Ugadi

The Telugu and Kannada New Year, celebrated with traditional dishes, rituals, and prayers for prosperity and renewal.

  • Traditional Dish: Sweet Vermicelli (Seviyan Kheer)

Description: A sweet dish made from vermicelli, milk, and sugar, marking the Telugu New Year.

Ingredients:

  • Vermicelli – 1 cup
  • Milk – 4 cups
  • Sweetened condensed milk – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
  • Ghee (or butter) – 2 tbsp
  • Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp
  • Nutmeg powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Rose or almond essence – 1/4 tsp
  • Cashew nuts – 10, halved
  • Raisins – 10
  • Almonds – 10, slivered
  • Saffron strands – A pinch (optional)
  • Water – 1/4 cup

You will need

Sweet Vermicelli (Mauritian-Style Kheer)

Click here for the store finder

Method:

  1. Toast the Vermicelli:
    • Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a pan over medium heat.
    • Add the vermicelli and toast until golden brown, stirring constantly. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Nuts and Raisins:
    • In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of ghee.
    • Fry the cashew nuts until golden, then add the raisins and fry until they puff up. Remove and set aside.
  3. Cook the Vermicelli:
    • In a large saucepan, bring 1/4 cup of water and 4 cups of milk to a gentle boil.
    • Add the toasted vermicelli and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vermicelli softens (about 8–10 minutes).
  4. Sweeten the Kheer:
    • Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until dissolved.
    • Add cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and a few saffron strands (if using) for fragrance and colour.
    • Mix in the rose or almond essence.
  5. Final Touch:
    • Garnish the kheer with fried cashews, raisins, and slivered almonds.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve warm or chilled as a delightful dessert to mark the festive occasion of Ugadi.