Ratlami Sev is a crunchy, savory Indian snack seasoned with aromatic spices, perfect for tea time. This addictive vegetarian nibble is a family pantry staple and a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice flour, black salt, salt, clove powder, ground black pepper, fennel seed powder, carom seeds, and red chili powder. Stir well to distribute spices evenly.
Add vegetable oil to the dry mixture. Rub the oil in with your fingertips for a uniform, crumbly texture.
Gradually pour in water, mixing and kneading to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Stop adding water once dough holds together but is not too wet.
Preheat frying oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat to around 350°F (175°C). Test oil temperature by dropping in a small dough piece—it should sizzle and rise to the top quickly.
Load dough into a sev press or a sturdy piping bag fitted with a fine-holed tip. Directly pipe long strands of dough into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry the sev over medium heat, turning gently with a slotted spoon until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Adjust heat to prevent burning.
Remove the fried sev to paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow to cool completely before breaking into bite-sized pieces for serving or storage.