Roshni Chopras No-Fry Chivda Recipe: Light, Chatpata, and Perfect for Anytime Cravings

Something is soul‑warming about a homemade snack that blends flavour, nostalgia, and lightness in just the right way. Roshni Chopra shares her recipe for a crisp, wholesome chivda inspired by her Maharashtrian cook Kavita, a version that turns everyday ingredients into a bowl of irresistible comfort. It's the kind of munchie that satisfies cravings without the heaviness of deep‑fried options, making it perfect for guilt‑free snacking.

The Crisp Poha Base:

Great chivda begins with perfectly roasted poha. Five cups are slow‑roasted on low heat until each flake turns airy, crunchy, and fully crisp. This patient roasting is what gives the snack its light texture. Once cooled completely, the poha becomes the neutral base ready to soak in layers of flavour.

A Flavour‑Packed Tempering:

The real magic arrives with the tadka. A modest spoon of ghee is warmed, and the moment rai and jeera hit the pan, they bloom with fragrance. Curry leaves and green chillies join in, sizzling with a sharp, aromatic edge that infuses the entire mixture. This tempering forms the heart of Maharashtrian chivda, earthy, spicy, and incredibly inviting.

Layers of Crunch and Sweetness:

The texture is the star here. Peanuts are roasted till crunchy, coconut flakes add a gentle nuttiness, kaju brings a buttery richness, and kishmish offers sweet bites that balance the spice beautifully. A sprinkle of haldi brings a warm golden hue, salt seasons everything, and chaat masala adds that trademark tangy punch.

Bringing It All Together:

The roasted poha returns to the pan, where it is gently tossed with the fragrant mixture. A touch of sugar creates a sweet‑spicy balance that makes every bite addictive. The key is low‑heat mixing so that each flake gets evenly coated without breaking. Once cooled, the chivda stays wonderfully crisp when stored in an airtight container.

A Snack That Feels Like Home:

This chivda is everything a good homemade snack should be: light, flavourful, crunchy, and deeply satisfying. Whether it's paired with evening chai, packed for travel, or enjoyed as an anytime nibble, it brings a burst of Maharashtrian warmth to every bite.

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