Tangy Lemon Sevai – South Indian Breakfast Delight

Lemon Sevai Recipe – A Flavorful South Indian Breakfast

Lemon Sevai, a delightful South Indian dish, is a refreshing twist on traditional vermicelli, where the tangy zing of lemon complements the delicate flavor of steamed rice-based sevai. This dish, made using idli rice, is a perfect start to your morning, offering a balance of spice, tang, and fragrance from the curry leaves. Paired with a hot cup of filter coffee and buttered toast, Lemon Sevai transforms your breakfast into a comforting and nourishing experience.

Ingredients for Lemon Sevai

Preparation Time: 120 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 160 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions for Making Lemon Sevai

To create the perfect Lemon Sevai, follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Rice Mixture:

   • Begin by washing the idli rice thoroughly. Soak it in water for approximately 2 hours to soften.
   • After soaking, drain the water and transfer the rice into a mixer grinder. Add a little water and grind it into a smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to that of idli batter.

2. Steam the Rice Mixture:

   • Lightly grease idli molds with oil. Fill each mold with the rice batter.
   • Steam the filled idli molds for about 10 minutes. This will allow the batter to firm up into soft, steamed idlis.

3. Make Sevai:

   • Once the idlis are ready, place them into a sevai machine (or a traditional macaroni maker). While the idlis should be hot, they will easily pass through the machine and form long, delicate vermicelli strands.
   • Set the freshly made sevai aside once prepared.

4. Prepare the Tempering:

   • In a frying pan, heat the sesame oil on medium flame.
   • Add mustard seeds to the hot oil and allow them to splutter for about 10 seconds.
   • Next, add the turmeric powder, a pinch of asafoetida, finely chopped green chilies, and the curry leaves. Sauté everything for a few seconds until the spices release their fragrance.

5. Combine the Sevai and Tempering:

   • Add the freshly made sevai to the pan and toss well to coat with the tempering mixture.
   • Pour in the lemon juice and add salt to taste. Stir everything together until the sevai is evenly coated with the spices and the tangy lemon flavor.

6. Serving:

   • Serve the Lemon Sevai hot, garnished with additional curry leaves or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. This dish is best enjoyed with a cup of hot filter coffee and buttered toast for a traditional South Indian breakfast experience.

Serving Suggestions:
Lemon Sevai pairs wonderfully with a side of crunchy toast or crispy dosas. For a refreshing touch, enjoy it alongside a glass of cool buttermilk or coconut water. It is a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying breakfast that will leave you feeling energized for the day ahead.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Lemon Sevai is a wholesome, flavorful, and quick-to-make dish that brings the best of South Indian flavors right to your breakfast table. Enjoy its vibrant flavors and its versatility, whether you enjoy it plain or paired with your favorite sides!