Sabudana: The Fasting Food

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The nine days long Hindu festival Navratri has commenced. It is the holy festival where devotees worship Goddess Durga, a form of Shakti. As fasting is very common in Hinduism, some specific foods are consumed during this fasting period. For example, sabudana is one of the widely used in phalahar (fasting menu).

The small white pearls like sabudana forms an integral part of the vrat ka khana in Hinduism. Sabudana is used to prepare vadas, cutlet, khichdi and even sweet dishes. It is a vegetarian processed food that is why sabudana is a fasting food in Hindu culture.

What Is Sabudana?

Sabudana which is also known as sago or chowwary, is made from the starch extracted from tapioca tuber. Sabudana is small white round shaped pearl like balls which are soaked in water first and then used for cooking. It is used to prepare many Navratri fasting recipes.

Benefits Of Sabudana:

Sabudana is high in carbohydrates and low in fats. The fasting food is rich in starch which keeps you fuller for a long time. So, it is the ideal fasting food to have during Navratri or any other vrat. Sabudana is easy to digest so it doesn't lead to digestive problems. It contains 351 kcal, 87 grams carbohydrate, 0.2 gram fat and 0.2 gram protein. Even sick people can have this light processed vrat food as sabudana doesn't have artificial sweeteners or chemicals. Sabudana has a cooling effect on the body. The gruel is also served as a home remedy to treat bile.

How To Cook Sabudana?

After knowing the benefits of sabudana, it is time to know how to cook the vrat food. As sabudana is rich in starch, you need to soak it in water so as to hydrate it. Wash it thoroughly with water till the white water turns clear. Soak in water for 1-2 hours. You will get fluffed and soft sabudana which can be used for cooking then.

These are few health benefits of sabudana and ways to cook it. Enjoy fasting!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.