Chevra (sometimes pronounced Chewda, Chivda, or Nimco) is a South Asian snack mix consisting of fried flattened rice, or poha, nuts, sometimes lentils, and spices. It is a savory snack mix that often has notes of sweetness, some heat, and tang. It is enjoyed as a snack at teatime, and comes in endless varities.
The recipe I’m sharing today is one that my mom has made countless times. Of course she doesn’t use precise measurements, but you better believe that I handed her a set of measuring cups and spoons the last time she made this 😆
Just a quick note before I get to the recipe- all of the ingredients for this recipe can easily be found at your local Indian grocer. Poha (flattened rice flakes) isn’t a common Pakistani ingredient, but it is regularly used in Indian recipes. Visit your local Desi grocery store and you’ll definitely find all of these ingredients!
Chevra/ Chewda/ Chivda/ Nimco (South Asian Crispy Snack Mix)
Ingredients
- Neutral flavored oil, for deep frying
- 3 cups thin poha (flattened rice)
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ½ cup curry leaves
- ½ cup dried whole red chilies
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Set aside a large paper towel lined rimmed tray. Heat oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
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Working in batches, fry the poha until slightly puffed and crisp (this should only take a few seconds) and transfer to the rimmed tray.
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Fry the peanuts until slightly browned, and transfer to the rimmed tray. Fry the raisins, curry leaves, and whole red chilies (separately).
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Sprinkle sugar, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt over the fried mixture. Stir the mixture with a gently hand until all of the ingredients are evenly coated with the spices. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
All ingredients can be readily found at local Indian grocers.
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