‘Sabudana khichdi’ is a popular fast-food where I live. And by fast-food, I don’t mean whatever comes under the category of junk food, I mean food that can be had when one is fasting. Luckily, it’s not restricted to only those fasting times, it can be relished at any time, any day. Which is why it’s on the menu in a lot of eateries and also sold from roadside carts and shacks.
Making it, however is a tricky matter. If not prepared correctly, it can transform into a gloopy, gluey inedible mess in minutes. Of course, there are those who airily claim that ‘It’s so easy, there’s nothing to it, I can make it in minutes, it always comes out well, my family Loves the way I make it etc etc…” (I hate ’em all)
For a reluctant foodie like me- who likes eating but doesn’t like cooking- making this dish has always been something of a challenge. Simply put, I go out of my way to avoid making it.
Which is strange, because at one time I could make it and very well too. I remember once bringing a large quantity of it for my colleagues at work; as a good-bye treat before I moved to another city. That was more than 10 years ago. After that something happened, and whenever I tried my luck at it, I’d do so with a lot of misgivings and What-Ifs. The result: Murphy’s Law would kick in and I’d be left stirring an unpleasant looking concoction that stuck to the spoon, plate and probably intestines like an adhesive. Just goes to show how negative thoughts can ruin the plate and the palate.
After a lot of prodding, accusing, guilting and reproaches from a daughter who’s crazy about this dish and doesn’t always get enough of it, I finally decided to take another crack at it. Only this time, I threw out all the ‘Ifs and ‘Buts’ and kept only the ingredients. Much to my surprise and relief, it actually worked.
Lesson learnt: Don’t be afraid of making a mess. Just carry on regardless and it may not end up as a mess after all!
The ingredients: Each one, if not handled correctly can ruin the dish.
(Click on pic to see captions)
And finally- the finished product: Sabudana khichdi with cool cucumber raita. Bon Appetit to me!
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