Ompodi | Besan Sev | Omapodi

Ompodi/ omapodi also known as Besan Sev, is a popular South Indian snack made from gram flour (besan), spices, and a hint of ajwain (carom seeds). This crunchy, golden treat is light, flavorful, and a must-have during festivals like Diwali and Navratri. Whether enjoyed plain with tea or used as a topping for chaats, bhel puri, and mixtures, Ompodi adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.

The main ingredient in Ompodi is besan, or chickpea flour, which gives the snack its distinct nutty flavor and crisp texture. A simple dough is prepared by mixing besan with a little rice flour, butter or oil, salt, turmeric, and ajwain for flavor and digestion. The dough is then pressed through a sev maker or murukku press into hot oil, where it fries instantly to a beautiful golden-yellow color. The result is a light, airy, and crispy snack that melts in your mouth.

Ompodi is incredibly versatile. In Tamil Nadu, it’s a key ingredient in South Indian mixture, while in North India, its close cousin Sev is used in many street food delicacies like sev puri, dahi papdi chaat, and ragda pattice. Despite regional variations, the love for this crunchy snack remains universal.

What makes Ompodi or Besan Sev so special is how easy it is to make at home. You only need a few basic ingredients and a little practice to get the perfect texture. Homemade Ompodi is fresh, hygienic, and free from preservatives, making it a healthier option compared to store-bought snacks. You can even customize the flavor — add pepper powder, garlic, or chili powder for extra spice, or keep it mild for children and elders.

Omapodi is not just a festive snack; it’s a comfort food for many. Pair it with a hot cup of chai, sprinkle it over poha or upma for added crunch, or simply enjoy it by itself. It stores well in an airtight container for weeks, making it a perfect travel or tea-time companion.

With its crispy texture, light feel, and savory taste, Ompodi or Besan Sev truly captures the essence of traditional Indian snacking — simple ingredients, authentic flavors, and pure joy in every handful.Check out the recipe below.

Ingredients

Besan flour -1 cup

Rice Flour-1/4 cup

Omam (Ajwain)-1 tsp

Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp

Asafoetida -1/4 tsp

Salt-1/2 tsp

Hot Oil or softened butter-1 Tbsp

Oil for deep frying

Recipe Video

Method

✍️Soak the ajwain or omam in water for 15 minutes.

✍️In a mixing bowl add besan flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, asafoetida, salt mix well.( Note: you can pass all the ingredients through a sieve for even mixing).