Sabudana Khichdi

As everyone around here is celebrating thanksgiving, it is difficult to escape the essence of it. Come to think of it there is so much for me to thank god, my family and my friends. After the little boy was born I had the urge to do something for myself than sit at home all the time. With the support of my hubby,in-laws and my parents I joined a course and started teaching. I did not feel guilty as the kiddo was in safe hands and I worked part time. The staff at school was very helpful and understanding. When I felt I could go ahead working full time and got a good opportunity I had to let it go as my hubby had an offer to work for sometime in US. It was painful for us say good bye to our family who doted on the grandchild. We were prepared that life is not going to be easy in a foreign land without our family. One of our family friend who were with us in Shanghai too reached US on the same day. I was so glad that I had a friend in this alien land. As we were in the process of searching a house, we met a friendly family and also one of my brother's friend which changed the scene altogether.We made a good group of friends and now its been 6 months we came here and I never realized how the time has passed. My hubby and friends have been with me in all the times, good and bad. The little boy is a blessing from heaven above bringing smile to our face. Dear god, Thank you for everything.

Talking about food, I have loved Sabudana Khichdi ever since I tasted it first. It was back in Shanghai a dear friend of mine from Maharashtra would lovingly pack a box full of steaming hot Khichdi whenever she made it. When they moved back to India another sweet lady S moved in. She too was a Maharashtrian and made awesome Bhakri, Pithla and not to forget this divine Khichdi. Now I would get my quota of delicious food and never ever bothered making it on my own. When we moved to India, I was too busy with my pregnancy and motherhood until we came to US. Bought a packet of Sabudana and googled for the recipe. The search landed me on Aayi's recipe which is a treasure trove of Konkani recipes. One fine day I decided to make it for our friends here and was planning to use the same recipe and soaked the Sabudana. When I was about to make it my dear friend P came to rescue and she made it for all of us. The recipe was so tasty that I made a mental note of it and made it again the next time. It is very simple and tasty too.

Here is what's needed:
1 cup Sabudana
1 large Potato boiled, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup roasted and ground peanuts ( I just roasted them and powdered well. No need to peel them)
1 tsp red chilli powder ( The one I use is very spicy, so I used less. Increase as per your liking)
Salt to taste

For seasoning:
2 tbsp ghee/ Oil
1 green chilli slit
1 tsp Jeera
1 sprig curry leaves

2 tsp Lemon juice

Procedure:
1) Soak sabudana for 30 mins. Drain and keep it covered overnight.
2) To the soaked sabudana, add red chilli powder, peanut powder and salt. Mix well.
3) Heat ghee, add jeera. When they splutter add curry leaves and green chilli. Mix in the chopped potatoes and fry.
4) Mix in the sabudana and cook on low flame until the pearls are cooked and become slightly transparent.
5) Add in the lime juice and mix. Serve hot.

I have observed that, using this method of soaking the sabudana makes it fluffy and they dont turn into gooey mess and keeps well in lunch box too. But make sure that you warm it up before eating.

Happy thanksgiving and holidays!