Roasted Poha Chivda (Namkeen Crunchy Snack)

Namkeen is a Hindi term used to refer to a variety of savory snacks in Indian cuisine. These snacks are typically crispy, salty, and sometimes spicy. They can be made from a wide range of ingredients like chickpea flour, rice, lentils, or potatoes, and are often seasoned with various spices and herbs. We love adding ingredients like flattened rice (poha), roasted peanuts, cashews, golden raisins, and the Chaat Party spice to create a crunchy and flavorful snack. Top it with raita or chutney and it's so satisfying and addicting. 

SERVINGS: 6 | PREP TIME: 15 | COOK TIME: 10

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 cups thin or thick flat rice (poha)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 8-10 curry leaves (optional)
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 1/4 cup cashews 
• 1/4 cup golden raisins 
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Chaat Party spice
• 2 tablespoons dried coconut slices or grated coconut (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro  (optional)
• Squeeze of lime

DIRECTIONS

• Prepare Poha:
• Rinse the flat rice (poha) in a sieve under running water. Drain well and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften the poha
• Roast Poha:
• Heat a large pan on low-medium heat and add the drained poha. Dry roast them for about 4-8 minutes, stirring continuously, but gently so they don't burn (use a silicone spatula)
• Remove roasted poha and set aside and let it cool while you prepare the tempering (oil)
• Tempering
• In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp oil on medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, curry leaves, cashews and peanuts. Fry until the peanuts turn golden brown
• Add Spices:
• Add the chopped green chilies and 1tbsp Chaat Party and stir well to combine
• Combine
• Add the roasted poha to the pan. Mix everything gently and thoroughly so that the spices are evenly distributed.
• Optional Add ons
• If using dried coconut slices, golden raisins or grated coconut, add them at this stage; stir gently to combine
• Garnish:
• If using, sprinkle chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime

Tips

• Cool and Store: Let the namkeen cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for a couple of weeks
• Drizle Chaat Party raita and Chaat Party chutney on top for extra flavor and freshness
• You can add namkeen on top of Chaat Party potatoes for a fuller meal as well