Sabudana Kesar Pudding
Sabudana, also known as tapioca pearls, is a versatile ingredient widely used in Indian cuisine. Traditionally, it’s cooked in a variety of forms such as Sabudana Khichdi or Sabudana Kheer. However, if you’re looking for a fresh twist on your usual Sabudana Kheer, the Sabudana Kesar Pudding is the perfect recipe to try. This innovative and viral dessert has become a favorite for its creamy texture, delicious flavor, and a dash of saffron (kesar), adding an exotic touch to your meal.
This Sabudana Kesar Pudding is an easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for festivals, celebrations, or just as a special treat for your loved ones. It combines the goodness of sabudana with the richness of milk and the aromatic flavor of saffron. Here’s how you can prepare this viral recipe at home.
Ingredients:
- Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls) – 1 cup
- Milk – 3 cups (full-fat milk works best for richness)
- Sugar – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
- Saffron strands (Kesar) – A pinch (soaked in warm milk for color and flavor)
- Cardamom powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Ghee (Clarified butter) – 1 tablespoon
- Chopped nuts (optional) – Cashews, almonds, and pistachios for garnishing
- Rose water or kewra water (optional) – A few drops for fragrance
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Sabudana
Start by soaking the sabudana in water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will help them become soft and plump. Once soaked, drain the excess water and set the pearls aside. This step is important to ensure that the sabudana cooks evenly and does not turn mushy.
Step 2: Saffron Infusion
Take a few saffron strands and soak them in a tablespoon of warm milk for about 10 minutes. This will release the vibrant color and aroma of the saffron, making your pudding rich and fragrant.
Step 3: Cooking the Sabudana
In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the ghee and lightly fry the soaked sabudana for 1-2 minutes. This step will help coat the pearls with ghee and give them a lovely texture once they are cooked.
Step 4: Adding Milk
Once the sabudana is lightly sautéed, add the full-fat milk to the pan and stir continuously. Let the milk come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Allow the sabudana to cook in the milk for around 10-12 minutes, or until the pearls become translucent and tender.
Step 5: Flavoring the Pudding
Add the soaked saffron along with the milk to the cooking sabudana. Then, add the sugar and cardamom powder. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes. The sugar will melt, and the pudding will begin to thicken. If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add more milk at this point.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the pudding reaches your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat. For an added layer of fragrance, you can add a few drops of rose water or kewra water, though this is optional. Stir well to incorporate.
Step 7: Garnishing
Serve the pudding in bowls and garnish with your choice of chopped nuts. Cashews, almonds, and pistachios work beautifully and give a delightful crunch to the soft pudding.
Tips for a Perfect Sabudana Kesar Pudding:
- Consistency: If you like a thicker pudding, let it simmer a bit longer. For a lighter texture, reduce the cooking time and add a little more milk.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. You can even substitute sugar with jaggery or honey for a healthier version.
- Vegan Version: For a dairy-free option, you can replace regular milk with coconut milk and skip the ghee.
- Serving Suggestions: This pudding can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Chilled sabudana pudding is especially refreshing during hot summers.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Sabudana Kesar Pudding is a delightful variation of the classic sabudana kheer, offering a luxurious texture, aromatic saffron flavor, and the richness of full-fat milk. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a treat that can elevate any occasion. The best part is that it’s relatively simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. Plus, it’s a perfect recipe for fasting days like Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, or Ekadashi, as it is both filling and nutritious.
Whether you’re craving a comforting dish or seeking something new to try, Sabudana Kesar Pudding will soon become a household favorite. So, grab your ingredients and give this viral recipe a try you won’t be disappointed!
