Vegan Chiwada (Spicy Rice Flakes Snack)

Discover the irresistible crunch of Vegan Chiwada, a wholesome and flavorful take on the classic Indian spicy rice flakes snack! This quick and easy recipe transforms light and airy poha (thin rice flakes) into a perfectly crispy, golden treat, infused with the earthy aroma of cumin, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. Loaded with roasted peanuts, chickpeas, cashews, and sunflower seeds, this snack offers a delightful mix of textures and plant-based protein. A warming blend of turmeric, red chili powder, and a hint of sweetness from sugar elevate its bold flavors, while coconut oil lends a subtle richness. Ready in just 30 minutes, Vegan Chiwada is gluten-free, dairy-free, and utterly addictive—perfect to pair with a steaming cup of tea or to enjoy as an anytime snack. Pack it for travel or store it in an airtight container for guilt-free munching all week long!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups Thin rice flakes (poha)
• 0.5 cups Peanuts
• 0.5 cups Roasted chickpeas (chana dal)
• 15 leaves Curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.25 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 0.25 cup Cashews
• 0.25 cup Sunflower seeds

Directions

Step 1

Begin by dry roasting the thin rice flakes (poha) in a large pan over medium heat. Stir continuously until they become crispy without changing color. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.

Step 3

Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Toss in the peanuts and roast them until they start to become golden brown.

Step 5

Add the roasted chickpeas (chana dal) and cashews, continuing to stir occasionally until they take on a light golden hue.

Step 6

Add sunflower seeds and sauté for another minute. Now, sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and sugar. Stir everything well to combine the flavors and allow the spices to turn aromatic.

Step 7

Lower the heat and gradually add the roasted rice flakes to the pan, mixing gently until the spice mix coats the flakes evenly.

Step 8

Once everything is well mixed, remove the pan from heat and let it cool completely. This will help the chiwada to become even more crisp.

Step 9

Store the vegan chiwada in an airtight container for freshness. It makes a perfect snack on its own or paired with tea.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(631.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2519.7

Total Fat 104.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 22.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2874.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 342.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.6g	0%
Total Sugars 14.4g
Protein 63.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 237.8mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 1944.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.7%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 53.4%