Gujarati cuisine is known for its diverse range of flavours and textures, offering a delectable mix of sweet, savoury, and spicy dishes. Sev Khamni, a beloved snack, exemplifies this culinary diversity. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish made from gram flour (besan) and garnished with an array of aromatic spices and chutneys.
The Heritage of Gujarat
Gujarat, a western state in India, boasts a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its cuisine. Known for its diverse and vegetarian-centric fare, Gujarati food incorporates a myriad of ingredients such as grains, legumes, vegetables, and dairy products. The cuisine draws inspiration from the state's agricultural abundance and the influence of Jain and Hindu dietary traditions, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours that cater to both the palate and dietary preferences.
Sev Khamni, often referred to simply as "Khamni," is a popular street food in Gujarat, particularly in the city of Surat. At its core, Sev Khamni is a textured and flavorful dish made from chana dal (split Bengal gram) and gram flour, enhanced with a medley of spices and garnished with fresh coriander leaves, sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles), and pomegranate seeds. The dish's name, "Khamni," is derived from the Gujarati word "Khaman," which refers to the technique of preparing the chana dal and gram flour mixture.
What truly elevates Sev Khamni to a gastronomic delight are its garnishes. Freshly chopped coriander leaves provide a burst of freshness, while pomegranate seeds add a touch of sweetness and vibrant colour. The pièce de résistance, however, is the generous sprinkle of sev – crispy chickpea flour noodles – that provides a delightful contrast of textures and enhances the overall experience.
Sev Khamni is more than just a street food; it's a cultural symbol in Gujarat. This dish is an integral part of festive celebrations, family gatherings, and social events. It embodies the spirit of togetherness and is often shared among friends and neighbours, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of community.
Health Benefits Of Sev Khamni
Beyond its delectable taste, Sev Khamni also offers some health benefits. Chana dal, the primary ingredient, is a good source of protein and dietary fibre, making this dish both nutritious and filling. The use of fresh herbs and spices adds additional health-promoting properties, such as aiding digestion and providing antioxidants.
Types Of Sev Khamni
As with many traditional dishes, Sev Khamni has regional variations across Gujarat. In Surat, it's often prepared with a sweeter and spicier profile, using jaggery and tamarind chutney for a unique flavour combination. In Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat, you might find a tangerine version that incorporates yoghurt or buttermilk.
How To Make Sev Khamni
Sev Khamni's preparation is an art form that requires precision and patience. To create this delightful dish, dried chana dal is soaked, ground, and fermented to achieve a fluffy, airy texture. The fermented dal mixture is then steamed until it's cooked through, resulting in a light and spongy base known as "Khaman." This Khaman is crumbled and mixed with a flavorful blend of spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, asafoetida, and green chilies, sautéed in oil for a burst of flavour.
Here’s a recipe you can try to make sev khamani at home:
Ingredients:
For the Khaman:
- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/4 cup semolina (sooji)
- 2 tbsp yoghourt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fruit salt (eno)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup water
For Tempering:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- A few curry leaves
- 2-3 tbsp grated coconut
- 2-3 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
For Garnish:
- Sev (crunchy gram flour noodles)
- Freshly grated coconut
- Pomegranate seeds
- Chopped coriander leaves
- Tamarind chutney
- Green chutney
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Khaman
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, semolina, yoghourt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, mustard seeds, asafoetida, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add water while stirring to form a smooth batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
3. Let the batter rest for about 15-20 minutes.
4. After resting, add lemon juice to the batter and mix well.
5. In a steamer, add water and let it come to a boil.
6. Grease a thali or a plate that fits inside your steamer.
7. Just before steaming, add fruit salt (eno) to the batter and mix gently. You will notice the batter becomes frothy.
8. Immediately pour the batter into the greased thali and place it inside the steamer.
9. Steam the batter for about 15-20 minutes or until it's cooked through. You can insert a toothpick into the khaman, and if it comes out clean, it's done.
10. Once done, remove the steamed khaman from the thali and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Tempering
1. Heat oil in a small pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add chopped green chilies and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute until they become fragrant.
4. Pour this tempering over the steamed khaman. Spread it evenly.
Step 3: Cutting and Assembling the Khamni
1. Allow the khaman to cool down completely.
2. Once cooled, cut it into small pieces or crumble it using your hands. This step gives the khamni its unique texture.
Step 4: Garnishing the Sev Khamni
1. Now comes the fun part - garnishing! Sev Khamni is all about the toppings and chutneys.
2. Sprinkle grated coconut generously over the crumbled khaman.
3. Add a layer of sev (gram flour noodles) on top.
4. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a burst of freshness and colour.
5. Drizzle tamarind chutney and green chutney over the khamni. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
6. Finally, sprinkle chopped coriander leaves for a hint of freshness.
Step 5: Serving Sev Khamni
1. Sev Khamni is best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature.
2. Serve it as a snack or appetisers at your next gathering or simply relish it as a tea-time treat.
3. Don't forget to pair it with a hot cup of masala chai for the complete Gujarati experience.
Sev Khamni is a delightful Gujarati snack that combines the goodness of gram flour with a medley of spices and chutneys. Its unique texture and vibrant flavours make it a favourite among those who appreciate the diverse and delicious world of Indian cuisine. Whether enjoyed as an appetiser, snack, or accompaniment to tea, Sev Khamni is a delightful way to experience the rich culinary traditions of Gujarat. So, gather your ingredients, follow this recipe, and savour the Gujarati delight that is Sev Khamni.