Nawabi Sevai (also spelled Nawabi Seviyan, Nawabi Semai, or Nawabi Sawaiyan) is a Royal dessert served to rulers and rich communities. It belongs to Mughlai/Indo-Persian/North Indian royal cuisine, particularly associated with the Nawabi or Awadhi/Lucknowi traditions of India, with strong roots in the Mughal era.

Nawabi Sevai - Semiya Sevai

Ingredients for Nawabi Sevai:

  1. Thin vermicelli – 200 g
  2. Ghee – 2 tbsp
  3. Powdered sugar – ½ cup
    Milk powder – 4 tbsp
  4. Milk – 1 litre
  5. Cornflour – 2 tbsp
    Custard powder – 2 tbsp
  6. Dry fruits – For garnishing

How to prepare Nawabi Sevai?

  1. Cut the vermicelli into small pieces.
  2. Heat the ghee in a pan, add the vermicelli, and sauté until nicely browned.
  3. Add the milk powder and powdered sugar to this and mix well.
  4. Mix the cornflour and custard powder in a little milk without forming lumps.
  5. Pour the remaining milk into a pan, and bring it to a boil.
  6. Add the custard-cornflour mixture and stir continuously without taking your hand.
  7. When it starts to thicken, remove from the heat.
  8. In a pudding tray, spread a little vermicelli, then pour half of the prepared custard over it.
  9. Layer the remaining fried vermicelli on top, followed by the remaining custard. Keep aside a little vermicelli for garnishing.
  10. Garnish with the fried vermicelli and dry fruits of your choice, then refrigerate.
  11. Serve once well chilled.

Courtesy: Vanitha Magazine, May 24 – June 6, 2025

Also read a few more vermicelli recipes. Visit my page.

(Visited 33 times, 1 visits today)