Sewai, also known as seviyan, is a traditional and popular dish in South Asia. It is made from thin vermicelli, and its delicate, sweet taste makes it a favorite dessert or breakfast item in many households. Whether served during festivals, special occasions, or even on a regular day, Sewai is a dish that resonates deeply with many families’ culinary traditions.I personally like this dessert so so much.
Table of Contents
What is Sewai?
Sewai, or seviyan, refers to a dish made using thin wheat-based noodles, known as vermicelli. This dish can either be savory or sweet, depending on the spices or ingredients used. The most common form of Sewai in South Asian cuisine is a sweet preparation, often enjoyed during festivals such as Eid, Diwali, or Ramadan. However, there are also savory variations, especially in Pakistan and India, where the noodles are cooked with spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat.
The sweet version is typically prepared with ghee (clarified butter), sugar, cardamom, and nuts, creating a rich, aromatic dessert. Whether served hot or cold, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Ingredients:
- Vermicelli (sewai)-1/2 bowl
- Dry dates-10 pcs
- Chopped Raisin-1/2 cup
- Cashew -1/2 cup
- Ghee-2tbsp
- Chiraungi-1/2cup
- Milk-2 litre
- Saffron-2-3 threads
- Green cardmom powder-1/2 tsp
- Sugar-1/2 bowl
Method:
Step-1: Roast the Vermicelli
First of all we will take a pan and add ghee in it. When the ghee becomes slightly hot, we will add vermicelli in it and fry it till the vermicelli becomes golden brown. This process may take us approximately 10 minutes.
Step-2.Add the Milk and Cook
Now we will take a pan and add milk in it. When the milk boils, we will reduce the flame of the gas to medium. Now we will add dry dates and chironji and mix it. After that we will add chopped cashews and resin and also add saffron and cardamom powder and mix it well. We will cook on medium to low flame till the milk reduces to ½. When the milk is reduced, we will add sugar and mix it well. When all the things are mixed well, we will add roasted vermicelli and cook it on medium flame for 2-3 minutes. In this way our Eid special sewai will be ready.
Step-3.Serve and Enjoy
Now we will garnish our Eid special vermicelli with some chopped dry fruits and serve it to the guests who come on Eid and enjoy it ourselves too.
Variations of Sewai
While the basic sweet version of Sewai is incredibly popular, there are many variations that cater to different tastes. Here are a few:
1. Sewai (Vermicelli) Kheer
- In this variation, Sewai is made more like a pudding. The milk is boiled and reduced further to create a thicker, creamier texture. Sometimes, condensed milk is added for richness.
2. Sewai Upma (Savory Version)
- In South India, a savory version of Sewai is made with spices like mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and green chilies. It’s often served as a light breakfast or snack.
3. Sewai with Coconut
- In some parts of India, coconut is added to the sweet Sewai recipe to enhance its texture and flavor. Grated fresh coconut is mixed with the cooked vermicelli, adding a delightful crunch.
4. Sewai with Mango
- During mango season, fresh mango puree is added to Sewai for a tropical twist. This variation brings an extra layer of sweetness and fruity flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Sewai
While Sewai is typically a rich, sweet dish, it also offers some nutritional benefits:
- Carbohydrates and Fiber: The main ingredient in Sewai is vermicelli, which is a good source of carbohydrates and provides energy. Whole wheat vermicelli can also offer fiber, helping with digestion.
- Healthy Fats: Ghee, the key fat source used in the recipe, contains butyrate, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help in digestion.
- Antioxidants and Nutrients: Nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios provide essential fats, protein, and vitamins. The addition of cardamom and saffron offers antioxidant properties, which help in reducing oxidative stress.
- Iron and Calcium: The combination of milk and nuts can provide a moderate source of calcium and iron, which are vital for bone health and energy production.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought roasted Sewai for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-roasted vermicelli to save time. However, roasting the Sewai yourself gives it a more authentic flavor and texture. If you are using store-bought roasted Sewai, skip the roasting step and proceed with adding the milk.
Can I make Sewai ahead of time?
Sewai can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge. If it thickens too much, simply reheat it with a splash of milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Can I use alternatives to ghee in the recipe?
If you prefer, you can use butter or vegetable oil as an alternative to ghee. However, ghee provides a rich and traditional flavor that is hard to replicate.
How can I make Sewai vegan?
To make Sewai vegan, simply replace the ghee with coconut oil or any vegetable oil. Use plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly (some sugars are processed with bone char).
How do I prevent Sewai from becoming too mushy?
To prevent the Sewai from becoming mushy, make sure not to overcook the noodles in the milk. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally to ensure the vermicelli cooks evenly without absorbing too much liquid.
Can I add fruits to Sewai?
Yes, you can add fruits like mangoes, bananas, or berries to Sewai for an added burst of flavor. If you add fresh fruits, do so at the end after cooking to prevent them from getting mushy.
Can I make Sewai spicy?
Yes, a savory version of Sewai can be made spicy by adding green chilies, ginger, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds. This savory version is a popular breakfast or snack in many regions.
Conclusion
Sewai is a delicious, versatile dish that can easily be made with minimal ingredients but offers maximum flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a sweet dessert, a comforting breakfast, or a savory snack, Sewai brings people together and adds a special touch to any meal. Its rich history and cultural significance make it more than just food—it’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
So, gather your ingredients and give this Sewai recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has been in so many others. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown for Sewai (per 1 cup serving, ~200g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 315 Kcal | 16% |
| Total fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 85mg | 4% |
| Total carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 26g | NA |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamins & Minerals | ||
| Vitamin A | 320IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 120mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 200mg | 6% |
| Fats Breakdown | ||
| Monounsaturated fat | 3g | NA |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 1g | NA |
| Other Nutrients | ||
| Magnesium | 40mg | 10% |
easy and delicious eid special sewai recipe
Ingredients
- 2 L milk Full Fat
- 1/2 Bowl Vermicelli
- 1/2 Bowl Sugar
- 2 tbsp Ghee
Notes
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