Lemon Sevai is a light and zesty South Indian dish made with rice vermicelli (sevai) and flavored with lemon juice and spices. It’s a refreshing variation of the traditional lemon rice and can be enjoyed as a breakfast or a snack.
Lemon Sevai Recipe
Lemon Sevai, also known as Lemon Sevai Upma or Lemon Vermicelli, is a delightful and tangy South Indian dish made from vermicelli noodles flavored with lemon juice and an array of aromatic spices. It's a quick and flavorful breakfast or snack option that combines the freshness of citrus with the warmth of spices, making it a favorite in South Indian households.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice Vermicelli (Sevai)
- 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Urad Dal (Split Black Gram)
- 1 teaspoon Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas)
- 8-10 Curry Leaves
- 2 Green Chilies slit
- 1 inch Ginger finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- a pinch Asafoetida (Hing)
- 1/4 cup Roasted Peanuts
- to taste Salt
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Sevai:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the rice vermicelli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the sevai and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to let it dry slightly.
Temper the Spices:
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
- Add the urad dal and chana dal. Sauté until they turn golden.
- Stir in the slit green chilies, chopped ginger, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Fry for a few seconds until aromatic.
Season the Sevai:
- Sprinkle turmeric powder over the tempered spices. Mix well.
- Add the cooked and drained sevai to the pan. Toss gently to coat the sevai with the spices without breaking them.
Add Lemon Flavor:
- Turn off the heat. Add the lemon juice and salt to the sevai. Mix well to ensure the lemon juice is evenly distributed.
- Garnish with roasted peanuts and chopped coriander leaves.
Serve:
- Serve the Lemon Sevai warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Information
Conclusion:
Lemon Sevai is a delectable South Indian dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of citrus and the fragrant spices of South Indian cuisine. Its tangy and zesty taste, combined with the soft texture of vermicelli, makes it a refreshing and comforting option for breakfast or snack time. Whether enjoyed as a quick meal or a side dish, Lemon Sevai adds a burst of flavor to the South Indian culinary repertoire.Tips and Overview
- Sevai Consistency: Be careful not to overcook the sevai. It should be just soft enough and not mushy.
- Lemon Juice: Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference for tartness.
- Cooling Sevai: Spreading the cooked sevai on a flat surface can help prevent them from sticking together.
- Roasting Peanuts: For added crunch, you can dry roast the peanuts in a pan until golden before adding them to the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Lemon Sevai is best served fresh but can also be packed for a lunchbox treat.