Chivda - Indian Spicy Snack Mix

Yield: 6 cups
Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Ok. So there's trail mix, a blend of nuts and usually some dried fruit and maybe some chocolate for your outdoorsy types. Chivda (pronounced chee-ur-ah) is a Marathi version of gorp, with its unique blend of spices, nuts and fruit that make this more addictive than potato chips. It is best eaten with a spoon, as it does tend to get messy eating with your hands. Seriously...such a tasty snack.

Ingredients:
6 c. poha (pressed rice) - available online or at an Indian grocer
3/4 c. ghee or oil
2 c. raw peanuts
2 c. cashews
1/4 c. raisins
1/4 c. cranberries
1 T. chile powder
1 1/2 T. ground coriander
1 T. cumin seeds
1 T. salt
1 t. sugar
tadaka: (seasoning)
1 t. coriander seeds, roasted and ground
2 T. mustard seeds
2 T. sesame seeds
1 t. turmeric
1/2 t. fennel seeds, roasted and ground
5 dried red chiles
curry leaves (optional)

1. Roast the pressed rice at 250° for 20 minutes.


2. Put 1/4 cup of ghee in sauce pan on medium low, add the peanuts and constantly stir until they are golden brown. Remove from heat. Put on top of the pressed rice.

3. Add the raisins to the ghee. Cook until they plump up. Add to the poha (pressed rice).
4. To make the tadaka (seasoning): put the mustard seeds and cook until they stop popping. Add asafetida powder (if you have it). Add curry leaves, chiles, sesame seeds. Add cranberries.
5. Mix all ingredients together. Enjoy!
(Can be stored in an airtight container for 3 months.)