Bhusu
Snacks • India
About Bhusu
Surti crunchy snack mixture built from broken gathiya, sev, oil, spices, and often raw onion. Bold, crumbly, and highly local to Surat.
How to Make Bhusu (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Bhusu, a beloved snack from the western regions of India, is a delightful mixture of roasted lentils, cereals, and crunchy sev. Popularly savored in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Bhusu is often prepared during festive seasons like Diwali and enjoyed as an anytime snack with chai. This savory mix is renowned for its crisp texture and delicious medley of flavors, combining the nuttiness of roasted pulses with the aromatic blend of spices. The authentic Bhusu recipe remains a staple in Maharashtrian households, where it is lovingly prepared in large batches to share with family and guests. What makes Bhusu truly special is its versatility and health-conscious adaptability. Traditionally vegan and packed with plant-based proteins, Bhusu is a great choice for those seeking a nutritious and filling snack. Its vibrant flavors come from the careful roasting of ingredients such as poha (flattened rice), chana dal, peanuts, and moong dal, all brought together with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and hing (asafoetida). Light, crunchy, and full of zesty notes, Bhusu is an exemplar of West Indian snacking culture and is perfect for calorie-conscious eaters looking for a flavorful treat.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl (approx. 90g))
- 1 cup Thin Poha (flattened rice) (चिवड़ा)
- 1/4 cup Roasted Peanuts (मूंगफली)
- 1/4 cup Roasted Chana Dal (चना दाल)
- 1/4 cup Moong Dal (मूंग दाल)
- 1/2 cup Sev (thin) (besan sev)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds (राई)
- 8-10 leaves Curry Leaves (कड़ी पत्ता)
- 2, finely chopped Green Chilies (हरी मिर्च)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder (हल्दी)
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida (हींग)
- to taste Salt (नमक)
- 1 tsp Sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness) - optional
- 2 tbsp Refined Oil or Groundnut Oil (तेल)
Instructions
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large kadhai or non-stick pan on medium flame. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
2 minutes
Use groundnut oil for an authentic Maharashtrian flavor.
- 2
Add curry leaves, green chilies, and asafoetida. Sauté until fragrant.
1 minute
Keep flame medium-low to prevent burning spices.
- 3
Add moong dal and chana dal. Roast on low flame till they turn golden and crisp.
4 minutes
Constant stirring ensures even roasting.
- 4
Add peanuts and continue roasting till they are crunchy.
3 minutes
Roasting enhances both flavor and shelf life.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Bhusu recipe is roasted, not deep-fried, which significantly reduces the fat content while retaining the snack's signature crunch. Using minimal oil and natural ingredients, it delivers plenty of protein and fiber, making it filling and suitable for calorie-conscious snackers. It’s vegan, gluten-free (if using gluten-free sev), and loaded with nutrients – a perfect healthy alternative to packaged snacks.
Bhusu is rich in plant-based proteins from chana dal, moong dal, and peanuts, making it an excellent vegan snack. It contains complex carbohydrates from poha and is low in saturated fat if prepared with minimal oil. The snack offers dietary fiber, essential minerals like iron and magnesium, and B-vitamins. The inclusion of curry leaves and green chilies also provides antioxidants and supports digestion.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Always roast poha on low flame for maximum crunch.
- 💡Tip 2: Make Bhusu in small batches to maintain freshness.
- 💡Tip 3: Add sev only after the mixture has cooled to keep it crunchy.
Storage & Serving
Cool completely and store Bhusu in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Keep away from moisture to retain crispness.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 480.0 kcal |
| Protein | 10.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54.0 g |
| Total Fat | 24.0 g |
| Fiber | 5.0 g |
| Sugars | 4.5 g |
| Sodium | 650.0 mg |
| Potassium | 320.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 30.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2.0 mg |
| Calcium | 45.0 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Magnesium | 38.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 110.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.0 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.0 µg |
| Folate | 32.0 µg |
