What Is Whole-Wheat Vermicelli?

What actually defines it

• Thin strands of wheat dough, extruded or cut fine and then dried, distinct from vermicelli made from rice.
• Most commonly sold roasted, which shortens the cooking time and adds a light toasted flavour before any spice or sweetener is added.
• Used in two main styles, savoury sevai upma with vegetables, or sweet kheer style seviyan cooked in milk.
• Made from whole wheat, so it carries the bran and germ that a refined maida vermicelli does not.
• Can be made from any of our three wheat varieties, each carrying through the same character it has as flour.

Our standards

Wheat vermicelli questions

Is wheat vermicelli the same as sevai?

Sevai is the name for both the ingredient and the savoury dish made from it. The ingredient itself is what this article describes.

Does wheat vermicelli need to be roasted before cooking?

Most is sold pre-roasted, but a quick roast in ghee before adding liquid still improves texture and flavour.

Can wheat vermicelli be eaten sweet and savoury?

Yes, the same base ingredient works in a savoury upma style sevai and a sweet milk based kheer.

Does wheat vermicelli contain gluten?

Yes, it is made from wheat, so it contains gluten the same as any wheat product.