Poha Chivda
Chivda is a mixture of different dry, roasted, and fried ingredients. It is generally spicy, but at times it can be sweet or tangy as well.
One can find it stocked in most Indian kitchens for unexpected guests, small treats during the day, and for mid-night cravings as well.
Bombay Mix is the alternative name for Chivda that the people of England designated.
It is a versatile savory dish that being variable as per your taste and requirements.
People all over India enjoy it; it is also exported overseas, where it receives a lot of love. It holds a special place in the hearts of Maharashtrians.
INGREDIENTS
It has a core ingredient that is either roasted or fried, depending on the type of Chivda.
The most common core ingredient is Poha which is translated as flattened rice. Peanuts and cashew nuts are incorporated to add nuttiness to the dish.
It is spiced using green chilies or red chili powder and seasoned using asafoetida, turmeric, and salt. Raisins offer sweetness.
Dried coconut is roasted and sliced before adding to this. Deep-fried curry leave and mustard seeds enhance the dish.
CALORIES (100 grams)
It is with high content of carbohydrates. Saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fatty acids constitute about 28% to 30% of the total calories.
A good quantity of protein and fiber is present, along with sugar.
STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
If stored correctly, it will easily last for 6 to 7 weeks. Please keep it away from moisture to prevent it from getting soggy. I prefer an air-tight container over a regular container.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Different Chivda recipes have different benefits depending on the types of this dish. Peanuts in chivda provide healthy fats and proteins.
Turmeric not only adds color but also contains antibiotic properties. Asafetida is helpful in digestion which makes this dish easy on the stomach.
Curry leave is good for hair and skin as it eliminates bacteria. One cannot debate about the benefits received from dry fruits.
ALLERGIC CONTENT
It contains peanuts which may be allergic to some people.
FESTIVE OCCASIONS
Faral (savory food) is made during Diwali, and Chivda is an essential part of the faral without which Diwali snacks seem incomplete.
It is a vegetarian recipe. It is served along with sweets during various functions like naming ceremonies, engagement, etc. It is stored and enjoyed throughout the year.
It plays an essential role during fasting as it provides strength to the devotees. It is served with Modak (a coconut sweet specially prepared for the festival) during Ganesh Chaturthi.
