Sevai, also known as vermicelli, is a thin, spaghetti-like pasta made from wheat or rice flour. In Indian cuisine, sevai is commonly used to make a variety of dishes, including sweet and savory dishes. Sevai is very versatile and can be cooked quickly, making it a popular choice for breakfast, snacks, and even desserts.

One popular sevai recipe is the sweet sevai, or meethi sevai, which is a dessert made by cooking vermicelli in milk and sugar and flavored with cardamom and nuts. It is typically served warm or chilled, and it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Another popular sevai recipe is the savory sevai, or namkeen sevai, which is a quick and easy breakfast or snack recipe. It is made by tempering vermicelli with spices, such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves, and mixed with vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and beans.

Overall, sevai is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of dishes. It’s easy to cook, requires minimal ingredients, and is a great way to add flavor and texture to your meals.

Ingredients for Sweet Vermicelli/Spaghetti (Meethi Sevai):

• 1 cup vermicelli (seviyan)
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional)

Cooking Directions for Sweet Vermicelli/Spaghetti (Meethi Sevai):

Step 1

In a pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the vermicelli and roast until golden brown while stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 2

Add the milk to the pan and bring it to a boil. Then, lower the heat and allow the vermicelli to cook in the milk for 8-10 minutes until soft, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Next, add the sugar to the pan and stir until it dissolves completely. Then, add the cardamom powder and mix well.

Step 4

In another pan, roast the chopped nuts until golden brown.

Step 5

Add the roasted nuts to the vermicelli mixture and mix well. 

Optional: Add a few saffron strands for extra flavor.

Step 6

Cook the vermicelli mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, while stirring continuously, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Remove from heat and let the vermicelli cool for a few minutes.

Serve the sweet vermicelli/Sevaiyan warm or chilled and garnish with more chopped nuts if desired. 

Enjoy your homemade sweet seviyan!

FAQ

Q: What is sevai?

A: Sevai is a thin, spaghetti-like pasta made from wheat or rice flour that is commonly used in Indian cuisine to make a variety of dishes.

Q: What are some popular sevai recipes?

A: Some popular sevai recipes include sweet sevai (meethi sevai) and savory sevai (namkeen sevai).

Q: How do you make sweet sevai?

A: To make sweet sevai, cook vermicelli in milk and sugar, and flavor it with cardamom and nuts. It can be served warm or chilled as a dessert.

Q: How do you make savory sevai?

A: To make savory sevai, temper vermicelli with spices such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves, and mix it with vegetables such as carrots, peas, and beans. It can be served as a quick and easy breakfast or snack.

Q: Can you use sevai in other dishes besides sweet and savory recipes?

A: Yes, sevai can also be used in other dishes such as upma, kheer, and pulao, and can be used as a substitute for other types of noodles in various recipes.

Q: How do you cook sevai?

A: To cook sevai, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the sevai. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sevai is soft and tender, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.

Q: What is sweet sevai?

A: Sweet sevai, also known as meethi sevai, is a popular Indian dessert made with vermicelli cooked in milk and sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts.

Q: What are the ingredients needed to make sweet sevai?

A: The ingredients needed to make sweet sevai include vermicelli (sevai), milk, sugar, ghee, mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios), cardamom powder, and optional saffron strands.

Q: How do you make sweet sevai?

A: To make sweet sevai, first roast the vermicelli in ghee until golden brown. Add milk to the pan and cook the vermicelli until soft. Then add sugar, cardamom powder, and roasted nuts, and cook until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.

Q: Can sweet sevai be served hot or cold?

A: Yes, sweet sevai can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Q: How long does it take to make sweet sevai?

A: Sweet sevai is a quick and easy dessert that can be made in about 20-25 minutes.

Q: Can I use other types of nuts in sweet sevai?

A: Yes, you can use other types of nuts in sweet sevai, such as walnuts, raisins, or coconut flakes, depending on your taste preference.

Tips

Roast the sevai: Before cooking sevai in a dish, it is a good idea to roast it in a little bit of oil or ghee. This will help to prevent the sevai from sticking together and will give it a nice nutty flavor.

Don’t overcook the sevai: Sevai cooks very quickly, so it is important not to overcook it. Follow the instructions on the package and cook it for the recommended amount of time. Overcooked sevai can become mushy and lose its texture.

Use enough liquid: Sevai absorbs a lot of liquid, so it is important to use enough liquid when cooking it. Whether you are making a sweet or savory dish, be sure to use enough liquid to fully cook the sevai and prevent it from drying out.

Season it well: Sevai is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, but it can be bland on its own. Be sure to season it well with spices, herbs, and other flavorings to make it more flavorful and tasty.

Serve it hot: Sevai dishes are best served hot, so be sure to serve it immediately after cooking. If you need to reheat it, add a little bit of liquid to the dish and heat it up slowly over low heat.

Experiment with different ingredients: Sevai is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Experiment with different ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, and spices, to create your own unique sevai recipes.

If you want to make a spicy vermicelli or you can call it Namkeen Sevai in hindi, check out this recipe:
Namkeen Sevai/Spicy Spaghetti/Savory Sevai