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Mixture with Peanuts
Lunch • India
How to Make Mixture with Peanuts (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Mixture with Peanuts, popularly known as 'Namkeen Mixture' or 'Chivda', is an iconic Indian snack that beautifully combines roasted peanuts with a medley of crunchy elements like poha (flattened rice), sev, and spices. Originating from the diverse street food traditions of India, this savory mixture is enjoyed across regions, especially during tea-time or as a festive treat during Diwali and Holi. Its irresistible combination of textures and flavors—spicy, salty, tangy—makes it a favorite in every Indian household. This healthier homemade version is roasted rather than deep-fried, ensuring a light yet satisfying crunch while retaining all the authentic flavors. The inclusion of peanuts, curry leaves, roasted chana dal, and a careful blend of spices not only excites your palate but also delivers nutritional benefits, making it a perfect guilt-free snack. Whether you’re preparing a lunchbox filler or a quick mid-day munch, this recipe is a smart, tasty, and wholesome choice for families. The versatility of Mixture with Peanuts means you can customize it to your taste, region, or dietary needs, making it a timeless staple in Indian cuisine.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl (approx. 60g))
- 1/2 cup Peanuts (moongphali)
- 1 cup Flattened rice (poha) (thin or medium variety)
- 1/4 cup Roasted chana dal (dalia)
- 1/2 cup Sev (thin, baked or lightly fried)
- 10-15 Curry leaves (kadi patta)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds (rai)
- 1/2 tsp Red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder (haldi)
- to taste Salt (sendha namak for vrat (optional))
- 1 tbsp Oil (preferably cold-pressed or groundnut oil)
- a pinch Asafoetida (hing) - optional
- 8-10 Cashew nuts (kaju, optional for richness) - optional
- 1 tbsp Raisins (kishmish, for a hint of sweetness) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Heat a large heavy-bottomed kadhai or non-stick pan on medium flame. Add peanuts and dry roast for 4-5 minutes until golden and aromatic. Remove and set aside.
5 minutes
Constantly stir peanuts to avoid burning and to ensure even roasting.
- 2
In the same pan, add flattened rice (poha) and dry roast for 3-4 minutes until crisp. The poha should turn light and brittle. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4 minutes
Roast in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- 3
Heat oil in the pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves, asafoetida (if using), and roasted chana dal. Sauté for 30 seconds.
2 minutes
Curry leaves add aroma; ensure they crisp up in oil for best flavor.
- 4
Add cashew nuts (if using) and fry until light golden. Toss in raisins, sauté briefly until they puff up. Lower the flame.
2 minutes
Frying dry fruits releases their flavor and enhances the taste.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This recipe is a healthy alternative to store-bought namkeen, which is often deep-fried and high in sodium. By roasting the ingredients and using minimal oil, you keep calories and unhealthy fats in check while retaining essential nutrients. The mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs provides sustained energy, making it a balanced snack for weight management, diabetic diets, or family snacking.
Mixture with Peanuts is rich in plant-based protein from peanuts and chana dal, and provides dietary fiber from poha and curry leaves. Peanuts offer healthy unsaturated fats, vitamins E and B, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. The use of minimal oil and roasting instead of deep-frying reduces saturated fat content. The addition of curry leaves and mustard seeds adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making this snack both nourishing and satisfying.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Always roast ingredients separately for best crunch and flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: Add sev only after cooling the mixture slightly to keep it crisp.
- 💡Tip 3: Use a heavy-bottomed kadhai to prevent burning delicate ingredients like poha and nuts.
Storage & Serving
Let the mixture cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks if stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 190.0 kcal |
