Sev Usal – Spicy Street-Style Gujarati Curry

Sev Usal is a spicy, tangy, and flavorful street food from Gujarat—especially popular in cities like Vadodara and Rajkot. Made with white peas and topped with crunchy sev, onions, and chutneys, it’s a fulfilling dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

For Usal (Curry):

  • 1 cup dried white peas (soaked overnight)
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp hing (asafoetida)
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 chopped tomato
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander-cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • Chopped coriander

For Toppings:

  • Nylon sev
  • Chopped onions
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Green chutney
  • Tamarind chutney
  • Lemon wedges

‍ Method:

  1. Pressure cook soaked peas for 3–4 whistles until soft.
  2. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin, and hing.
  3. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add tomatoes and cook till soft.
  5. Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander-cumin powder, and salt.
  6. Mix in the boiled peas along with some water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until flavors blend well.
  7. Garnish with chopped coriander.
  8. To Serve: In a bowl, add hot usal.
  9. Top with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chutney, tamarind chutney, and nylon sev.
  10. Squeeze lemon and serve hot with pav or toast.

Tips:

  • You can add ragda (mashed peas) for a thicker consistency.
  • Add chopped boiled potatoes if desired.
  • Adjust chutneys to balance sweet and spicy.

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