There’s something incredibly comforting about the dishes our moms prepare. They have a unique touch that turns simple ingredients into heartwarming meals. One such versatile ingredient is vermicelli. Let’s dive into some delightful recipes made with vermicelli, inspired by mom’s kitchen.
## 1. Vermicelli Upma
A quick and savory breakfast, vermicelli upma is a staple in many households. It’s made by roasting vermicelli until golden brown, then cooking it with sautéed vegetables, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a hint of lemon juice. The result is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for starting the day.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup vermicelli
– 1 tbsp oil
– 1 tsp mustard seeds
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup peas
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– Salt to taste
– Lemon juice to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Roast the vermicelli in a pan until golden brown and set aside.
2. In the same pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds.
3. Add onions, ginger, green chilies, and sauté until onions are translucent.
4. Add carrots and peas, cook until tender.
5. Add roasted vermicelli and 2 cups of water.
6. Cook until vermicelli is soft and water is absorbed.
7. Add salt and lemon juice to taste. Serve hot.
## 2. Vermicelli Kheer
This creamy dessert is a festival favorite. Vermicelli kheer is made by simmering roasted vermicelli in milk, sweetened with sugar, and flavored with cardamom. It’s often garnished with nuts and raisins, adding a delightful crunch to the smooth texture.
**Ingredients:**
– 1/2 cup vermicelli
– 4 cups milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
– 2 tbsp ghee
– 10-12 cashews
– 10-12 raisins
**Instructions:**
1. Roast vermicelli in ghee until golden brown.
2. In a separate pot, bring milk to a boil.
3. Add roasted vermicelli and cook until soft.
4. Stir in sugar and cardamom powder.
5. Garnish with fried cashews and raisins. Serve warm or chilled.
## 3. Vermicelli Pheni
Pheni is a festive Indian sweet, especially popular during Diwali. Made from crispy fried vermicelli, it’s often soaked in sugar syrup or enjoyed with warm milk.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup vermicelli
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
– Ghee for frying
**Instructions:**
1. Heat ghee in a pan and fry vermicelli until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water until it reaches a one-string consistency.
3. Dip the fried vermicelli in the syrup and let it soak for a few minutes.
4. Sprinkle cardamom powder and serve.
## 4. Vermicelli Kunafa
A Middle Eastern delight with an Indian twist, vermicelli kunafa is made with a base of crispy vermicelli, layered with sweetened cheese, and topped with fragrant sugar syrup.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups vermicelli
– 1 cup melted butter
– 2 cups ricotta cheese or sweetened paneer
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 tsp rose water
**Instructions:**
1. Mix vermicelli with melted butter.
2. Spread half of the vermicelli in a baking dish.
3. Layer with sweetened cheese or paneer.
4. Cover with the remaining vermicelli.
5. Bake at 180°C until golden and crispy.
6. Prepare sugar syrup by boiling sugar, water, and rose water.
7. Pour the syrup over the hot kunafa and let it soak. Serve warm.
## 5. Vermicelli Pulao
A savory twist, vermicelli pulao is an easy one-pot meal. It’s made by cooking vermicelli with vegetables and spices, much like a traditional pulao.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup vermicelli
– 1 tbsp oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 tomato, chopped
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas)
– 1 tsp cumin seeds
– 1 tsp garam masala
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Roast vermicelli in a pan until golden brown.
2. In another pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add tomatoes, mixed vegetables, garam masala, and salt. Cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Add roasted vermicelli and 2 cups of water.
6. Cook until vermicelli is soft and water is absorbed.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve hot.
These vermicelli recipes, inspired by mom’s kitchen, are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a festive dessert, or a quick savory meal, vermicelli can do it all. Enjoy the flavors and warmth of these delicious dishes!