Sev Tameta Nu Shaak, also known as Sev Tamatar Ki Sabji, is a popular Gujarati dish that combines the tangy flavor of tomatoes with crispy sev (fried chickpea noodles). This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite among many households.

Sev Tameta Nu Shaak is a traditional Gujarati curry made primarily from ripe tomatoes and sev. The dish is characterized by its sweet and tangy flavor profile, enhanced by a blend of spices. It is typically served with Indian bread such as roti or paratha and makes for a comforting meal.

Key Ingredients

To prepare Sev Tameta Nu Shaak, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes are essential for the base of the curry.
  • Sev: Crispy chickpea noodles that add texture.
  • Spices: Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder are commonly used.
  • Sweetener: Sugar or jaggery balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Oil: For tempering the spices.
  • Herbs: Fresh coriander leaves for garnish.

Ingredients

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients needed for making Sev Tameta Nu Shaak:

  • 5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes (about 250-300 grams), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons oil (preferably vegetable or mustard oil)
  • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste (optional)
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 cup crispy sev (nylon sev or thick sev)
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Sev Tameta Nu Shaak:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Heat Oil:
    • In a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Temper Spices:
    • Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add asafoetida and sauté briefly.
    • If using ginger-garlic paste and green chili, add them now and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes:
    • Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and start breaking down (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Cook the Curry

  1. Add Spices:
    • Mix in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for another minute.
  2. Sweeten the Dish:
    • Add sugar or jaggery to balance the flavors. Stir well.
  3. Add Water:
    • Pour in water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes are fully cooked.

Step 3: Combine with Sev

  1. Add Sev:
    • Just before serving, add crispy sev into the curry and mix gently. This prevents the sev from becoming too soggy.
  2. Garnish:
    • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
  3. Serve Hot:
    • Serve Sev Tameta Nu Shaak hot with roti, paratha, or bhakri.

Variations of Sev Tamator

Sev tamator can be customized in several ways:

Adding Vegetables

Incorporate other vegetables like peas or bell peppers to enhance nutritional value and flavor.

Spicy Version

For a spicier kick, increase the number of green chilies or add some red chili flakes.

Coconut Twist

Add grated coconut towards the end of cooking for a different flavor profile.

Nutritional Benefits of Sev Tameta Nu Shaak

Sev Tameta Nu Shaak not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers several health benefits:

  • Rich in Vitamins: Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and K.
  • High in Fiber: The dish contains dietary fiber from tomatoes and sev.
  • Low Calorie: When prepared with minimal oil, it can be a low-calorie option for meals.

Tips for Making Perfect Sev Tameta Nu Shaak

  1. Use Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh ripe tomatoes yield better flavor and texture.
  2. Adjust Consistency: Add more water if you prefer a thinner gravy.
  3. Serve Immediately: To maintain crispiness, add sev just before serving.
  4. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust spices according to your personal preference.

Serving Suggestions

Sev Tameta Nu Shaak pairs beautifully with:

  • Roti or Paratha: Soft Indian breads that complement the curry perfectly.
  • Rice Dishes: Serve alongside plain rice or jeera rice for a complete meal.

 

FAQs

What is Sev Tamatar?

Sev Tamatar is a sweet, tangy, and spicy Gujarati curry made with tomatoes and topped with crunchy sev (fried gram flour vermicelli). It’s also popular in Rajasthan, though the Gujarati version tends to be slightly sweeter. It’s also known as Sev Tamatar ki Sabji and Sev Tameta nu Shaak.

What does Sev Tamatar nu Shaak mean?

Sev Tamatar nu Shaak literally translates to curry of tomatoes and sev in Gujarati.

Is Sev Tamatar vegetarian and gluten-free?

Yes! Sev Tamatar is vegan and gluten-free. It does not typically contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.

What are the main ingredients in Sev Tamatar?

The key ingredients are tomatoes, sev, and a blend of spices. Common spices include mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder. Other ingredients include ginger, green chilies, and asafoetida (hing).

Can I adjust the spice level of Sev Tamatar?

Yes, absolutely! Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your taste. Some recipes also add a touch of sweetness with sugar or jaggery.

How long does it take to make Sev Tamatar?

Sev Tamatar is a quick and easy dish, ready in under 20-25 minutes.

Can I make Sev Tamatar with onion and garlic?

Yes, you can add chopped onion and garlic while sautéing the spices for added flavor. However, many recipes, especially traditional Gujarati versions, are made without onion and garlic.

How do I prevent the sev from getting soggy?

The most important tip is to add the sev just before serving. If you add it too early, it will absorb the moisture from the tomato gravy and become soft. You can also garnish with extra sev on top when serving.

Can I use store-bought sev?

Yes, you can definitely use store-bought sev. Make sure it’s thick sev for the best texture.

How do I store leftover Sev Tamatar?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to store the sev separately and add it when reheating to maintain its crispness.

How do I serve Sev Tamatar?

Serve Sev Tamatar hot with roti, chapati, bajra roti, or jowar roti. It can also be enjoyed with steamed rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Can I make Sev Tamatar in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tomato gravy in advance. Just add the sev right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sev Tamatar is more than just a dish; it’s a testament to the simplicity and ingenuity of Gujarati cuisine. This flavorful curry combines the tanginess of tomatoes with the crunchiness of sev (gram flour noodles), offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Whether you’re a busy homemaker looking for a quick and convenient meal, or simply seeking a comforting and vibrant curry, Sev Tamatar is a brilliant choice, especially when served hot with roti or rice. The addition of sev just before serving ensures a delightful crispiness that complements the sweetish-sour tomato gravy.