Last updated on November 11, 2025
There are days when you want to start your morning with something light, comforting, and wholesome. This type of meal is more like a warm hug as you kickstart your day. That’s exactly what this quick Sabudana Poha (or Khichdi) recipe delivers. This dish is nutty, soft, and mildly spiced, with a beautiful texture balance from tender sago pearls (or sabudana) to crunchy roasted peanuts.
I first had this Maharashtrian delight during my family trip to Pune. What fascinated me about this simple roadside eatery is its minimalist preparation and how it’s served with fresh coriander and lemon on top. Such an instant burst of freshness in every bite makes it a great breakfast indulgence. Since then, I’ve come to enjoy preparing it whenever I’m craving something filling yet light on the stomach. However, one thing that I want to mention is that it has low-fat content and high carbohydrate content. This makes it a good source of energy, but not really apt for a Keto diet.
For those following a Keto or low-carb diet, like me, I suggest preparing it with a twist. For my keto-influenced version, I replace sabudana with grated cauliflower pearls or grated zucchini to achieve a similar chewy texture with a mild flavor. After all, it’s about recreating the same comforting meal while keeping my Keto diet goals in check.
Now, let’s get into the recipe I’ll share both sabudana and my keto-inspired version. So, you may pick whatever suits your dietary requirements.
Sabudana Poha Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Sabudana (or Sago Pearls) or Cauliflower Pearls or Grated Zucchini
- 1 Potato Cut into cubes
- ½ tsp Cumin Seeds or Jeera
- 1½ cups Water
- 2 tbsp Refined Sunflower Oil
- Salt to Taste1 tbsp
- Lemon Juice ½ tsp
- Sweetener: 2 tbsp
- Freshly Chopped Coriander Leaves
- 2 tbsp Roasted Peanuts, Optional
- 1 Green Chili Finely Chopped
Instructions
- Soak Sabudana in water overnight or for around 4-5 hours. If you’re using cauliflower pearls or grated zucchini, there’s no need for overnight soaking.
- Place a non-stick pan over a medium flame and heat oil in it. Once oil is hot, temper it with cumin seeds.
- Add potato cubes and further fry them on medium heat until they soften in the center. Further, season them with sugar and salt.
- Once the potato is cooked properly, add soaked sabudana (for Keto version: add cauliflower pearls or grated zucchini) and cook them further for a few minutes on medium-high flame.
- Add roasted peanuts and chopped green chilies into the mixture and stir gently. Keep stirring to avoid sticking to the pan’s bottom.
- Check for seasoning and adjust as per your preference, if needed. Turn off the flame.
- Add freshly chopped coriander leaves and fresh lemon juice on top before serving.
Notes
This light, gluten-free, and energy-boosting Sabudana Poha is perfect for busy mornings, as well as fasting days when you require something easy to digest yet wholesome. Give it a try, and don’t forget to tag me on Facebook or Instagram with your creations. I’d love to see both your classic and Keto versions.
For those looking for more such lightweight and healthy Keto breakfast ideas, try my other recipes, like Keto Uttapam and Creamy Broccoli Lemon & Parmesan Soup.
Here’s to mornings that start light, delicious, and just right!
