Sweet Toasted Vermicelli Delight
Sweet Toasted Vermicelli Delight is a cherished dish with deep roots in South Asian cuisine, known as Seviyan. This versatile treat, traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan, can be served for Suhoor as a nourishing breakfast or as a scrumptious dessert after Iftar. Each household adds their unique twist, making it a beloved recipe passed down through generations. This version balances the rich flavors of toasted vermicelli, aromatic cardamom, and crunchy nuts, while providing the flexibility to customize sweetness and add delightful tropical fruit. Whether you're in the mood for a creamy dessert or a drier breakfast option, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction, making it a staple on any festive dining table or comforting kitchen. Finding toasted vermicelli is easy in most Asian supermarkets, or in the international aisle of your local grocery.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sunflower oil
4-5 tablespoons (For frying)
Toasted vermicelli (Seviyan)
7 ounces (Broken into 1-inch pieces)
Whole milk
2 cups (Use semi-skimmed if preferred)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Adjust to 1/4 cup for less sweetness)
Green cardamom pods
8-10 whole (Bashed to release seeds)
Slivered almonds
4 tablespoons (For cooking and garnishing)
Pistachios
20 (Shelled and sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating sunflower oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
2
While the oil is heating, break the toasted vermicelli into pieces approximately one inch long. A chef's knife is ideal for this task.
3
Once the oil is hot, add the broken vermicelli to the saucepan. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vermicelli turns a rich walnut brown, about 5 minutes.
4
Next, pour in the whole milk and then add the slivered almonds. Stir to combine.
5
Prepare the green cardamom pods by gently bashing them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to release their seeds. Add the seeds to the mixture along with the sugar, and stir well.
6
Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium. Allow it to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, checking every 5 minutes to see how much milk has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
When the milk is nearly absorbed, reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes, or until the vermicelli is separated and has a delightful creamy consistency.
8
Serve warm in small bowls and generously top each serving with sliced pistachios. For an extra creamy touch, feel free to drizzle a bit of single cream or evaporated milk on top.
9
If using the tropical fruit and nut mixture, add half when you include the almonds and reserve the remaining half for garnishing along with the pistachios.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Toasted Vermicelli Delight?
Sweet Toasted Vermicelli Delight, also known as Seviyan, is a cherished South Asian dish made from toasted vermicelli, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices.
What are the primary ingredients in Seviyan?
The main ingredients include toasted vermicelli, sunflower oil, whole milk, sugar, green cardamom pods, slivered almonds, and pistachios.
When is this dish traditionally served?
It is traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan, served either for Suhoor as a breakfast or as a dessert after Iftar.
How should I prepare the vermicelli?
You should break the toasted vermicelli into pieces approximately one inch long using a chef's knife before cooking.
What is the best way to release the flavor from cardamom pods?
Gently bash the green cardamom pods with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to release the seeds before adding them to the mixture.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, while whole milk is standard for richness, you can use semi-skimmed milk if you prefer a lighter version.
How long does it take to toast the vermicelli?
The vermicelli should be cooked in hot oil while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until it turns a rich walnut brown.
What should the heat setting be for simmering?
The mixture should be covered and simmered over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes.
How much sugar should I use for a less sweet version?
You can reduce the sugar from 1/2 cup to 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
How do I prevent the vermicelli from sticking?
Check the saucepan every 5 minutes during the simmering process and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
What is the final step of the cooking process?
Once the milk is nearly absorbed, reduce the heat to low, remove the lid, and cook for another 10 minutes until the vermicelli is separated and creamy.
What garnishes are recommended for Seviyan?
Generously top each serving with sliced pistachios. You can also add slivered almonds or a drizzle of single cream.
Where can I find toasted vermicelli?
Toasted vermicelli is widely available in Asian supermarkets or in the international aisle of most local grocery stores.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Yes, you can add a tropical fruit and nut mixture. Add half when including the almonds and use the rest for garnishing.
How many cardamom pods are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 to 10 whole green cardamom pods.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served warm in small bowls.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe uses 4-5 tablespoons of sunflower oil for frying the vermicelli.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the 7 ounces of vermicelli and 2 cups of milk typically serve 4 to 6 people.
Can I make this dish creamier?
Yes, for an extra creamy touch, drizzle a bit of single cream or evaporated milk on top before serving.
What color should the vermicelli be after frying?
The vermicelli should reach a rich walnut brown color before you add the milk.
Is Seviyan a breakfast or a dessert?
It is versatile and can be served as both; a nourishing breakfast or a scrumptious dessert.
How much milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of whole milk.
What kind of almonds are used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of slivered almonds.
How many pistachios are needed?
You will need approximately 20 pistachios, shelled and sliced.
What equipment is needed to break the vermicelli?
A chef's knife is ideal for breaking the vermicelli into 1-inch pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, it is a staple on festive dining tables and is a beloved recipe passed down through generations.
How much toasted vermicelli is required?
You will need 7 ounces of toasted vermicelli (Seviyan).
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The vermicelli should be separated but have a delightful creamy consistency.
Can the sweetness be customized?
Yes, the recipe provides flexibility to customize the sweetness according to your preference.
What region is this cuisine from?
The dish has deep roots in South Asian cuisine.