Servings: 30-40

Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 7 boxes of cereal (choose a mix of high-fiber, low-added sugar, and higher-protein cereals)
  • 1 cup dry roasted peanuts (homemade preferred)
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1 cup dried figs, chopped
  • 2 cups raisins
  • 1 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
  • For tempering
  • 2 cups avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 10-12 curry leaves
  • 10 dried red chilies
  • 2 tablespoons yellow moong beans
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
  • 1 teaspoon black salt
  • 1 teaspoon regular salt

Step 1

Dry roast peanuts and cashews until golden and fragrant.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all cereals and roasted nuts. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat avocado oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. Then add moong beans, cumin, ajwain, fennel seeds, curry leaves, and dried chilies. Sauté until fragrant.

Step 4

Lower the heat and stir in turmeric, chili powder, hing, black salt, and regular salt. Mix quickly to avoid burning.

Step 5

Add craisins, figs, and raisins to the spiced oil. Cook briefly until the raisins and craisins puff slightly. Switch off the heat.

Step 6

Pour the seasoned oil mixture over the cereal and nut base in batches, mixing thoroughly after each addition so the spices coat the mixture evenly.

Step 7

Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Notes:

This Chevda can be enjoyed with chai as an afternoon snack, packed into small jars as thoughtful gifts, added to salads for extra nutrition and flavor, or sprinkled over yogurt with sweet tamarind chutney for a taste of chaat. High fiber supports healthy cholesterol levels, and balanced fats from avocado oil and nuts make it satisfying and flavorful, while natural sweetness means no refined sugar is needed. Protein from peanuts, cashews, and moong dal boosts nutrition, and this isn't just a snack-it's a mindful, nourishing blend that aligns with a halal lifestyle centered on moderation, gratitude, and care for the body.