Festivals are great. I have to say there are a few secret cravings that get satisfied during this time. I may not nr super proud of it but it is incredibly satisfying. what we are talking about today is the crunchy makai chivda. We make it rarely so it becomes even more precious. So, this weekend I have set my deep fryer out for a batch of yummy crispy satisfying cornflakes mixture or makai poha chivda.
What is makai poha chivda?
The makai poha chivda or cornflakes mixture is a deep-fried savoury snack with nuts and flavoured with curry leaves. With a sweet and savoury mix of flavour, this is most satisfying with tulsi chai.
The chivda is made with makai poha, flattened thin flakes of corn. This is not ready to eat cornflakes rather a raw version of the flakes. This makai poha is essentially flattened corn. You can roast it multiple different ways to make this mixture (scroll below the recipe card for more ways to make it)
The detailed ingredient list and the step by step recipe for the deep-fried cornflakes mixture are in this recipe card below. Save it up from here on to your Pinboard or print a copy to share with friends and family.
Makai poha chivda
Equipment
- deep fryer
Ingredients
- 4 cups makai poha
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 2-3 sprigs curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida
- 1/4 teaspoon powdered sugar ( optional)
For deep frying
- 2 cups cooking oil
Instructions
- Set the deep fryer to heat up to 180 degrees.
- Once the oil is ready fry 1/4 cup of makai poha at a time.
- When the poha puffs up and crisps, remove and drain the excess oil.
- Add the fried makai poha into a mixing bowl and sprinkle some salt and red chilli powder on it.
- Fry the rest of the batches of poha and repeat the same.
- Fry the peanuts and cashewnuts till crisp.
- Drain and add to the mixing bowl, sprinkle, salt, chillipowder and asafoetida on it.
- Fry the curry leaves and set them aside to cool.
- Once cool, crush them and add to the mixture.
- Add the powdered sugar and toss the whole mix together.
- The chivda is ready to eat.
Making it in a microwave for a low oil version.
Roast the corn poha in the microwave, a handful for 20 seconds at a time do they crunch up. Then do the same to roast the nuts and curry leaves. In a microwave-safe bowl add a tablespoon of oil and heat for 20 seconds. Once the oil is hot, add the masala and salt and mix well. Add all the nuts, crushed curry leaves and poha into a large mixing bowl. Spoon in the masala oil and toss as you go to add flavour to it.
Store this makai poha chivda in an airtight container.
Few more ideas for Diwali munches
Here are a few Diwali munches you want to add to make a Diwali gift box.
Halwa- Most of my diwali prep starts with a halwa. YOu could try the chewy karachi halwa or soft and creamy papaya halwa. Ladoo collection – here is a collection of ladoos that you can use while making that Diwali gift box ready. Add up some Kaju Kaltlis to the sweet section of the box and then move on to these two namkeens ( salty treats). Matri – Namkeen methi matri is a must for the season. So once you set the fryer try some of these too.
We love to experiment with recipes for the festivals so stay on with us by subscribing to this website. We will love to hear from you about what you like to see on the site as well.
Stay connected.
The makai poha chivda is an addictive snack. Hope you enjoy making some and snack up with some fruits or veggie cuts on the side. Let us know how much you like making our recipes for Diwali. Share your thoughts in the comments.
Check out our YouTube channel too for simple vegetarian recipe ideas. as we have revamped the space and added some easy recipes.
Stay safe, Happy Diwali !!
Seema this Diwali I missed making all the deep fried goodies.I love cornflakes chivda as we call it. I’ve got some guests coming over and would like to make this Makai Poha Chivda but cannot deep fry them. You mentioned that I can roast them in the microwave. Do they come out really crunchy without being a bit hard? Please let me know.
Roasting the makai poha in the microwave with a bit of oil works wonderful and stays crisp. Check the notes on how to get the microwave version done in the post. The only drawback of this process is that we have to get small batches done rather than a quick all together in the deep fryer. Once you make them don’t forget to keep them in an airtight container.
Makai Poha chivda is my all time favourite snack. I hav eve we made it at home . Thanks for the detailed recipe as I can make it at home and enjoy with my family. By roasting in microwave will it remain crisp ? Do let me know .
The makai poha tastes absolutely similar when roasted in the microwave with lesser oil. Store in an airtight container to maintain the crispiness.
I am definitely missing making all this for Diwali this year. My friends and hubby’s friends love this makaai chiwda which I send them during Diwali ..my recipe is also ditto .
I have a baked version of Cornflakes Chivda which we love, but loving the OG version here- with all that handy tips, must try during Diwali
I love the idea of using the microwave to make this Makai chivda. This is one delicious, crunchiest and yummiest chivda