Kara Sev: The Signature South Indian Snack from Sattur
Nov 11, 2024
Sattur, a small town in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district, is home to one of South India’s most beloved snacks—Kara Sev. What began as a local twist on a Gujarati sev has now become a must-try treat for snack lovers worldwide.
The origins of Sattur Kara Sev can be traced back to the early 1900s when M.S.Shunmuga Nadar, a food enthusiast from Sattur, saw potential in sev, a besan flour-based snack from Gujarat. Sensing that the traditional, mildly salty sev would not appeal to South Indian taste buds, M.S.Shunmuga Nadar decided to add a regional twist. He incorporated locally grown red chilies from the Sattur region and infused the mixture with mountain garlic sourced from the Western Ghats. The result? A spicy, crunchy, and unforgettable snack that was an instant hit.
The Birth of M.S. Shanmuganadar Mittai Kadai
In 1914, M.S.Shanmuga Nadar established Mittai Kadai, the shop where this spicy sev would make its mark. With its fiery flavor, kara sev quickly became the signature item of the shop. Over time, other sweet and snack stalls in the region adopted the recipe, and Sattur became synonymous with Kara Sev.
Kara Sev: A Cultural Icon
Kara Sev is now deeply woven into Tamil culture. It’s not just a snack; it’s a part of life in many South Indian households. Whether it's alongside a cup of tea or paired with curd rice, kara sev has earned its place on dining tables across the region. For those who crave even more heat, a pepper-infused version of kara sev is available.
Mr.Murugadass and Mr.Arumugasamy, the third generation of this business is currently leading the brand M.S. Shanmuganadar Mittai Kadai, reflects on how kara sev has become a symbol of nostalgia for Tamil expatriates. Visitors from abroad often stock up on the snack during their trips home,savoring it later to remind themselves of their roots. Kara Sev has also found its way into special celebrations, from birthdays to weddings, and is even used in traditional rituals honoring deceased family members.
Innovation Meets Tradition
In fact, Shunmuganathan (the fourth generation), who returned from Germany after completing his master's degree in engineering has also joined the family business. His experience in Europe, particularly in Aachen, which produces chocolates and candies, sensitized him to how important packaging has become in the business of selling food today.
To woo young consumers and keep up with the high street junk food, the family company redesigned its packaging. The pretty designs apart, the packaging helps lengthen the snack's shelf life by up to five months. Orders are now arriving from the U.S. and the Middle East.
The Art of Making Kara Sev
Despite its simple ingredients, making kara sev requires both skill and precision. The dough is made by mixing besan flour with coarsely-grinded Sattur red chilies, aromatic garlic, asafoetida, and cumin.A small amount of rice flour is added for extra crunch, and the dough is then fried to perfection in bubbling groundnut oil.
The preparation process is largely manual, with the texture and crispiness of the snack relying on the skilled hands of workers. Each batch is fried in open stoves fuelled by waste from Sattur’s matchbox industry, showcasing the region’s resourcefulness and commitment to traditional methods.
Towards a GI Tag
Sattur’s Kara Sev has grown in popularity, but with fame comes imitation. Manufacturers from other regions have started using the Sattur name to market their versions of kara sev. To protect its authenticity, efforts are underway to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Sattur kara sev. With the support of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), local manufacturers are working together to ensure that only kara sev made in Sattur carries the prestigious name.
A Snack That Defines a Town
Much like Tirunelveli is well-known for its halwa and Kovilpatti for its chikkis, Sattur is gaining recognition as the kara sev hub. Fourth-generation members of well-known sweet shops like M.S.Shanmuganadar Mittai Kadai and Sri Shanmuga Vilas Sweets are very conscious that the spicy snack with its crispy goodness does not stop at three generations.
Kara Sev is more than a snack-it's a heritage symbol, bonding generations across time. More importantly, it has become the taste that is hard to separate from Sattur's identity.
From locals to visitors, just one bite of Sattur's Kara Sev is enough to transport a person to the streets of this small town: every crunchy bite there unfolds a true splendor of tradition and flavor.
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