Mahashivratri is not merely a festival of fasting; it is a night of devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual awakening dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this sacred occasion, devotees observe fasts, perform night-long prayers, and chant “Om Namah Shivaya.” The food prepared on this day is simple, sattvic, and vrat-friendly.
While sabudana khichdi, vada, or kheer are commonly made during fasting, you can prepare something uniquely festive this year—Sabudana Rasmalai. This dish beautifully combines the softness of traditional rasmalai with the purity required for fasting.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Rasmalai Balls:
- 1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
- 2 cups milk
- 3–4 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornflour or fasting-approved flour (such as water chestnut flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
For the Rabdi (Thickened Milk):
- 1 litre full-cream milk
- 4–5 tablespoons sugar
- A few strands of saffron (optional)
- Finely chopped almonds and pistachiosMethod of Preparation
1. Preparing the Sabudana
Wash the sabudana thoroughly and soak it for 3–4 hours or overnight. Once the pearls become soft and fully swollen, grind them coarsely in a mixer. Ensure the paste is not too thin.
2. Making the Rasmalai Balls
Mix the ground sabudana with sugar, cardamom powder, and fasting-approved flour. If the mixture feels too loose, add a little more flour for binding. Shape the mixture into small, smooth balls.
Boil 2 cups of milk in a pan and gently add the prepared balls. Cook on medium heat for about 8–10 minutes until the balls become soft and slightly puffed.
3. Preparing the Rabdi
In a heavy-bottomed pan, boil 1 litre of milk on low heat until it reduces to almost half and thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add sugar and saffron once the milk thickens. Switch off the heat and add cardamom powder.
4. Assembling the Dish
Gently remove the sabudana balls from the cooking milk and lightly squeeze out excess liquid. Transfer them into the prepared rabdi. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours so the flavors blend well.
Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios before serving.
Special Tips
- If cornflour is not allowed during fasting, use only water chestnut flour or amaranth flour.
- A few drops of rose water can enhance the fragrance.
- For a healthier version, replace sugar with fasting-approved natural sweeteners.
On the sacred night of Mahashivratri, when devotion fills the atmosphere, this delicate and rich Sabudana Rasmalai adds sweetness to your vrat without compromising tradition. It is not just a dessert, but a celebration of faith in every bite.