Shenvo ~ Spicy sev

Shenvo is our favorite side to go with Poha or Upma. I was not very happy with the Sev that we got here at Indian stores. They do taste good but it lacks the flavor that I grew up on. The Sev that is made at Mangalore has a wonderful aroma of Hing and Ajwain. I missed those here so much that I decided to try making at home. They are so easy to make that, once I made them at home we got hooked. Now we don't fancy the store brought ones. The advantage of making it at home are many price, quality of ingredients and portion control. It does not take much time to make these yummy Sev.

Here is what's needed:
2 cups Besan/Chickpea flour
1/2 cup rice flour (optional)
1 tsp red Chili powder
Salt to taste (I used almost 1 tsp)
Generous splash of hing powder
2 tsp Ajwain
Water as required
Oil to deep fry

Procedure:
1) Dry roast the Ajwain till fragrant. Cool down and crush with a mortar and pestle. Sieve it.
2) In a bowl whisk Besan, Rice flour, red Chili powder, salt, Ajwain powder, Hing powder. Add 2 tbsp of hot oil and mix. Add water little by little until it forms a sticky dough. Check the salt and spice and add more if required.
3) Heat oil. Grease the Sev mold and add the dough into the cylinder. Tighten. Press and make circles of Sev directly into the hot oil. When it stops sizzling turn over if needed. Keep an eye on it and make sure that does not burn.

4) Drain on tissue and let it cool.  Once cooled crush it lightly and store in an air tight container.