Snacks : Sev Usal: A Flavorful Gujarati Street Food Delight

 

Sev Usal is a popular street food from Gujarat, particularly from Vadodara. It is a spicy, tangy, and flavorful dish made from dried white peas (vatana) cooked in a rich, spicy gravy, served with crispy sev, chopped onions, coriander, and lemon. This dish is somewhat similar to Ragda but has a distinct spice blend and is usually served with pav (bread rolls).

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Ingredients:

For the Usal (White Peas Curry)

• 1 cup dried white peas (vatana), soaked overnight
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water

For the Tempering (Tadka)

• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
• ½ tsp garam masala

For Garnishing & Serving

• ½ cup nylon sev
• ½ cup finely chopped onions
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
• Lemon wedges
• Pav (optional)

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Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Cooking the White Peas

1. Soak the dried white peas overnight in enough water.
2. Drain the water and pressure cook the peas with 2 cups of fresh water and a little salt for 3-4 whistles until they are soft. Set aside.

2. Preparing the Usal (Gravy Base)

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
2. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida (hing). Sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well.
7. Add the boiled white peas along with the water. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
8. Add garam masala and amchur powder. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Preparing the Special Tempering (Tadka)

1. In a small pan, heat butter or oil.
2. Add Kashmiri red chili powder and garam masala. Stir for a few seconds and pour this over the prepared Usal.

4. Assembling and Serving

1. Pour the hot Usal into a bowl.
2. Top it with finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, and a generous amount of sev.
3. Squeeze some lemon juice over it for extra tanginess.
4. Serve hot with pav or enjoy as it is.

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Tips for the Best Sev Usal:

• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and red chili powder according to your preference.
• Thicker Gravy: Mash some of the boiled peas to thicken the consistency.
• Crispy Sev: Add sev just before serving to keep it crunchy.
• Street-Style Touch: Serve with a side of spicy chutneys or garlic chutney for an authentic street-food experience.

Sev Usal is a comforting, spicy, and hearty dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Gujarat to your plate. Enjoy this delightful snack at home with family and friends!