Baked Chevdo Recipe (Chivda Mixture – Tea Time Snack)
Baked Chevdo, also known as Chivda, is a delightful tea-time snack that hails from the vibrant culinary tradition of Gujarat, India. This crispy mixture of flattened rice, nuts, and spices is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritious option for any snacking occasion. With its combination of textures and flavors, Baked Chevdo is the perfect accompaniment to your evening tea or coffee, bringing a taste of tradition right to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poha (Flattened rice) | 500 grams (the super thin and flat variety) |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1/4 cup |
| Curry leaves | 12 sprigs (finely chopped) |
| Roasted peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup (halved and without skin) |
| Slivered almonds (Badam) | 1/4 cup (roasted) |
| Raisins | 1/4 cup |
| Green chillies | 4 (finely chopped, adjust to taste) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons (coarsely powdered) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | For roasting |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 180 |
| Protein | 4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 25 grams |
| Fat | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 2 grams |
| Sodium | Varies by salt added |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
Instructions
To embark on the culinary journey of creating this delightful Baked Chevdo, start by preheating your oven to 220°C (428°F). The perfect temperature ensures that the flattened rice crisps up nicely without burning.
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Sift the Poha: Begin by sifting the poha using a large sieve to eliminate any fine excess powders. This step ensures that the final snack has a light and airy texture. It’s best to do this in batches to manage the process effectively.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet: Depending on the size of your oven, spread the sifted poha evenly across a baking sheet. Drizzle a modest amount of sunflower oil over the top and sprinkle a touch of salt. Gently stir to combine the oil and salt, ensuring an even coating that enhances the flavor of the poha.
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Bake the Poha: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 to 7 minutes until the poha is lightly browned. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times can vary based on your oven’s specifics. Once done, transfer the baked poha into a large bowl or a baking tray to cool.
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Roast the Ingredients: In a small pan, dry roast the sesame seeds until they crackle, then promptly add them to the bowl of baked poha. Follow this by adding the halved roasted peanuts and slivered almonds. At this stage, refrain from stirring too vigorously to prevent the poha from crumbling.
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Prepare the Raisins: In the same pan, heat half a teaspoon of oil, then add the raisins and roast them until they bloat, which usually takes a minute or so. Be cautious not to over-roast, as this will toughen the raisins. Remove from heat and pour over the poha mixture.
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Crisp the Green Chillies: Next, use the same pan to heat another half teaspoon of oil and roast the chopped green chillies until they are lightly crisp and browned. Once ready, pour these over the poha as well.
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Seasoning the Mixture: Heat one teaspoon of oil in the pan until hot, then turn off the heat and add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and asafoetida. Stir to combine the spices and pour this flavorful mixture over the poha.
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Final Touches: Add the coarsely powdered sugar and finely chopped curry leaves to the bowl. Gently fold all the ingredients together using a delicate motion to avoid breaking the poha too much. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, sugar, or spices as desired.
Your Baked Chevdo (Chivda Mixture) is now complete and ready to be served! It pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent snack for gatherings or a simple afternoon treat. This recipe not only captures the essence of traditional Gujarati flavors but also allows you to enjoy a healthier version of this beloved snack without the extra oil from frying.
Enjoy the crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet notes of this Baked Chevdo, a snack that truly reflects the love and warmth of home-cooked goodness!
