Homemade Crunchy Chiwda Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Puffed Rice
  • 1 cup Thin Flattened Rice
  • 1/2 cup Peanuts
  • 1/2 cup Dried Coconut Slices
  • 1/4 cup Cashews
  • 2 tablespoons Raisins
  • 10-12 Curry Leaves
  • 2 Green Chilies, slit
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan on medium heat.
  2. Add peanuts to the pan and fry until they are crispy.
  3. Add coconut slices and cashews to the pan and fry until they turn golden brown.
  4. Now add the curry leaves and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a few seconds.
  5. Add the turmeric powder, sugar, and salt to the pan and mix well.
  6. Add the puffed rice and flattened rice to the pan. Mix everything together until well combined.
  7. Stir in the raisins. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the chiwda cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add roasted chickpeas or roasted lentils for added crunch.
  • Include roasted or fried curry-flavored potato sticks for extra flavor.
  • Replace peanuts with almonds or any other nuts of your choice.
  • Add roasted sesame seeds or crushed roasted peanuts as a topping.
  • For a spicier version, add red chili powder or paprika.
  • Include dried fruits such as cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Add a dash of chaat masala or amchur (dry mango powder) for a tangy flavor.
  • Replace vegetable oil with ghee (clarified butter) for a richer taste.
  • Experiment with different spices like cumin powder or coriander powder to enhance the flavor profile.
  • For a healthier version, bake the chiwda in the oven instead of frying.

Recipe overview

Chiwda is a popular Indian snack known for its delightful blend of flavors and textures. It's light, crispy, and slightly sweet and spicy, making it perfect for a mid-day snack or as a part of festive celebrations. This homemade version is healthier than store-bought variants, and allows you to control the level of sweetness and spice. The main ingredients include puffed rice, thin flattened rice, peanuts, and a blend of spices. The process involves lightly frying the nuts and spices, then mixing in the rice until everything is well combined. The end result is a deliciously addictive snack that you'll find hard to resist. This recipe should take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Allow the Chiwda to cool before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any type of rice for this recipe?
  2. No, for this recipe you will need puffed rice and thin flattened rice specifically.
  3. Can I use unsalted peanuts?
  4. Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts. However, if you prefer a slightly saltier taste, you can use salted peanuts.
  5. Can I skip the dried coconut slices?
  6. Yes, you can omit the dried coconut slices if you prefer or if you don't have them on hand. It will still turn out delicious.
  7. Is it necessary to use curry leaves?
  8. Curry leaves add a unique flavor to the chiwda, but if you don't have them, you can still make the recipe without them.
  9. How long does the chiwda stay fresh?
  10. If stored in an airtight container, the chiwda can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pan - A large pan is needed to fry the ingredients and mix the chiwda.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be helpful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Airtight Container - An airtight container is necessary for storing the chiwda and keeping it fresh.

Origin stories

Chiwda, also known as Poha, is a popular snack originating from the western region of India, specifically Maharashtra. The word 'Poha' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Pohyate', which means 'cooked food'. In the olden days, it was a common breakfast dish in Maharashtrian households. This humble dish has now transcended the breakfast table and has become a beloved snack across the country. It's often consumed during tea time and is also a staple during Indian festivals, especially Diwali. Light, crispy, and subtly flavored, Chiwda is a symbol of India's culinary heritage where even the simplest ingredients are transformed into delightful treats.

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.