Homemade Lemon Sevai Recipe – Lemon Idiyappam Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Sevai, also known as Lemon Idiyappam, is a delicious and fragrant South Indian breakfast dish that combines freshly ground rice with vibrant, tangy flavors. Traditionally prepared with idli rice, this dish is both comforting and full of zest. It’s made using a traditional sevai maker, which forms the rice into delicate, thin noodles, perfect for soaking in the flavors of the tempering and tangy lemon. Perfect for breakfast, a teatime snack, or even a light dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe captures the essence of South Indian cuisine with its simple yet flavorful preparation. The steamed rice noodles are tossed in a spicy, flavorful tempering, resulting in a light and satisfying dish that is great for any meal of the day.
Cuisine
South Indian
Course
South Indian Breakfast
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Idli Rice | 2 cups |
| Lemon juice | From 2 lemons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, finely chopped |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
120 minutes (2 hours for soaking the rice)
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Instructions
-
Soaking and Grinding the Rice:
- Begin by washing the idli rice thoroughly under cold water. Ensure that the rice is completely immersed in water and allow it to soak for about 2 hours. This step helps to soften the rice, making it easier to grind.
- After soaking, transfer the rice to a mixer grinder and grind it to a smooth paste. The consistency should be semi-thick and pourable, not liquid. If needed, add a little water to achieve the right texture.
-
Steaming the Idlis:
- Once your batter is ready, it’s time to prepare the steamed idlis, which will later be transformed into sevai (rice noodles).
- Grease your idli molds and pour the batter into them, filling each mold.
- Place the idli molds in a steamer and steam for about 10 minutes. The idlis should be fully cooked and firm to the touch when ready.
-
Making Sevai (Rice Noodles):
- After the idlis have steamed, let them cool slightly for a minute or two before transferring them to a sevai maker (also called sevai nazhi).
- The idlis need to be hot when pressed; otherwise, they will not form the delicate noodles.
- Press the idlis one at a time into the sevai maker. Turn the wheel gently to create thin, soft strands of sevai. Continue this process until all the idlis have been turned into noodles.
- Transfer the freshly made sevai to a large bowl.
-
Preparing the Lemon Sevai:
- In a kadai (wok), heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds to the hot oil. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds.
- Next, add the finely chopped green chillies, ginger, roasted peanuts, and curry leaves. Sauté them for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the turmeric powder and mix well.
- Add the steamed rice sevai (idiyappam) to the kadai, and toss everything together, ensuring the tempering evenly coats the rice noodles.
- Pour the fresh lemon juice over the mixture and give it a good stir until the sevai is well combined with the lemony, spicy tempering.
-
Final Adjustments and Serving:
- Taste the Lemon Sevai and adjust the salt and spice levels to your preference. If needed, add more lemon juice for an extra zing.
- Once the seasoning is to your liking, remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Lemon Sevai is often enjoyed as a standalone dish but can be served with side dishes like Coconut Chutney or Mor Kuzhambu for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Lemon Sevai is a perfect South Indian breakfast option, providing a refreshing and light start to your day.
- Teatime Snack: Serve it with a hot cup of chai or coffee for a delightful snack.
- Dinner: This dish makes for a wholesome and light dinner, especially when paired with chutney or a yogurt-based side dish.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Tips & Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies based on your spice preference. You can even add a pinch of red chili powder for a bit more heat.
- Peanuts: If you prefer, you can replace roasted peanuts with cashews for a different texture and flavor.
- Coconut: For added richness, you can sprinkle some freshly grated coconut on top before serving.
This traditional Homemade Lemon Sevai Recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of flavors. The freshness of lemon combined with the mild heat of mustard seeds and curry leaves makes this a delightful dish. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast or a savory snack, this South Indian recipe is the way to go! Enjoy your flavorful journey into the heart of South Indian cuisine.
