International Cuisine

Lemon Spiced Vermicelli (Kara Sevai) Recipe

Published
Jan 16, 2025
Reading time
2 min
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Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegetarian

Description
Kara Sevai is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for breakfast, light dinner, or even a lunch box meal. It’s a delicious option for both adults and kids, made without the use of onion or garlic. The tanginess of lemon combined with spices makes it a comforting and tasty choice.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Semiya (Vermicelli), cooked
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh coconut, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
  • Salt, as required
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
  • 2 teaspoons Coconut Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped

For the paste

  • 1/2 cup Fresh coconut
  • 3 Green Chillies
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu)

To temper

  • 2 teaspoons Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu)
  • 1 tablespoon Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal)
  • 1 tablespoon White Urad Dal (Split)
  • 2 tablespoons Raw Peanuts (Moongphali)
  • A sprig of Curry leaves

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Instructions

  1. Begin by making a coarse paste with fresh coconut, green chillies, and mustard seeds in a grinder. Do not add water.
  2. Heat oil in a wok or kadai and temper with the ingredients listed under ‘To temper’. Let the dal and peanuts turn golden brown.
  3. Once the dal and peanuts are browned, add turmeric powder and asafoetida. Saute briefly.
  4. Add the prepared paste and cook for a minute.
  5. Add the cooked vermicelli (semiya), salt, and sugar. Stir everything together and let it cook on low heat for about 2 minutes.
  6. Add coconut oil, grated coconut, lemon juice, and coriander leaves. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!
    Tip: Kara Sevai can be packed in lunch boxes and pairs wonderfully with Burani Raita or Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita.