recipes

Healthy Kesari Sabudana Kheer Recipe for Navratri 2025

Executive Chef Rohit Dubey of Pilibhit House Haridwar shares a festive sabudana kheer recipe that swaps cow’s milk for almond milk and sugar for jaggery—perfect for Navratri fasting

Contributed By

Nishtha Kawrani

September 28, 2025

Festive Delight: Creamy Kesari Sabudana Kheer For Janmashtami

Festive Delight: Creamy Kesari Sabudana Kheer For Janmashtami

The festive season is in full swing, and with Navratri festivities, indulgent sweets are simply irresistible. If you want to try something healthy that bursts with the richness of Indian flavours, then this creamy, rich and kesari sabudana kheer will be your favourite. In an interesting conversation with Outlook Traveller Eats, Rohit Dubey, Executive Chef of Pilibhit House Haridwar, told how this sabudana kheer has always been a staple in his home during Janamashtami. “My mother used to make it from cow’s milk, but at Pilibhit house, I have given it a lighter and richer twist with almond milk and jaggery,” added Dubey. Festivals are all about recipes that make you happy, and this sweet delight will undoubtedly do that by keeping your health in check and delighting you with its smooth texture, kesari-rich aroma and decadent taste. Festivals are all about recipes that make you happy, and this sweet delight will undoubtedly do that by keeping your health in check and delighting you with its smooth texture, kesari-rich aroma, and decadent taste.

Kesari Sabudana Kheer Recipe By Rohit Dubey, Executive Chef, Pilibhit House, Haridwar

Quick Info
Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 25 min
Total Time 35 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Ingredients
  • Sabudana (tapioca pearls) - 0.5 cup
  • Almond milk/ cow milk - 2 cup
  • Grated jaggery - 0.5 cup
  • Chopped almonds - 2 tbsp
  • Chopped pistachios - 2 tbsp
  • Cardamom powder - 1 tsp
  • Few strands of saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk) - 0 g
  • Edible silver leaf (optional, for garnish) - 0 g
Instructions
Step-1
Wash the sabudana thoroughly and soak it in water for 2–3 hours until the pearls soften.
Step-2
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring almond milk to a gentle boil. Add soaked sabudana and cook on a low flame, stirring to avoid sticking.
Step-3
Add grated jaggery once the sabudana turns translucent and soft. Stir well until fully dissolved.
Step-4
Mix in saffron milk and cardamom powder. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step-5
Pour into serving bowls, top with chopped almonds and pistachios, and finish with silver leaf for a festive look. Serve warm or chilled.
Recipe
Prep Time 10 min
Cook Time 25 min
Total Time 35 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Ingredients
  • Sabudana (tapioca pearls) - 0.5 cup
  • Almond milk/ cow milk - 2 cup
  • Grated jaggery - 0.5 cup
  • Chopped almonds - 2 tbsp
  • Chopped pistachios - 2 tbsp
  • Cardamom powder - 1 tsp
  • Few strands of saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk) - 0 g
  • Edible silver leaf (optional, for garnish) - 0 g
Instructions
Step-1
Wash the sabudana thoroughly and soak it in water for 2–3 hours until the pearls soften.
Step-2
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring almond milk to a gentle boil. Add soaked sabudana and cook on a low flame, stirring to avoid sticking.
Step-3
Add grated jaggery once the sabudana turns translucent and soft. Stir well until fully dissolved.
Step-4
Mix in saffron milk and cardamom powder. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step-5
Pour into serving bowls, top with chopped almonds and pistachios, and finish with silver leaf for a festive look. Serve warm or chilled.
Note:
  • Double the ingredients when cooking for more people to ensure everyone gets a fluffy stack.
  • Swap out eggs for mashed bananas, yogurt, or flaxseed mix if you're vegetarian or allergic to eggs.
  • Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra soft and airy pancakes.
  • Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to get fluffier pancakes.
  • Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking.
  • Add vanilla extract or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
  • Top with fresh fruits, nuts, or honey for a delicious and healthy twist.
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