Sweet Vermicelli, also known as Meethi Seviyan, is a simple dessert made with vermicelli, ghee, sugar, cardamom, and nuts. This is also called Semiya Kesari or Parsi-style sweet seviyan. A perfect one-pot sweet dessert that can be made in just 20 minutes.
Growing up, my mom used to make this dessert many times. This Meethi Seviyan is quick, easy, and so delicious. Yum! And with the sweet tooth that many of us have, I don’t mind this for breakfast as well. It is not too sweet, just the right amount.
We also love making Semiya Kheer and Sheer Khurma during festivals like Holi or Diwali. They are also great to make during Eid. If you are not the one with a sweet tooth, try the savory recipe, Seviyan Upma.
Table of Contents
Watch How to Make Sweet Vermicelli
Vermicelli
Some of you may be new to vermicelli, so I want to share a picture of what it looks like. They are like thin spaghetti or noodles, but have a different texture than both. I use the thick vermicelli for this recipe. I always keep these in my pantry (similar to pasta); they cook so quickly and are perfect for busy times.
Oh..and I prefer to buy roasted vermicelli, so I don’t have to spend any extra minutes roasting it. It is all about quick and delicious cooking. Isn’t it?
How to Make Sweet Seviyan?
This is a super simple recipe. Roast the nuts and raisins, then add the vermicelli and stir for 30 seconds. Add the other ingredients and let the Instant Pot do its magic.
Let’s see how we can do this in under 20 minutes. Start the Instant Pot in SAUTE mode and heat the ghee in it. Add the assorted nuts or dried fruits you like, about 1/4 cup. If you have roasted nuts, even better 🙂 Then, add the roasted vermicelli.
Now, if you don’t have roasted vermicelli, you can roast it right in your Instant Pot. When you add ghee, add the vermicelli and roast it for about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the nuts.
Add the water, sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron. Close the Instant Pot and set it on high-pressure cooking for 1 minute. When the pressure cooking is done, do a 5-minute NPR, which means open the Instant Pot 5 minutes after the beep.
Sweet Seviyan is ready to be served. Enjoy it for an easy dessert.
Stovetop Method
- This method is very similar. I like to use a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the ghee in the pan on medium heat.
- Add the nuts and saute for 30 seconds. Then add raisins and saute for another 30 seconds. Then add roasted vermicelli and saute for a minute.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients – water, cardamom, sugar, and saffron.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently. The seviyan will absorb the water in about 6-8 minutes.
- Serve Meethi Seviyan garnished with sliced pistachios.
Pro-Tips
Vermicelli: If you don’t have roasted vermicelli, you can roast it right in your Instant Pot. When you add ghee, add the vermicelli and roast it for about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the nuts.
Water or Milk: I made these Sweet Seviyan with water, but you can also use a mixture of 1/2 milk and 1/2 water.
Cardamom: It is recommended to buy whole cardamom pods and grind them at home to make cardamom powder.
Storage: You can store meethi seviyan in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Rice & Grains
Instant Pot Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal)
Desserts
Lapsi (Gujarati Fada Lapsi)
Desserts
Gujiya
Desserts
Instant Pot Moong Dal Halwa
20-Minute Meethi Seviyan (Sweet Vermicelli)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Ghee or Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoon Cashews, Almonds, Sliced or broken into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon Raisins
- 1 cup Roasted Vermicelli , see notes
- 1 cup Water, (2 cups for stovetop method)
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder (Elaichi)
- 4-5 strands Saffron (Kesar)
- Pistachios, sliced, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
- Start the Instant Pot in SAUTE mode and heat ghee in it.
- Add the nuts and saute for 30 seconds. Then add raisins and saute for another 30 seconds. Then add roasted vermicelli and saute for a minute.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients – water, cardamom, sugar, and saffron. Press CANCEL and close the Instant Pot lid with the vent in sealing position.
- Press MANUAL or pressure cook mode and set it for 1 minute at high pressure.
- When the instant pot beeps, do a 5-minute natural pressure release, which means release pressure 5 minutes after the instant pot beeps.
- Meethi Seviyan is ready to be served. Garnish with sliced pistachios.
Stovetop Method
- Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottom pan on medium heat.
- Add the nuts and saute for 30 seconds. Then add raisins and saute for another 30 seconds. Then add roasted vermicelli and saute for a minute.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients – water, cardamom, sugar, and saffron.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently. The seviyan will absorb the water in about 6-8 minutes.
- Serve Sweet Vermicelli garnished with sliced pistachios.
Hi Meeta,
I tried this recipe yesterday and it turned out delicious 😋. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Marita – Happy to hear you enjoyed the vermicelli.
Just finished your recipe in the instant pot
Came out PEERFECT Thanks
Hi Kishu – Happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for sharing back your review!
In Mumbai you don’t see people using this type of thick vermicelli to make sweet dish. We use very thin vermicelli and it tastes much better than the thicker variety
Hi Sara – Sure, my mom makes with thin vermicelli as well. For thin vermicelli, I would definitely recommend to make it on the stovetop.
Will the seviya clump when made this way? Or remain loose?
Hi Shirin – They are clumped a bit when you open the pot. But mix them well and they are perfect to enjoy!
Made this yesterday for a quick dessert. Turned out awesome! Thanks ????
So happy you liked it, Sheetal!