Craving a quick, crunchy, and wholesome snack? Give this Cereal Chivda—also known as chevdo—a try! This delightful savory blend is a modern twist on a traditional Indian snack, combining the goodness of everyday breakfast cereals with roasted makhana (fox nuts), crunchy nuts, and a medley of spices. It’s incredibly light, non-greasy, and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a healthier, non-fried alternative to typical snacks.
Whether you’re planning a cozy evening with a hot cup of chai, hosting a movie night with friends, packing a snack for your travel adventures, or preparing festive treats for Diwali, this cereal chivda fits right in. It stores well in an airtight container and stays fresh for days, making it perfect for anytime snacking. Each bite delivers a delightful medley of textures—crunchy, toasty, and gently spiced—making it an irresistible treat full of tasty surprises!
About This Recipe
- Low-Calorie Delight: This wholesome snack offers a much lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried Diwali treats. By using roasted ingredients instead of frying, it significantly cuts down on calories—making it perfect for guilt-free snacking during festive or everyday moments.
- Perfect for Kids: Packed with fun textures and mild spices, this snack is a hit with kids! It skips the heavy oil and deep-frying process while still delivering the crunch and flavor little ones love. Great for lunchboxes, after-school munching, or even movie nights at home.
- Makhana for the Win: Roasted makhana (fox nuts) not only add an irresistible crunch but also come with a boost of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and low in calories, they elevate the nutritional profile of the snack while keeping it light and satisfying.
- Fully Customizable Mix: One of the best things about this cereal chivda is how flexible it is. You can swap in your favorite breakfast cereals, throw in more roasted nuts, seeds, or even dried fruits. Adjust the spice levels to your preference and create your own signature version every time!
Ingredient Notes
In this batch of crunchy cereal chivda, I’ve brought together a medley of four classic breakfast cereals—Rice Krispies, Rice Chex, Cheerios, and Corn Flakes—each lending its own distinct texture and light crunch. To enhance the mix, I added roasted makhana (fox nuts), which offer a satisfying pop and a nutritional boost. Their subtle flavors allow the spices to shine through without overwhelming the palate.
Here’s a look at the aromatic spices and crunchy nuts I used to build the flavor base of this chivda. While the cooking oil isn’t pictured, it plays a key role in blending the ingredients and activating the spices. The combination of these elements gives every bite a burst of savory warmth and texture variety.
- Roasted Chana Dal (Dalia) & Peanuts: These two ingredients form the heart of the chivda’s crunchy texture. The roasted chana dal contributes a deep, earthy nuttiness, while the peanuts bring a toasty richness and satisfying bite. Together, they not only enhance the overall crunch but also add a protein boost, making the snack both flavorful and wholesome.
- Green Chilies: Fresh green chilies are finely chopped and sautéed to infuse the chivda with a mild but noticeable heat. They add a sharp, peppery punch that livens up the mix without overwhelming the palate. Feel free to tweak the amount based on how mild or spicy you like your snacks.
- Curry Leaves: Gently sautéed until crisp, these fragrant leaves release a warm, earthy aroma that brings an unmistakable touch of classic Indian flavor to every bite. They add a savory depth and an herby crunch that perfectly complements the other bold flavors.
- Powdered Sugar & Amchur (Dry Mango Powder): This sweet-tangy combination brings balance to the flavor profile. The powdered sugar mellows down the spice, while the amchur introduces a zesty tartness that tingles the taste buds. Together, they create a “chatpata” flavor—sweet, sour, and spicy all at once—that keeps you coming back for more.
- Fennel Seeds Powder: A pinch of this fragrant spice lends a subtle sweetness and a warm, licorice-like aroma that rounds off the intense spices beautifully. It also supports digestion while infusing the mix with a distinct, savory depth that lingers with every crunchy bite.
- Red Chili Powder: This spice not only adds heat but also enhances the color of the chivda, giving it a vibrant reddish hue. Whether you prefer a gentle warmth or a bold kick, you can easily customize the heat level to suit your palate. It gives the snack a bold kick and a visual appeal that makes it even more tempting.
Step By Step Photo Instructions (With Tips)
Step 1: Combine All Cereals.
- Start by taking a large mixing bowl and adding all your chosen breakfast cereals—such as Corn Flakes, Cheerios, Rice Krispies, and Rice Chex. Gently toss them together to evenly mix, ensuring a balanced texture in every bite.
- In a different pan, toast the makhana (fox nuts) over medium flame without using any oil. Keep stirring them consistently to avoid scorching and to help them crisp up evenly on all sides. Keep roasting until they turn light golden and crisp to the touch, which should take about 5–7 minutes.
- When the makhana turns light golden and crunchy, switch off the heat and let them cool for a few minutes before mixing with other ingredients.. Then, transfer them into the bowl with the cereals and mix them in. The roasted makhana adds a delicious crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the chivda mix.
Step 2: Mix Spices & Keep It Ready.
- In a small mixing bowl, gather all the aromatic spice powders—fennel powder for its sweet, licorice-like flavor, red chili powder for a touch of heat, turmeric powder for its earthy color and warmth, and amchur (dry mango powder) for a subtle tanginess.
- To this blend, add the powdered sugar for a mild sweetness that balances the heat and tang, and a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors.
- Using a spoon or your fingers, mix the spices thoroughly until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps and the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Set this vibrant spice mix aside; it will be added later to coat the snack, giving it that irresistible, chatpata (sweet, sour, and spicy) punch that makes every bite delicious.
Step 3: Roast The Nuts With Spices
- Begin by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil reaches the right temperature, add the peanuts followed by the roasted chana dal (also known as dalia). Stir continuously and allow them to fry gently, ensuring they become evenly golden brown and emit a nutty aroma. This step helps enhance their crunch and flavor, making them the perfect base for the snack.
- Next, toss in the finely chopped green chilies and fresh curry leaves. Be cautious, as they may splatter when they hit the hot oil. . This not only adds a burst of flavor but also infuses the oil with a fragrant, spicy essence that defines traditional Indian snack mixes.
- Once everything is perfectly fried, switch off the stove. Allow the residual heat in the pan to mellow slightly. Now, sprinkle in the pre-prepared spice mix over the hot ingredients. Using a spatula or spoon, stir everything thoroughly so the spices coat each element evenly. This ensures the flavors are well-distributed, giving the chivda its signature taste—spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet in every crunchy bite.
Notes:
– Crisping the curry leaves and green chilies properly is essential. If they retain even a hint of moisture, it can make the final chivda mixture lose its crunch prematurely, especially when stored.
– Never add the spice mix while the heat is still on, as the direct heat can scorch the spices, leading to bitterness instead of enhancing the flavor. Always turn off the flame before adding the spices—this way, the residual heat gently coaxes out their flavors without burning them, resulting in a more balanced and aromatic blend.
– Use fresh ingredients and fry in small batches if needed to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven crisping.
Step 4: Mix Spice-Nuts Mixture to Cereal.
• Quickly pour the warm spiced nut mixture over the bowl of mixed cereals while it’s still fragrant.
• Using a light hand, gently toss everything together until the spices coat each cereal piece uniformly. Your flavorful and crunchy cereal chevdo is now ready to serve!
Storage Instructions
- Once the cereal chivda is fully prepared, spread it out on a large tray or flat plate and allow it to cool down completely at room temperature. This helps retain its crispiness and prevents any steam from making it soggy.
- After it has cooled, transfer the mixture into a clean, dry, and airtight container. Make sure the container has a tight-fitting lid to block out air and moisture, which can ruin the texture and flavor over time.
- When stored properly in a cool, dry place away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight, your cereal chivda will remain fresh, crunchy, and flavorful for up to 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid opening the container frequently or exposing it to damp spoons or hands, as this can shorten its shelf life.
