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On a sago trail



I've spent the last hour trying to figure out how sago differs from tapioca. I only know that they are both starches that come from two different plants, but I still don't know whether our sabudana is sago or tapioca pearls. Instead, I am going to tell you my favorite sabudana dishes. The first one's sabudana vadas, the deep fried sago and potato cutlets. But with a few thousand calories each, that's not something I can eat everyday. The other favorite, sabudana khichdi, makes a regular appearance on my breakfast menu.

It's a bit tricky making this one so pay attention now. The previous night, wash 1/2 cup sago/tapioca pearls and soak in just enough water to cover them. Any more, and this will not work. By next morning, the pearls will have soaked up all the water and will now be plump and soft.

Parboil one potato and cut into small pieces. Heat a tbsp of oil in a nonstick pan and add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add the chopped potato and a handful of raw, shelled peanuts. Wait till the potato starts to brown a little, then add the sabudana and 1/2 tsp salt. Lower the heat and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. If it starts to get too starchy, that's your sign to take if off the fire. Top with a tbsp of chopped coriander.
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Sunshinemom said…
I was confused earlier. Now that your expressed yours I searched the net and am no wiser!! Confucius reigns supreme:)

I used to love the vadas - crisp and delish! But I have heard that the cleaning is done in a rather non-veggie manner and stopped. Any idea about that? Everybody else in my house eats it though:)
December 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
CurryLeaf said…
Still confused whether they are same or different.I too believe they r different but ? Anyway,I love these,but bcoz of the confusion,never tried my own
December 5, 2008 at 10:44 PM
CurryLeaf said…
hi,just now read sunshine comment,still more confused? what non veggie manner ?
December 5, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Deepthi Shankar said…
even Iam as confused ... N whats this cleaning in a non-veggie manner?
December 5, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Anonymous said…
I haven't heard anything about the manufacturing process, but then I haven't tried looking for it either (I am a vegetarian but I make occasional allowances for taste!)
December 6, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Bharti said…
I haven't made this stuff....sounds like a similar recipe to aloo poha.
December 7, 2008 at 8:23 AM
Aparna Balasubramanian said…
My favourites too, and one more to add to the list. Sabudhana papads. :)
Refuse to eat sabudhana kheer though.
December 9, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Uj said…
I recently tasted this at my friend's place and Loved it.. Your's looks nice and fluffy! Got to try
December 10, 2008 at 10:57 AM
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