Kara Sevai Recipe (Lemon Vermicelli)
Kara Sevai, also known as Lemon Vermicelli, is a vibrant and flavorful South Indian dish that combines the simplicity of semiya (vermicelli) with aromatic spices and tangy lemon. Perfect for a quick lunch or a delicious snack, this dish is not only vegetarian but also offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The crunchy peanuts and dal, along with the freshness of coconut and coriander, make this dish a real treat. Paired with a cooling raita, it becomes an ideal lunchbox recipe.
Here’s how to make Kara Sevai from scratch, with step-by-step instructions to help you master this delightful dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semiya (Vermicelli) – cooked | 2 cups |
| Fresh coconut – grated | 2 tablespoons |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | As required |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coconut oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Lemon juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves – finely chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Green chillies | 3, slit |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 tablespoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 tablespoon |
| Raw peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Curry leaves | A sprig |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ground Paste:
Begin by preparing a coarse paste using fresh coconut, green chillies, and mustard seeds. Do not add water during the grinding process. The paste should have a slightly chunky texture. -
Tempering:
Heat sunflower oil in a wok or kadai. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves, chana dal, urad dal, and peanuts to the oil. Sauté the mixture until the dals and peanuts turn golden brown. -
Add Spices:
Once the dal and peanuts have browned, add turmeric powder and asafoetida. Stir well, sautéing for a few seconds to release the flavors. -
Incorporate the Paste:
Add the ground coconut and green chilli paste to the tempered mixture. Sauté everything together for a minute, allowing the spices to blend. -
Cook the Vermicelli:
Add the cooked semiya (vermicelli) to the wok, followed by salt and sugar. Mix everything well to ensure the vermicelli is evenly coated with the spices. Cook on a low flame for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb into the vermicelli. -
Final Touches:
Once the semiya is cooked, drizzle coconut oil over the dish and stir in the fresh grated coconut, lemon juice, and finely chopped coriander leaves. Mix everything thoroughly. -
Serving:
Serve the Kara Sevai hot, garnished with more fresh coriander leaves. This dish pairs wonderfully with a refreshing raita, such as Burani Raita or Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, making it an excellent choice for a packed lunch.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Sugars | 4 g |
Tips for the Best Kara Sevai:
- Vermicelli: You can use either roasted or plain semiya for this dish. Roasted semiya tends to have a nuttier flavor.
- Coconut: Fresh coconut is essential for an authentic taste. If fresh coconut is not available, you can use desiccated coconut, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Heat: Adjust the number of green chillies based on your preference for spiciness. You can also reduce or omit the chillies if you prefer a milder dish.
- Tempering: The key to this dish is in the tempering. Ensure you let the mustard seeds splutter and the dal turn golden for that perfect crunchy texture.
- Variations: Some people like to add a bit of tamarind paste for extra tang. You can try that if you enjoy a slightly sour flavor.
Why You’ll Love Kara Sevai:
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, Kara Sevai is perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch.
- Flavorful and Nutritious: The combination of spices, coconut, and peanuts provides a well-rounded flavor profile and offers a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
- Versatile: Kara Sevai is a flexible dish that can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it spicier or milder.
Whether you’re making this dish for a busy lunch or as part of your meal prep, Kara Sevai is sure to please your taste buds and fill you up with wholesome goodness. Enjoy the zesty flavor of lemon, the crunch of peanuts, and the smooth texture of semiya in every bite.
