Bhuja Mix
A crunchy, savory, and addictive Indian snack mix made with puffed rice, peanuts, fried lentils, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for tea time or as a party snack, it's a delightful mix of textures and flavors that's easy to make at home.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the Puffed Rice
- b.In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, dry roast the puffed rice on low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously until it becomes very crisp and crunchy. Be careful not to brown it.
- c.Transfer the roasted puffed rice to a very large mixing bowl and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the Nuts and Poha
- b.In the same pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the raw peanuts and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until they are golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and add them to the bowl with the puffed rice.
- d.Next, add the cashews to the hot oil and fry for about 1 minute until they turn a light golden color. Quickly remove them and add to the bowl.
- e.Finally, fry the thin poha in batches. Add a handful to the hot oil; it will puff up instantly in 5-10 seconds. Immediately remove it with the slotted spoon and add to the bowl. Do not over-fry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Spice Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Reduce the heat to low. In the remaining oil in the pan, add the mustard seeds. Wait for them to splutter.
- c.Once they splutter, add the curry leaves and hing. Sauté for 20-30 seconds until the curry leaves become crisp.
- d.Turn off the heat completely. Wait for 10 seconds, then add the turmeric powder and red chili powder to the hot oil. Stir quickly for 5 seconds to prevent them from burning.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Mix
- b.Immediately pour this hot spice tempering over the ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- c.Add the roasted chana dal and thin sev to the bowl.
- d.Sprinkle the salt, powdered sugar, amchur powder, and chaat masala over the mixture.
- e.Using two large spoons or spatulas, gently toss everything together from the bottom up until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the spices.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cool and Store
- b.Spread the Bhuja Mix on a large tray or plate and allow it to cool down completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for maintaining its crispiness.
- c.Once completely cool, transfer the mix to a clean, dry, airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roast the puffed rice on low heat to make it extra crunchy and prevent it from becoming chewy.
- 2Fry the thin poha in hot oil for just a few seconds. If you over-fry, it will turn brown and bitter.
- 3Add the spice powders to the oil only after turning off the heat to prevent them from burning.
- 4Ensure the mix is completely cool before storing, otherwise, condensation will make it soggy.
- 5You can customize the mix by adding other ingredients like fried cornflakes, dried coconut slices, or raisins.
- 6For an even coating, use two large spoons to toss the mixture from the bottom up.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweet and Spicy
Add 1/4 cup of golden raisins or dried cranberries along with the sev for a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Omit the peanuts and cashews. Replace them with 1/2 cup of roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or fried chickpeas (chana).
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Ensure the sev is made from besan (chickpea flour) only and that the hing (asafoetida) is a gluten-free variety, as some brands contain wheat flour.
Extra CrunchExtra Crunch
Add 1/2 cup of fried corn poha (makai chivda) or thinly sliced, fried dry coconut (kopra) for additional texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Plant-Based Protein
Peanuts, cashews, and roasted chana dal provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
Provides Healthy Fats
Nuts like peanuts and cashews are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.
Rich in Fiber
Ingredients like puffed rice, poha, and lentils contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Energy Boosting
As a carbohydrate-rich snack, Bhuja Mix provides a quick source of energy, making it a great option for a mid-day snack to combat fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
A one-cup serving (approximately 60g) of this homemade Bhuja Mix contains an estimated 280-320 calories, primarily from the nuts, sev, and oil used for frying.