Microwave Chivda

Diwali – the festival of lights is here! Diwali in the southern states of India is celebrated to mark the killing of Narakasur by Lord Krishna. Everybody must be having very fond memories attached to this particular festival and so do I. As children, me and my brother used to wait for this festival of lights all through the year. Diwali for us meant new clothes, crackers, exchanging sweets and snacks with neighbors, visiting relatives, and how can I forget lighting up our verandahs with small earthen lamps or Diyas.

On the day of Diwali, we used to be up by 4 in the morning, have an oil bath, wear new clothes and go out with my father to burst a few crackers. Whether we had breakfast on other days or not, on the Diwali, it was a must. We would be served with soft idlis, chutney and the sweets and snacks. Then we would sit down and watch the programmes on T.V, especially the Patti Mandram. Then have a fulfilling lunch with Vadai and Payasam. Next it was time for a good nap. Finally wake up to wear another set of new clothes, help amma with lighting the lamps and then again go down to burst crackers. (though not much, I was never a cracker person).

Times have changed now, though we still celebrate Diwali pretty much the same way, but the making of sweets and snacks has reduced quite a bit owing to all the heath consciousness and of course, crackers have become almost zero. (Just a few sparklers for my daughter). But I really enjoyed my Diwali as a kid rather than an adult.

Today I am sharing a simple recipe for a healthy chivda, which can be made with minimum oil and that too in a Microwave in almost no time. Chivda is a popular Maharastrian snack, made from crunchy beaten rice or aval. So let’s get to the recipe without any further delay.

What you’ll need:

1.       Thin beatn rice/poha - 3 cups

2.       Mustard Seeds – 1 Tsp

3.       Roasted Channa Dal/ Pottukadalai – 2 handfuls

4.       Unsalted raw peanuts – 2 handfuls

5.       Green chilly – 1, chopped

6.       Curry leaves – a few

7.       Turmeric powder – a pinch

8.       Oil – 2 to 3 tsps

9.       Salt to taste

Method

1. Place the poha in a shallow microwave safe dish,  and microwave on High for 2 minutes stirring once after one minute.
2. In another microwave dish, add the oil and mustard seeds and microwave on High for 2 minutes.
3. To this add the chopped green chilly, roasted channa dal, peanuts, curry leaves and turmeric powder. Mix well and then microwave on High for another 2 minutes.
4. Next add the poha to this seasoning and mix well. Microwave on High for another 1 minute.
5. Cool completely and then add salt to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar if you like.

That’s it crunchy and crispy chivda is ready.

Celebrate Diwali with this healthy and tasty chivda.

Note: The above mentioned quantity of poha, served about 5 to 6 small cups. The entire thing got over in just a day. So adjust quantity accordingly.

Linking this to Radhika’s Diwali Special – Sweets and Snacks, Khushi’s My Diwali My Way, and Sravani’s – Festive Foods Events.

Also linking this to Srivalli's MEC event hosted at the Pumpkin Farm