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A classic crispy snack from Odisha made with fried flattened rice, peanuts, and fragrant curry leaves. This simple, savory mixture is incredibly addictive and comes together in minutes, perfect for tea time.
For 4 servings
Fry the Poha (Flattened Rice)
Prepare the Tempering
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A classic crispy snack from Odisha made with fried flattened rice, peanuts, and fragrant curry leaves. This simple, savory mixture is incredibly addictive and comes together in minutes, perfect for tea time.
This odia recipe takes 20 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 377.88 calories per serving with 7.91g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack.
Combine Spices and Mix
Cool and Store
Add 1/4 cup of fried cashews, almonds, or thin slices of dried coconut (kopra) along with the peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Increase the red chili powder to 1 teaspoon and add 2-3 slit green chilies to the tempering for a fiery kick.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder) and increase the powdered sugar to 2 teaspoons for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Flattened rice (Poha) is rich in healthy carbohydrates, providing a quick and easily digestible source of energy, making this a great snack to combat fatigue.
Poha is known to be a good source of iron, which is essential for maintaining hemoglobin levels and preventing anemia. The traditional preparation helps retain its nutritional value.
Peanuts are a great source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and help in managing cholesterol levels.
A typical serving of Chura Bhaja (about 1 cup or 75g) contains approximately 280-320 calories, primarily from the deep-fried poha, oil, and peanuts.
Chura Bhaja is a delicious traditional snack but is high in calories and fat due to being deep-fried. It should be enjoyed in moderation. Poha itself is a good source of carbohydrates and iron.
Yes, for a healthier alternative, you can roast or air-fry the poha. Toss the poha with 1-2 tablespoons of oil and roast in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes or air-fry until crisp. The texture will be slightly denser but still enjoyable.
When cooled completely and stored in a clean, airtight container at room temperature, Chura Bhaja stays fresh and crispy for up to 2 weeks.
Sogginess usually occurs if the oil was not hot enough during frying, causing the poha to absorb excess oil, or if the mixture was not cooled completely before being stored, which traps steam and moisture.