Looking for a healthy yet delicious snack to munch on during your tea breaks or festive evenings? Dry Fruit Makhana Chivda is the perfect choice! Packed with the goodness of nuts, seeds, and the light crunch of roasted makhana (fox nuts), this recipe is easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and irresistibly tasty. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to making this wholesome snack.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to prepare this tasty chivda:
- 1 cup fox nuts (makhana)
- ½ cup cashews
- ½ cup almonds
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup dry coconut slices
- ½ cup watermelon seeds and muskmelon seeds
- ½ cup ghee (clarified butter)
- Salt and powdered sugar to taste
For the spice mix:
- 4-5 black peppercorns
- 15-20 fresh curry leaves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Roasting the Makhana
Begin by roasting the makhana. If the makhana pieces are large, break them into halves for even roasting. Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a large pan or kadhai. Add the makhana and roast them on low flame until they turn crisp and golden. This process usually takes around 4-5 minutes. Set the roasted makhana aside to cool.
Step 2: Roasting Dry Fruits
In the same pan, add a little more ghee if required, and roast the cashews, almonds, and dry coconut slices one by one. Each ingredient should be roasted on low flame until it achieves a golden brown color and releases its aroma. Once roasted, transfer them to a plate.
Step 3: Preparing the Spice Tempering
Heat a little ghee in the pan again. Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle. Next, add the black peppercorns and fresh curry leaves. Stir for a few seconds until the curry leaves turn crisp and the spices release their aroma.
Step 4: Combining the Ingredients
Now, add the roasted makhana, dry fruits (cashews, almonds, coconut slices), raisins, and seeds (watermelon and muskmelon) into the pan with the tempering. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the spices.
Step 5: Seasoning and Final Touch
Finally, sprinkle salt and powdered sugar as per your taste. Stir the mixture on low flame for 1-2 minutes to ensure the flavors are well combined. Turn off the heat and let the chivda cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container for storage.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You?
Dry Fruit Makhana Chivda is not just delicious but also extremely nutritious. Fox nuts are rich in protein and low in calories, making them an excellent snack for weight watchers. Dry fruits like almonds and cashews add healthy fats and a delightful crunch. The natural sweetness of raisins balances the savory flavor, while coconut slices enhance the texture and taste.
This snack is versatile—it can be enjoyed during festivals, as a travel snack, or simply as an everyday healthy alternative to junk food. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and stays fresh for weeks when stored properly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chivda as a tea-time snack, a quick energy boost during busy days, or a light appetizer for guests. Pair it with a cup of hot masala chai or coffee for a perfect combination.
So why wait? Try this healthy and tasty Dry Fruit Makhana Chivda recipe today and delight your taste buds with a mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors. Let us know how your version turned out in the comments below!
