Raksha Bandhan, the sacred festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, is a time for joy, love, and cherished traditions. While the centrepiece of this beautiful occasion is the tying of the rakhi, a sacred thread symbolising the sister's love and the brother's protection, the festivities also include a delightful array of sweet and savoury treats. Among these, Besan Sev and Mathri stand out as timeless classics, offering a symphony of crispiness and flavours that perfectly complement the warmth of the occasion.
Rakhi: A Festival of Sibling Love
Before we dive into the savoury delights of Besan Sev and Mathri, it's essential to understand the significance of Raksha Bandhan. This ancient Indian festival, steeped in tradition and symbolism, celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. "Raksha" means protection, and "Bandhan" means bond. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread, the rakhi, around their brothers' wrists, signifying their love, prayers for well-being, and the brothers' lifelong promise to protect and care for their sisters. In return, brothers offer gifts and promise to safeguard their sisters' honour and well-being.
Raksha Bandhan is a day of togetherness, family gatherings, and festive feasts. Sweets and savouries play a crucial role in these celebrations, adding a touch of indulgence and nostalgia to the festivities.
Besan Sev: A Crispy Sensation
Besan Sev, also known simply as Sev, is a crunchy, fried snack made from gram flour (besan) and spices. It boasts a strikingly thin, noodle-like appearance, and its irresistible crispiness is a testament to the art of Indian snacking.
The Making of Besan Sev:
The preparation of Besan Sev begins with gram flour, which is mixed with spices like red chilli powder, turmeric, and ajwain (carom seeds). Water is added to form a smooth dough, which is then loaded into a special press or "Sev Maker." The dough is extruded through various discs with small holes, resulting in fine strands of Sev. These delicate strands are deep-fried until they turn a beautiful golden hue. Once fried to perfection, the Sev is drained and left to cool, becoming delightfully crisp.
The Taste of Tradition
Besan Sev embodies the essence of Indian snacking with its bold flavours and crunchy texture. The addition of spices like red chilli and ajwain provides a hint of heat and earthy notes, while the gram flour offers a subtle nuttiness. The beauty of Besan Sev lies in its ability to pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it an essential snack during Raksha Bandhan celebrations. The snack's lightness and crispiness make it an excellent accompaniment to sweets, balancing out the overall flavour profile of the festive spread.
Mathri: A Timeless Classic
Mathri, another beloved savoury treat, holds a special place in the hearts of those celebrating Raksha Bandhan. These crispy, flaky, and mildly spiced delights are akin to savoury biscuits and are a staple during Indian festivals.
The Making of Mathri:
Mathri is prepared from a simple dough made with all-purpose flour (maida), ghee (clarified butter), and a blend of spices, including ajwain, cumin seeds, and black pepper. The dough is kneaded until smooth, then rolled into small discs or squares. These shapes are carefully pricked with a fork to prevent puffing during frying. Once ready, the Mathri pieces are deep-fried until they achieve a golden-brown colour and a satisfyingly crisp texture.
The Tradition of Sharing:
Mathri's charm lies in its versatility and ability to pair beautifully with various accompaniments. It is often enjoyed with spicy pickles, tangy chutneys, or a simple cup of masala chai. During Raksha Bandhan, when families come together to celebrate, Mathri becomes a symbol of the love and camaraderie shared among siblings. These crispy treats are passed around with laughter and stories, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of Rakhi sweets.
A Time for Togetherness and Traditions:
As Raksha Bandhan approaches, households across India buzz with excitement. Sisters carefully select rakhis, brothers ponder over thoughtful gifts, and families prepare for a day of togetherness. While the festival's essence lies in the sacred bond between siblings, the culinary delights like Besan Sev and Mathri add an extra layer of festivity.
The Essence of Rakhi Treats:
Besan Sev and Mathri embody the spirit of Raksha Bandhan in more ways than one. Just as the rakhi thread binds siblings in love and protection, these savoury treats bind the family together in shared moments of joy and celebration. They are a testament to the time-honoured traditions that bring families closer, even in today's fast-paced world.
As you celebrate Raksha Bandhan this year, take a moment to savour the crispiness of Besan Sev and Mathri. Let their flavours transport you to the heart of your family's Rakhi traditions, where the simple act of sharing a snack becomes a cherished memory. In the world of Besan Sev and Mathri, the love between siblings is celebrated not just through words but through the delightful crunch of tradition.