic spices creates a deliciously comforting dish that is both filling and full of flavor. Whether youโre preparing it for a Sunday morning breakfast or a simple evening dinner, this South Indian-style Sabudana Khichdi is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones, and savor the comforting warmth and zesty flavors of this easy-to-make recipe.
