Sev Khamani
Snacks • India
About Sev Khamani
Crumbled chana-dal cake tossed with spices, pomegranate, coriander, and nylon sev. Bright, soft, and distinctly Surti.
How to Make Sev Khamani (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Sev Khamani is a beloved snack from the vibrant state of Gujarat, India, known for its tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Traditionally made using steamed chana dal (split Bengal gram) and topped with crunchy sev, this dish is a quintessential Gujarati farsan (snack) that brings people together during festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings. The fluffy, savory base is enhanced with mustard seeds, green chillies, ginger, and finished with a burst of lemon juice, fresh coriander, and pomegranate arils for a refreshing touch. Sev Khamani is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a showcase of Gujarat’s culinary ingenuity. Its light, moist texture and bright flavors make it a popular choice during festivals like Uttarayan and Diwali, and it’s often served with chai as a morning or evening snack. This health-conscious, authentic Sev Khamani recipe offers all the traditional flavors with wholesome ingredients and minimal oil, making it suitable for calorie-watchers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Enjoy a taste of West India in every bite, and delight your family with this flavorful snack that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl (approx. 150g) per serving)
- 1 cup Chana dal (soaked for 4-5 hours)
- 2 Green chilli (hari mirch, chopped)
- 1 inch Ginger (adrak, grated)
- 1 tsp Sugar (optional) - optional
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder (haldi)
- to taste Salt (namak)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice (nimbu ras)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds (rai)
- 8-10 Curry leaves (kadi patta)
- 2 tsp Oil (preferably groundnut oil)
- a pinch Asafoetida (hing)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves (hara dhania, chopped)
- 2 tbsp Pomegranate arils (optional, for garnish) - optional
- 2 tbsp Nylon sev (for topping)
Instructions
- 1
Drain soaked chana dal and grind with green chillies, ginger, turmeric powder, and salt to a coarse paste using minimal water.
5 minutes
Do not over-grind; texture should be grainy for authentic Sev Khamani.
- 2
Transfer the paste into a greased steaming plate or thali. Spread evenly.
2 minutes
Use a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
- 3
Steam the mixture in a steamer or idli cooker for 15 minutes until cooked and firm. Let it cool slightly.
15 minutes
Insert a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean.
- 4
Once cooled, crumble the steamed mixture with your hands or a fork into a coarse, fluffy texture.
2 minutes
Crumbling while slightly warm gives best results.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy Sev Khamani recipe is steamed rather than fried, reducing unnecessary calories and fat. The use of wholesome legumes and fresh spices makes it both filling and low in glycemic index, supporting weight management and stable blood sugar levels. By moderating the sev topping and oil, you enjoy authentic flavors with fewer calories, making it a perfect snack for calorie-conscious individuals.
Sev Khamani is a protein-rich, fiber-packed snack made primarily from chana dal, which is an excellent source of vegetarian protein, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Chana dal also provides essential B vitamins, folate, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. The addition of fresh herbs and lemon juice boosts vitamin C content, while the minimal use of oil keeps saturated fat in check. This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free sev, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: For best texture, keep the chana dal mixture slightly grainy, not a fine paste.
- 💡Tip 2: Always steam and cool before crumbling to get perfect fluffiness.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust the amount of sev and lemon juice to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover Sev Khamani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add sev and pomegranate only before serving to maintain texture. Reheat gently in a microwave or steamer.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 210.0 kcal |
| Protein | 7.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30.0 g |
| Total Fat | 7.0 g |
| Fiber | 4.0 g |
