Diwali Cornflakes Mixture Recipe – A Savory Evening Tea Snack
Diwali, the festival of lights, is all about celebration, sweets, and snacks. Among the many traditional delights served during this festive season, Diwali Cornflakes Mixture stands out as a crunchy and spicy snack. This recipe combines the delightful crispiness of cornflakes, poha (flattened rice), and boondi with roasted nuts, curry leaves, and a touch of spice, creating a perfect evening snack. Whether you’re hosting a Diwali gathering or simply craving a flavorful bite with your evening chai, this mixture is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Corn flakes | 2 cups |
Poha (Flattened rice) | 1 cup |
Boondi | 1 cup |
Curry leaves | 20 leaves |
Badam (Almond) | 1/2 cup |
Cashew nuts | 1/2 cup |
Raisins | 1/2 cup |
Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Caster sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Kashmiri red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
Sunflower oil (for deep frying) | As needed |
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 45 minutes
Servings:
- 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Indian
Course:
- Snack
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare All Ingredients:
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring they are measured and ready to use before starting the cooking process.
-
Frying Cornflakes:
- Heat the sunflower oil in a wide, deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add a handful of cornflakes at a time to the pan.
- Fry the cornflakes until they turn golden, crisp, and puff up. This takes just a few seconds, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once fried, remove the cornflakes from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil. Set them aside.
-
Frying Poha:
- In the same hot oil, place poha (flattened rice) in a steel colander.
- Carefully dip the colander into the hot oil, allowing the poha to puff up. Once the poha is puffed, remove the colander from the oil and let the poha drain on paper towels.
-
Roasting Nuts:
- Add badam (almonds), cashew nuts, and raw peanuts to the same colander used for poha.
- Deep fry the nuts and peanuts until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
-
Frying Curry Leaves and Raisins:
- Finally, add the curry leaves and raisins to the hot oil in the colander.
- Fry until the curry leaves turn crisp and the raisins puff up. Once done, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
-
Assembling the Mixture:
- In a wide mixing bowl or flat baking sheet, combine all the fried ingredients: cornflakes, poha, boondi, nuts, curry leaves, and raisins.
- Sprinkle over the salt, caster sugar, Kashmiri red chili powder, and asafoetida (hing).
- Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly while the ingredients are still warm. This helps ensure the spices and salt are evenly distributed.
-
Adjust Seasoning:
- Once mixed, taste the mixture and adjust the spice and salt levels to suit your preference. You can add more chili powder or sugar if desired.
-
Cooling and Storing:
- Let the Cornflakes Mixture cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- This mixture stays fresh for up to 2 weeks, making it an ideal snack to prepare in advance for festive occasions.
-
Serving:
- Serve your homemade Diwali Cornflakes Mixture as a savory snack during the evening or as a part of your Diwali celebrations. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of Masala Chai or any beverage of your choice.
Tips for the Perfect Diwali Cornflakes Mixture:
- Oil Temperature: Ensure that the oil is at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the ingredients may burn quickly. If it’s too cool, they may absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Crispiness: For extra crispiness, make sure all ingredients are fried to golden perfection. This is key to achieving the perfect texture in the mixture.
- Spice Variations: You can adjust the level of spice based on your preference. Add more chili powder for a spicier version or reduce it for a milder snack.
- Storage: Store the mixture in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh for longer. Make sure the container is airtight to maintain its crunch.
Conclusion:
This Diwali Cornflakes Mixture is a perfect blend of crispy, crunchy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Whether you’re celebrating Diwali or simply enjoying an evening snack, this Indian savory snack will surely delight everyone. Prepare this treat for your next gathering and enjoy the festive spirit with family and friends!