Sev and Spices: A Childhood Snack That Heals the Soul

 

It is funny how some food memories stay with you forever, even if the dish itself is simple and fleeting. One such snack is something my mom used to whip up on a whim – an easy, yet absolutely delicious evening treat with thin sev. I can’t quite remember where she learned it from, but in those days, it was the kind of dish that made its regular appearances during our kids kitty parties or when we had friends over.

In our apartment complex, we kids often took turns hosting kitty parties – not the typical kind you would imagine with games and chit-chat, but parties where food was the absolute star. We used to play running games like chain, hide-n-seek etc. only to quickly come back to the *absolute star*. And let me tell you, it didn’t take much to make us happy. Sometimes, the snack of choice was plain biscuits, or the classic Parle-G biscuits dipped in water (don’t judge, it was an art form back then). On other days, a glass of Boost was a treat that we all looked forward to, our version of "fancy." But the evenings where my mom made that one special dish? Those were the real memories.

I remember the excitement of sitting together with my school and apartment friends, waiting for the snacks to arrive. There were giggles, chatter, and then, suddenly, that unmistakable scent wafting from the kitchen. I didn’t realize it then, but that dish wasn’t just about the food. It was about the love and comfort wrapped up in those moments of sharing.

One particular evening, I vividly recall sitting on the floor, as the warm, golden plate of sev made its way to my hand. My mom always added a little something extra – a handful of fresh, green chilies, sliced thinly, and a dollop of creamy yogurt in the dish to balance the heat. I was caught up in the excitement, grabbed a bite, and without realizing, chomped into a fiery green chili. Instantly, my tongue went ahhh – the burn was real! But did that stop me? Of course not. I took another bite, this time with a spoonful of cool, soothing yogurt to calm my senses. The heat and the coolness mixed together, creating a little taste of heaven. I was transported to another world, where nothing else mattered but that perfect balance of flavors.

That dish, though simple, became one of those unforgettable comforts of my childhood. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can almost taste it – the crunch of the sev, the heat of the chili, the creamy yogurt bringing it all together.

Ingredients:

• Thin or Baarik Sev – 1 small cup
• Tomato sauce – 1-2 tablespoons
• Thick beaten curd – 3-4 tablespoons
• Green chilies – 1-2, thinly sliced
• Thinly sliced onions – 1 small
• Fresh coriander leaves – a few sprigs, chopped (use little)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Take a beautiful plate or bowl (beautiful part matters – it just adds to the experience! btw, beautiful is that plate/ bowl which you looove eating your snacks in) and start layering.
2. Begin by placing a layer of thin sev on the plate. Then, add a drizzle of tomato sauce over the sev.
3. Add another light layer of sev, followed by a generous spoonful of thick, beaten curd.
4. Sprinkle thinly sliced green chilies for that kick, and top with a layer of thinly sliced onions.
5. Add a tiny sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
6. Repeat the layers – sev, tomato sauce, curd, green chilies, onions, and coriander – until you’ve created a beautiful hill of deliciousness. Two or three layers work best for that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
7. Finally, with a big spoon, gently dig to the bottom of the plate, scoop up a generous portion, and take that first bite of sheer joy.

Srishti’s Secret Tip for the Perfect Plate:

To ensure every bite is perfectly balanced, make sure to layer the sev, curd, and chilies evenly. Don’t rush the process – let each layer settle before adding the next. This way, every mouthful has that perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and spicy all at once! Also, don't forget to keep a glass of water handy. You get it right? The dark green chilli doing its duty on the tongue ^_^

Srishti’s Healing Tip:

This snack is more than just a treat; it's a journey back to simpler times. The act of preparing and sharing this dish can be a source of comfort, evoking cherished memories and fostering a sense of connection. It’s a reminder of the joy found in togetherness and the healing power of shared experiences.

Why You Will Love It:

This snack is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the crunchiness of sev with the creaminess of yogurt and the zing of fresh spices. It’s a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it perfect for those moments when you crave something special without much effort. Sharing this dish with friends and family can create new memories while honoring the old, making it a timeless addition to any gathering.