Sev Usal Recipe | A Spicy and Crunchy Street
Food Delight
.png)
In this article , you’ll learn how to make an authentic Sev Usal that’s perfect for a snack or a light meal.
The best part? It’s quick, easy, and customizable to your taste!
What is Sev Usal?
Sev Usal is a famous Indian street food dish consisting of two key elements:
1. Usal: A spicy curry made with sprouted legumes, usually moth beans or green gram (moong).
2. Sev: Crispy, fried chickpea noodles that are sprinkled generously on top of the usal.
The dish is typically served with a variety of chutneys, onions, tomatoes, and coriander, making it a riot of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s a common street food in Maharashtra and Gujarat, and each region adds its own twist to the dish.
Ingredients for Sev Usal
For Usal:
- 1 cup Moth Beans or Green Gram (Moong) – soaked and sprouted
- 1 Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Tomato (finely chopped)
- 1 Green Chili (slit)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups Water
- Fresh Coriander Leaves (for garnish)
For Sev:
1 cup Sev (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped Onions
- Chopped Tomatoes
- Fresh Coriander Leaves
- Lemon Wedges
- Tamarind Chutney
- Green Chutney
Step-by-Step Sev Usal Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Sprouts for Usal
First, wash the moth beans or green gram thoroughly and soak them in water overnight. Drain the water and let them sit in a warm place for 24 hours until they sprout. Once sprouted, they are ready to be used in the usal.
Step 2: Cooking the Usal
Once the tomatoes are soft, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well, then add the sprouted legumes and 2 cups of water. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until the sprouts are tender and the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Making the Usal Masala
To intensify the flavor of the usal, make sure to cook the spices well with the onions and tomatoes. If you prefer a slightly thicker gravy, you can mash a few of the cooked sprouts to thicken the curry.
Step 4: Assembling Sev Usal
Once the usal is cooked and fragrant, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a serving bowl, add a generous ladle of the usal as the base. On top of the usal, sprinkle a handful of crispy sev to add crunch.
Step 5: Adding the Final Touches
For the perfect finishing touch, add chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also drizzle some tamarind chutney and green chutney for extra tanginess.
Serving Sev Usal
Sev Usal is best served hot, with crispy sev sprinkled on top right before serving to maintain its crunch. Pair it with pav (Indian bread rolls) for a more filling meal, or enjoy it as is with a side of green chutney and tamarind chutney.
Tips for Making the Best Sev Usal
1. Crisp Sev: Always add the sev right before serving to keep it crispy. If left too long, the sev can get soggy from the usal.
2. Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chili based on your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of garam masala for extra warmth.
3. Soaking Time: Soak the legumes for at least 8 hours, and give them 24 hours to sprout for the best flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Sprouts: Cooking the sprouts for too long can make them mushy. Cook them just until tender.
- Runny Usal: If your usal becomes too watery, mash some of the sprouts or reduce the water content while cooking.
- Spices Too Harsh: Always cook the spices with onions and tomatoes to release their full flavor and avoid a raw taste.
Health Benefits of Sev Usal
Sev Usal, while often considered a comfort street food, has its nutritional benefits, especially from the sprouted legumes. Sprouts are a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. To make the dish healthier, you can reduce the amount of sev or opt for baked or air-fried sev.
Variations of Sev Usal
There are many ways to customize Sev Usal:
- Add Paneer: For a richer variation, sauté some paneer cubes and mix them into the usal.
- Use Potatoes: You can add boiled and cubed potatoes to the usal for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
- Different Sprouts: Try mixing different types of sprouts like moong, chana (chickpeas), or even black-eyed peas.
Conclusion
Sev Usal is a delicious, flavorful street food that brings together the crunch of sev and the warmth of a spicy usal. With its combination of textures and flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite in both Maharashtra and Gujarat. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a light meal, Sev Usal is a versatile dish that can be made to suit your taste.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
FAQs:
1. How can I store leftover Sev Usal?
Store the usal (without sev) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the usal and add fresh sev.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan. For a gluten-free version, ensure that the sev you use is gluten-free, as some store-bought versions may contain wheat.
3. What other toppings can I add?
You can add yogurt, finely chopped raw mango, or even crushed papdi for extra crunch.
4. How long does it take to prepare Sev Usal?
It takes about 1 hour to prepare Sev Usal, excluding the soaking and sprouting time for the legumes.
5. Can I use store-bought sev?
Yes, store-bought sev works perfectly for this recipe, saving time and effort.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
