Navratri is a time for fasting, worship, and celebration, and one of the highlights of this festive season is enjoying delicious and flavorful foods that adhere to the fasting norms. One such dish that has become synonymous with Navratri is Sabudana Vada. This crispy, golden brown delight made from sago (sabudana), potatoes, and spices is loved by many and is perfect for those observing fasts during the festival. Its crunchy exterior and soft, spiced interior are simply irresistible, and once you try it, its taste will linger long in your memory!
Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe for making Navratri Special Sabudana Vada that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients:
- Sabudana (Sago) – 1 cup
- Boiled Potatoes – 2 medium-sized
- Green Chilies – 2, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
- Peanuts – ½ cup (coarsely ground)
- Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Salt – to taste (rock salt or sendha namak for fasting)
- Sugar – 1 tsp (optional)
- Lemon Juice – 1 tsp
- Black Pepper – ½ tsp
- Rice Flour – 1-2 tbsp (for binding)
- Oil – for deep frying
Preparation:
- Soak the Sabudana:
- Start by rinsing the sabudana under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the sabudana in enough water for about 4-6 hours or overnight. The grains should absorb the water and become soft. If you’re in a hurry, you can soak them for 2-3 hours and then drain any excess water.
- Prepare the Mixture:
- After soaking, drain any leftover water from the sabudana. Mash the boiled potatoes in a large mixing bowl and add the soaked sabudana to it. Combine well.
- Add finely chopped green chilies, roasted peanuts, chopped coriander leaves, cumin seeds, black pepper, salt, sugar (if using), and lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly until you get a dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels a bit loose, you can add rice flour to help bind it together.
- Shape the Vadas:
- Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly with your palms to form a patty-like shape. Repeat this process for the rest of the dough.
- Fry the Vadas:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully drop the shaped vadas into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the vadas until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Ensure they are cooked well on the inside by pressing gently to check if they are soft and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove the sabudana vadas from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with a side of green chutney or yogurt for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Sabudana Vada:
- Soaking sabudana correctly is key. It should be soft and fluffy, not soggy or too dry.
- Adjust the spice level according to your taste. For a milder version, you can skip the green chilies or use a milder variety.
- Rice flour helps bind the mixture and gives the vadas a crispier texture.
- Cumin seeds and peanuts are essential for flavor, so don’t skip them!
- If you want to make it healthier, you can shallow fry the vadas instead of deep frying, although the texture might not be as crispy.
Why Sabudana Vada is Perfect for Navratri:
During Navratri, many devotees fast and consume food that is light, healthy, and energizing. Sabudana Vada is a great choice because:
- Sabudana (sago) is easy to digest, providing quick energy and keeping you full for a longer time.
- Peanuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats, ensuring you stay energized during the fasting hours.
- The spices add flavor without being overpowering, and the crispy texture adds to the indulgence.
Conclusion:
This Sabudana Vada is not only a perfect addition to your Navratri meals but also a delicious snack that can be enjoyed anytime. With its crispy outside and soft, flavorful interior, it’s no wonder this dish has become a crowd favorite. The taste of Sabudana Vada will surely be remembered long after the last bite, and it will be the highlight of your festive spread. Enjoy the crunch and the festive spirit with this simple yet mouthwatering recipe!
