Zesty Lemon Sevai – South Indian Lemon Idiyappam Noodles Recipe

Homemade Lemon Sevai Recipe – Lemon Idiyappam

Description: Lemon Sevai, also known as Lemon Idiyappam, is a delightful South Indian dish featuring soft, rice-based noodles infused with a refreshing lemon flavor and a hint of spice. This dish, traditionally served for breakfast, is perfect for a light snack or even a unique dinner choice. It’s a blend of mild tanginess from fresh lemons, the warmth of ginger, and a nutty crunch from roasted peanuts, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and vibrant.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Rice Batter

1. Soak the Rice: Start by washing the idli rice thoroughly. Place it in a bowl, cover it with water, and let it soak for about 2 hours, ensuring the rice grains absorb enough moisture to grind smoothly.
2. Grind the Batter: After soaking, drain the rice and transfer it to a mixer. Grind the rice into a smooth, thick paste, using only a little water as needed. The consistency should be semi-thick, similar to pancake batter—not too runny.

Step 2: Making the Idiyappam (Rice Noodles)

1. Steam the Batter: Grease idli molds with oil to prevent sticking. Pour the rice batter into each mold, filling them about halfway. Steam the batter in a steamer or idli pot for about 10 minutes until set.
2. Form the Dough: Once steamed, transfer the rice idlis to a large mixing bowl and start kneading until the dough forms a thick, shiny, and cohesive ball. This process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the dough to develop the elasticity needed to press into noodles.
3. Press the Idiyappam: While still hot, place the dough into a sevai maker (also known as sevai nazhi or idiyappam press). Press down to create the delicate noodles. This step is easiest while the dough is warm—if it cools too much, it will be challenging to press. Repeat with remaining dough, transferring the fresh noodles to a large bowl.

Step 3: Preparing the Lemon Sevai Flavoring

1. Season the Sevai: Heat sesame oil in a heavy-bottomed kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter, which releases their aroma. Follow with urad dal, stirring until it turns golden brown for a nutty base.
2. Add Aromatics: Add finely chopped green chillies, ginger, peanuts, and curry leaves to the kadai, sautéing for a few seconds. The peanuts should toast slightly, adding crunch, while the curry leaves infuse the oil with their unique fragrance.
3. Add Turmeric and Sevai: Sprinkle the turmeric powder over the mixture, then gently add the prepared sevai noodles. Toss the noodles carefully to coat them in the spices.
4. Finish with Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sevai, mixing well to ensure all noodles are evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt and spice if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lemon Sevai warm with coconut chutney or Mor Kuzhambu (a spiced yogurt sauce) on the side. Enjoy this tangy, refreshing dish as a breakfast option, a teatime snack, or even a light dinner.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately)

This Homemade Lemon Sevai Recipe is a simple yet flavorful take on a South Indian classic, bringing a balance of citrus brightness and warm spices to the table. Whether you’re new to making sevai from scratch or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a satisfying experience with a zesty twist!