5 Sewai Dishes That Are A Must-Have During Eid

Eid or Eid al-Fitr is a joyous Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims all across the world. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. On Eid, Muslims gather at mosques, expressing gratitude for the strength and discipline cultivated during Ramadan. The day is characterized by acts of charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, where Muslims give to those in need. Families come in and celebrate by sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and wearing new clothes.

When we talk about an occasion like Eid, indulging in dessert is a must. Vermicelli is considered a popular ingredient in making sweet as well as savory dishes, especially on Eid. Also known as sewai, vermicelli is made of maida, rice, or wheat. Often roasted, sewai exudes nutty flavor, before being incorporated into various dishes, made during Eid. In this article, we’ll talk about the dishes made of sewai that are a must-try.

Take a look:

Sheer Khurma

It is a cherished dish that holds a special place in the hearts of all the Muslims celebrating Eid. The name translates to ‘milk with dates’ in Persian, reflecting the key ingredients that go into the dish. It is made by simmering sewaii in milk till it attains a creamy texture. The dates are included along with other dried fruits such as raisins and chopped nuts. Cardamom adds a warm note to the dish.

Qiwamj Sewai

Also known as Qiwam, this is a traditional dish enjoyed during Eid in many Muslim households. It is quite popular in South Asia. It is a savory version of common sweet vermicelli dishes. To prepare the dish, the vermicelli is roasted in ghee until it is golden brown. It is then cooked in spicy and flavourful gravy made of tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Most of the time vegetables like pas and carrots are also added to enhance the nutritional value and texture of the dish.

Sewai Zarda

It is a popular dessert originating in the Indian subcontinent which is popular during festivals like Eid. The dish combines two main ingredients - sewaii or vermicelli and zarda or sweet rice. To create this dessert, vermicelli is roasted in ghee until it achieves golden brown colour and then simmered in milk till luscious consistency is achieved. Meanwhile, the sweet rice is cooked separately with sugar, cardamom, and saffron, exuding a distinct yellow hue. The two are then layered to create a visually appealing dessert. The dessert is then garnished with chopped almonds and cashews.

Sewai Kheer

This is a unique twist to the traditional rice kheer. To prepare this, vermicelli is first roasted until golden brown, exuding a nutty aroma. It is then simmered in milk until it absorbs the rich creaminess. Either sugar or jaggery is used to sweeten it. To flavour the kheer, cardamom can be used. Garnish with chopped nuts. It can be served warm or chilled. It is enjoyed especially during Eid.

Mughlai Sewai

Last but not least, this dessert draws inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of the Mughal Empire. This dish features vermicelli slow-cooked in ghee creating a luscious base. It is then cooked in milk infused with aromatic cardamom, saffron, and sometimes rose water. This fragrant dessert is garnished with chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews to create a visual appeal.