Crispy C'a Chiwda Delight
Crispy C'a Chiwda Delight is a traditional Indian snack made with puffed rice, infused with aromatic spices and a medley of textures that make each bite delightful. This savory mix is not only a staple in Indian households but also finds a special place during festive occasions such as Diwali. It combines the crunchiness of peanuts and sev, the sweetness of raisins, and the tanginess of lime juice to create a harmonious balance of flavors. Prepare it for tea-time gatherings or simply as a snack to enjoy anytime. Once you taste this mix, you'll understand why it's a beloved classic, often shared among family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
1/4 cup (to cook)
cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (whole)
fresh ginger
3 inches (grated)
fresh curry leaves
12-15 leaves (whole)
whole dried red chilies
3-4 (broken into small pieces)
hing (asafetida powder)
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
raisins
1/4 cup (whole)
raw unsalted peanuts
1/2 cup (whole)
store-bought sev (spicy lentil noodles)
1/4 cup (not required)
dried coconut slices
1/4 cup (optional)
Rice Krispies (unsweetened rice puffs)
6 cups (whole)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
sugar
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Begin by sifting through the rice puffs, removing any discolored pieces. In a dry skillet, toast the puffed rice over medium heat until it becomes lightly toasty but not browned. Spread it onto paper towels to absorb excess moisture and let it cool completely.
2
In a large wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter before adding the grated ginger and fresh curry leaves. Stir for a minute to release the aromatic flavors.
3
Reduce heat to low and add the broken dried red chilies, hing, and turmeric powder. Stir quickly to ensure the spices don’t burn. After a few seconds, add the raisins and peanuts, cooking until the peanuts turn golden brown and fragrant.
4
Next, sprinkle in the salt, sugar, and lime juice, stirring well to combine. Turn off the heat after allowing the mixture to simmer momentarily.
5
Add the cooled, toasted puffed rice and sev to the wok in small batches. Using two flat spatulas, gently toss the mixture until the puffed rice is evenly coated with the spice blend.
6
Return the wok to low heat and quickly toss the entire mixture for a couple of minutes to bring everything together. Remove from heat and allow the Chiwda to cool before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four weeks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy C'a Chiwda Delight?
Crispy C'a Chiwda Delight is a traditional Indian savory snack mix made with puffed rice, spices, peanuts, and sev, often enjoyed during festivals like Diwali.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include puffed rice (Rice Krispies), oil, cumin seeds, fresh ginger, curry leaves, red chilies, hing, raisins, peanuts, sev, salt, sugar, and lime juice.
Is this snack suitable for Diwali?
Yes, this Chiwda is a staple in Indian households and is a popular snack specifically prepared for festive occasions like Diwali.
How should I prepare the puffed rice before cooking?
Sift through the rice puffs to remove discolored pieces and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are lightly toasty and crispy.
How long can I store Crispy C'a Chiwda Delight?
When stored in an airtight container, this snack remains fresh for up to four weeks.
Can I add coconut to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 1/4 cup of dried coconut slices as an optional ingredient to enhance the flavor and texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe contains dried red chilies and fresh ginger, giving it a moderate spice level that is balanced by sugar and lime juice.
What type of puffed rice is best to use?
Unsweetened rice puffs, such as Rice Krispies, are recommended for this recipe.
What is sev and is it necessary?
Sev is a spicy lentil noodle snack. In this recipe, it adds a distinct crunch and flavor, though the amount used is 1/4 cup.
How do I prevent the spices from burning?
Reduce the heat to low before adding ground spices like turmeric and hing, and stir quickly for only a few seconds.
What is the role of lime juice in Chiwda?
Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a necessary tanginess that balances the savory and sweet notes of the snack.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of raw unsalted peanuts which are toasted in oil until golden brown.
What is hing and why is it used?
Hing, or asafetida powder, is used to provide a unique savory aroma and to aid in digestion, which is common in Indian snacks.
Can I make this snack vegan?
The recipe as written is vegan, as it uses oil instead of ghee and contains no animal products.
How many cups of puffed rice are needed?
You will need 6 cups of unsweetened rice puffs for this recipe.
Should I wash the curry leaves?
Yes, use fresh curry leaves, but ensure they are dry before adding them to hot oil to prevent splattering.
What gives the Chiwda its yellow color?
Turmeric powder is added during the spice-tempering stage to give the puffed rice its characteristic golden yellow hue.
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw ones?
You can use roasted peanuts, but add them later in the process since they do not need the initial frying time that raw peanuts require.
Why do I need to toast the puffed rice if it's already dry?
Toasting removes any residual moisture and ensures the puffs stay crispy for the entire four-week storage period.
What is the best way to mix the puffed rice with the spices?
Add the puffed rice in small batches to the wok and use two flat spatulas to gently toss the mixture until evenly coated.
Is there sugar in this savory snack?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are added to create a sweet-and-savory flavor profile.
Can I omit the raisins?
Yes, if you prefer a strictly savory snack without sweet bursts, the raisins can be omitted.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe calls for 3 inches of fresh ginger, which should be grated before adding to the hot oil.
What happens if I add the lime juice directly to the puffed rice?
Adding lime juice directly to the rice can make it soggy; it is better to simmer it with the oil and spices first as directed.
Can I use a microwave to toast the rice puffs?
While a skillet is traditional for even toasting, you can lightly microwave them in batches, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Is this snack gluten-free?
Most ingredients are gluten-free, but check your hing (asafetida) label, as it is often processed with wheat flour.
What should the texture of the peanuts be?
The peanuts should be cooked in the oil until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Can I use dried ginger powder instead of fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger provides a specific zest, but in a pinch, you can use a smaller amount of ground ginger, added with the other dry spices.
Why use paper towels for the puffed rice?
Paper towels help absorb any excess moisture after toasting, ensuring the final mix remains as crispy as possible.
When should I serve the Chiwda?
Allow the Chiwda to cool completely after the final toss before serving or storing it in an airtight container.