Semiya Kesari {Meethi Seviyan}
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Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4
 
This delicately sweet saffron-laced semiya kesari or meethi seviyan, an Indian vermicelli dessert, is super easy to make and makes for a festive dessert.
You will need:
  • Ghee - 2 tbsp, divided
  • Cashew nuts - 8-10, whole or broken
  • Semiya or seviyan or broken vermicelli - 1½ cups, loosely packed
  • Water - 2¼ cups
  • Saffron - a large pinch
  • Cardamom powder - ½ tsp
  • Rose water - ½ tsp (or use 1-2 drops of rose essence)
  • Salt - a tiny pinch
  • Orange food color - 1-2 drops, optional
  • Sugar - ½ cup
  • Dried rose petals - for garnish, optional
How to:
  1. Heat 1 tsp ghee in a large skillet with high sides. Add cashew nuts and fry till golden. Remove and set side.
  2. Add 2 tsp ghee and dry roast the semiya (vermicelli) on low heat. Keep stirring it constantly and roast till lightly golden. Do not burn. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  3. Add water, saffron, cardamom power, rose water, salt and food color (if using) to the skillet. Bring it to a brisk boil.
  4. Add roasted semiya, reduce heat to low, cover and cook till almost all water is absorbed and semiya is almost done, 5-6 minutes.
  5. Now add sugar, stir and cook for few more minutes till it is absorbed fully. The sugar will introduce some liquid initially which will soon be absorbed.
  6. Add 1 tbsp ghee, stir for a few seconds till semiya is glossy and fairly dry. The semiya strands should be separate and fluffy by now.
  7. Remove from heat and serve hot, warm or at room temperature, garnished with fried cashew nuts and dried rose petals.
  8. Serve leftovers in a closed container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat in the microwave or in a warm pan on the stove-top.
Notes:
1. Add sugar only after semiya is cooked in the hot water. If you add sugar initially, the semiya may not get cooked properly and you may also end up using more sugar or water, which will affect the texture and taste of the dish.
2. Nowadays you will get readymade roasted semiya in stores. But I still toss them about in some ghee to add flavor.
3. If you like a really sweet dish, increase the sugar quantity to ⅔ cups. This recipe is just sweet enough for us.
Recipe by At The Corner of Happy And Harried at https://www.happyandharried.com/2017/01/12/semiya-kesari-meethi-seviyan/