Sev — those golden, crispy strands that top chaats, snacks, and even sweets — are an essential part of Indian cuisine.
Whether it’s Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, or a simple tea-time snack, sev adds the perfect crunch, flavor, and spice to almost any dish.
But have you ever wondered:
👉 What exactly is sev made of?
Let’s dive into the simple yet magical ingredients behind sev!
🌟 What Is Sev?
Sev is a popular Indian snack made from gram flour (besan) dough that’s seasoned with spices, pressed into thin strands using a special sev maker (a type of noodle press), and then deep-fried until crispy.
It’s crispy, salty, mildly spiced, and highly addictive!
🛒 Main Ingredients of Sev
Here’s what typically goes into making a basic sev:
1. Gram Flour (Besan)
The key ingredient.
Made from ground chickpeas, besan gives sev its earthy, nutty flavor and crisp texture.
2. Water
To knead the besan into a soft, smooth dough.
3. Oil
A little oil is mixed into the dough for smoothness.
Oil is also used for deep frying.
4. Salt
For taste.
5. Turmeric Powder
Adds a light golden color and mild earthy flavor.
6. Carom Seeds (Ajwain) or Cumin Seeds (Optional)
Some recipes add these seeds for extra flavor and to aid digestion.
7. Chili Powder (Optional)
For a spicy kick if you want Masala Sev.
🔥 How Is Sev Made?
The process is fairly simple:
Mix besan with salt, turmeric, and optional spices.
Add water gradually and knead into a soft, pliable dough.
Grease the sev maker and fill it with the dough.
Press the dough directly into hot oil in thin strands.
Deep-fry until the sev turns golden and crispy.
Drain and cool before storing.
That’s it — your crunchy, tasty sev is ready to munch!
🎯 Different Types of Sev
Depending on thickness and seasoning, sev comes in many varieties:
Nylon Sev: Very fine, hair-thin sev.
Thick Sev: Thicker, sturdier strands used for chaats and snacks.
Masala Sev: Spicy version with added red chili powder and other spices.
Garlic Sev: Flavored with garlic paste for a bold taste.
Palak Sev: Mixed with spinach puree for color and flavor.
Each type of sev has its own taste and use — from garnishing snacks to eating plain!
✅ Is Sev Good for Health?
Sev made with besan does offer some health benefits because gram flour is rich in protein and fiber.
However, since it’s deep-fried, sev should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid excess intake of fats and calories.
Health tip: You can also bake or air-fry sev for a lighter version!
🧠 Final Thoughts: The Magic of Simple Ingredients
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients — besan, water, salt, and oil — can come together to create something as flavorful and loved as sev.
Crispy, crunchy, and endlessly versatile, sev is truly one of India’s most delightful snacks.
Next time you sprinkle sev on your chaat or munch on it during tea time, you’ll know exactly what goes into making this golden treat!