Bombay Mix: A Spicy, Crunchy Indian Snack Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of chickpea flour
  • 1/2 cup of rice flakes (poha)
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted roasted peanuts
  • 1/4 cup of golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted roasted cashew nuts
  • 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of asafetida (hing)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan on medium-high heat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chickpea flour, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Add water little by little to this mixture and knead until you get a soft dough.
  4. Take small portions of the dough and roll out into thin strips.
  5. Fry these strips in the hot oil until they turn golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
  6. In a separate pan, dry roast the fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds until they start to splutter.
  7. Add the asafetida, rice flakes, peanuts, cashews, and raisins to the pan and stir well.
  8. Add the fried dough strips to this mixture and mix everything together.
  9. Let the Bombay Mix cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use besan flour instead of chickpea flour for a different texture and flavor.
  • Add dried curry leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Replace rice flakes (poha) with corn flakes or crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy twist.
  • Include roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added nutritional value.
  • Add a pinch of garam masala or chaat masala for a spicier flavor profile.
  • Try using different nuts such as almonds or pistachios instead of cashews.
  • Add dried coconut flakes for a hint of sweetness and texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or a combination of rice flour and gram flour.
  • Create a spicy version by increasing the amount of red chili powder or adding chili flakes.
  • Make it vegan by omitting the ghee or butter and using vegetable oil instead.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the process of making a traditional Indian snack called Bombay Mix. This delicious and crunchy snack is a blend of fried chickpea flour noodles, rice flakes, roasted peanuts, cashew nuts, and a medley of aromatic spices. It's a perfect treat for tea time or any time you want to snack on something savory and flavorful. Also, it is easy to store and great for travel or picnic snacks. By following this recipe, you'll be able to enjoy fresh, homemade Bombay Mix whenever you want. It may take a little time and patience to fry the strips of dough, but the end result is well worth it. So, let's dive in and start making your own batch of this popular Indian snack.

Common questions

  1. Can I use besan (gram flour) instead of chickpea flour? Yes, besan can be used as a substitute for chickpea flour in this recipe.
  2. Can I use any other nuts or dried fruits? Certainly! You can customize the mix by adding your preferred nuts and dried fruits, but keep in mind that it may alter the traditional taste of Bombay Mix.
  3. Is there a healthier alternative to deep frying? If you prefer a healthier option, you can try baking the dough strips in the oven until they turn crispy, instead of deep frying them.
  4. How long does the Bombay Mix stay fresh? When stored in an airtight container, the Bombay Mix can stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
  5. Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your preferred spice level.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients and knead the dough.
  • Deep Frying Pan - A pan with high sides for deep frying the dough strips.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the fried dough strips and remove excess oil.
  • Separate Pan - To dry roast the spices and mix them with the fried dough strips.
  • Airtight Container - To store the Bombay Mix and keep it fresh.

Origin stories

Bombay Mix, also known as Chiwda, is a popular Indian snack food that is believed to have originated in the western state of Maharashtra. Its creation is attributed to the resourcefulness of Indian housewives, who wanted to make use of leftover ingredients in their pantry. The snack quickly gained popularity across the country due to its delicious flavor and the convenience of being able to store it for long periods. It is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of hot tea, especially during the monsoon season. The recipe for Bombay Mix varies between different parts of India, reflecting the diversity of the country's food culture. Its main components include fried noodles made from chickpea flour and a mix of dried fruits and spices, which are all commonly found in Indian kitchens.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.