Rice sevai, also known as idiyappam or string hoppers, is a popular South Indian dish made from rice flour. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for breakfast or as a light snack. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking rice sevai step by step, ensuring a tasty outcome every time.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients. The main ingredient, as the name suggests, is rice flour. You can either buy ready-made rice flour or make it at home by grinding raw rice until it becomes a fine powder.
Add Some Flavorings
To enhance the taste of the sevai, you can add a few flavorings. This might include grated coconut, roasted peanuts, or even some chopped vegetables like carrots and peas. These ingredients will not only add flavor but also provide an extra nutritional boost to your dish.
Prepare the Rice Sevai Dough
To begin with, take a large mixing bowl and add the rice flour. Gradually add warm water while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. It should not be too sticky or too dry. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more rice flour, and if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into small portions. This will make it easier to work with later when we pass it through the sevai press.
Use a Sevai Press
A sevai press, also known as an idiyappam maker, is a gadget that helps you form the sevai strands. Fill the press with one portion of the rice dough and close it tightly. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to boil on the stove.
Now that your sevai press is ready, press the dough into thin, noodle-like strands onto a greased plate. Make a circular pattern starting from the center and working your way outward. This process requires a bit of practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first few strands do not look perfect.
Cook the Sevai
Once you’ve prepared all the sevai strands, steam them in a steamer for about 10-12 minutes. This will ensure that they are thoroughly cooked. Ensure the sevai doesn’t stick together by occasionally flipping them with a spoon during the steaming process.
After steaming, remove the sevai from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes before fluffing them gently with a fork. This will separate the strands and prevent them from clumping together.
Serving Options
Now that your rice sevai is cooked and fluffy, it’s time to serve and enjoy! There are numerous ways to serve this versatile dish, and you can choose based on your personal preferences.
Coconut Sevai
For a traditional South Indian twist, you can serve rice sevai with some grated coconut and a sprinkle of sugar. The natural sweetness of coconut perfectly complements the delicate flavors of the sevai.
Vegetable Sevai
If you prefer a more substantial meal, you can toss the cooked sevai with some sautéed vegetables. Heat some oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, chopped vegetables (like carrots, peas, beans), and sauté until they are cooked. Finally, mix in the cooked sevai and season with salt and spices of your choice.
Lemon Sevai
For a tangy variation, you can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked sevai. Add grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, and a tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Curd Sevai
If you prefer a creamy texture, you can mix the cooked sevai with some whisked curd or yogurt. Add tempering with mustard seeds, urad dal, green chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Finally, top it off with some grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves.
Conclusion
Cooking rice sevai is a straightforward process, making it a fantastic option for a simple and delicious meal. With its endless serving possibilities, you can experiment and create various flavor combinations based on your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it with coconut, vegetables, or a tangy twist, rice sevai is sure to delight your taste buds with its delicate and satisfying flavors. So give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful South Indian staple in the comfort of your own home!