The Cornflakes Chivda is a beloved Indian snack that masterfully blends crispy textures with sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. It’s an irresistible mixture of deep-fried cornflakes, crunchy peanuts, golden cashews, plump raisins, and aromatic curry leaves, all lightly tossed in a medley of powdered sugar, red chili, turmeric, and salt.
Perfect for festivals like Diwali or simply as a savory tea-time treat, this snack is quick to prepare and keeps well for days in an airtight container. Whether you’re hosting guests or just need something to nibble with your masala chai, Cornflakes Chivda brings the crunch and the flavor in every bite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups dried cornflakes (makai poha) – not the ready-to-eat cereal variety
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1/3 cup peanuts
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1/3 cup cashews
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2 to 3 tablespoons roasted chana dal (optional)
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3 tablespoons golden raisins
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8 to 10 curry leaves
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1/2 tablespoon powdered sugar or as required
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1/2 teaspoon red chili powder or as required
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1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
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Fine salt or powdered salt, to taste
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Oil for deep frying
Directions:
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Measure all ingredients and place them in separate bowls or plates.
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Heat oil in a deep kadai until moderately hot.
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Using a fine sieve ladle, fry 1/3 cup cornflakes at a time, stirring until they puff up and turn golden (but not brown). Drain on paper towels. Repeat for all cornflakes.
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In the same oil, fry peanuts until crisp. Drain.
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Fry cashews until golden, then drain.
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If using, fry roasted chana dal similarly and set aside.
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Fry raisins briefly until they swell. Drain quickly to avoid chewiness.
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Fry curry leaves for a few seconds, then remove and drain.
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While all fried ingredients are still warm, combine them in a large bowl. Add turmeric, chili powder, sugar, and salt.
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Mix gently but thoroughly, being careful not to crush the cornflakes.
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Once cooled, store in an airtight jar or serve with tea.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 290 kcal per serving | Servings: 4–5
Cornflakes: A Versatile Ingredient Beyond Breakfast
The cornflakes used in this recipe are not your average ready-to-eat breakfast cereal. Instead, they are traditional dried yellow cornflakes, often referred to as makai poha or corn poha in Indian stores. These flakes are made specifically for frying and are more robust than the thin, toasted cereal variant. Once deep-fried, they puff up slightly and develop a golden hue with a crisp, airy texture that’s perfect for chivda.
Interestingly, the ready-to-eat cereal cornflakes can also be used for this recipe in a modified form. Instead of deep-frying, they can be lightly roasted in oil to maintain their crispiness while making the dish slightly healthier. This versatility makes the recipe accessible to a wider audience, including those outside of India who may only have access to Western-style cornflakes.
Cornflakes aren’t just limited to breakfast bowls or snacks. In Indian cooking, they’re also used in creative ways such as a coating for cutlets, tikkis, and fritters. Crushed cornflakes can lend a unique texture to desserts and can even be used to thicken certain dishes. This adaptability is one of the many reasons why cornflakes hold a permanent spot in many Indian pantries.
Cultural Significance and Festive Appeal
Cornflakes Chivda is especially popular during Diwali, the festival of lights. During this time, households across India prepare a wide variety of sweet and savory snacks to offer guests and family members. While traditional snacks like chakli, shankarpali, and laddoos are common, Cornflakes Chivda offers a contemporary twist to the festive platter. Its quick preparation time, easy customization, and crunchy goodness make it a favored choice.
Beyond Diwali, it’s a staple in many Indian homes for casual snacking. Children love the crunch and mild sweetness, while adults appreciate the kick of chili and the wholesome presence of nuts and curry leaves. It also serves as a great travel snack, thanks to its long shelf life when stored properly in airtight containers.
Texture and Flavor Profile
One of the hallmarks of a good chivda is its balance of textures and flavors. Cornflakes Chivda excels in this area. The base of fried cornflakes brings a light and crispy bite. Complementing this are roasted peanuts and cashews that add richness and nuttiness, golden raisins that provide bursts of sweetness, and fried curry leaves that introduce an earthy, aromatic touch.
The spice blend — typically a simple mix of red chili powder, turmeric, salt, and powdered sugar — clings delicately to the fried ingredients. The turmeric lends a warm golden hue, while the chili powder delivers a subtle heat. The sugar plays an important role in balancing the spice, making each bite a dynamic experience.
The result is a snack that doesn’t overwhelm the palate but instead keeps you reaching for more. It’s a dance of flavors — spicy, sweet, salty, and savory — all working in harmony.
Health and Dietary Notes
While Cornflakes Chivda is a fried snack and thus indulgent, it has certain qualities that cater to modern dietary needs. It is naturally gluten-free, provided the cornflakes and spices used are certified gluten-free. It’s also vegan, making it suitable for plant-based diets without any modification. These qualities make it an inclusive snack option for gatherings where guests may have diverse dietary preferences.
That said, moderation is key. The deep-frying process does add extra calories and fats, so portion control is recommended. For those who wish to make it slightly healthier, roasting the cornflakes and dry-roasting the nuts instead of deep-frying them is a viable alternative. Air frying is another modern approach that can reduce oil usage without compromising much on texture.
Storage and Shelf Life
One of the reasons this snack remains so popular is its long shelf life. When stored in a clean, dry, and airtight container, Cornflakes Chivda can easily last for two to three weeks without losing its crispiness. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or for sending in snack boxes to loved ones. It’s also travel-friendly and can be packed in zip-lock bags or small containers for on-the-go munching.
To ensure the snack stays crisp, it’s important that all ingredients are completely cool before mixing and storing. Any residual oil or moisture can lead to sogginess and reduce shelf life. Additionally, placing a small piece of parchment or a paper napkin inside the container can help absorb any excess oil and keep the mix fresh.
Customizations and Variations
The beauty of Cornflakes Chivda lies in its flexibility. The basic recipe can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences or ingredient availability. For example, some people like to add puffed rice (murmura), roasted gram dal, or even sev for added crunch and flavor. You can also include roasted almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds for a nutty twist.
Spice levels can be adjusted to taste. Some versions include a pinch of garam masala or amchur (dry mango powder) for a tangy kick. You could also experiment with flavored salts like black salt or Himalayan pink salt for a gourmet touch. For those who enjoy a smoky flavor, a dash of smoked paprika can replace the regular chili powder.
If you’re catering to kids or prefer a milder version, simply reduce the chili and increase the sugar. On the other hand, for spice lovers, adding crushed green chilies or chili flakes can elevate the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Cornflakes Chivda is traditionally served as a teatime snack, often accompanied by a hot cup of masala chai. The contrast between the warm, spiced tea and the crunchy, savory snack is nothing short of delightful. It can also be served as an appetizer during gatherings or added to a snack platter alongside other Indian favorites like samosas, kachoris, or dhoklas.
Another fun idea is to use Cornflakes Chivda as a topping. Sprinkle it over curd or yogurt to add crunch, or use it as a garnish for chaats and salads. It can even be served in individual paper cones or bowls at parties for a more festive presentation.
Why You Should Try It
If you’ve never tried Cornflakes Chivda, you’re truly missing out on one of the easiest yet most satisfying Indian snacks. It requires minimal ingredients, is quick to make, and can be stored for days — making it perfect for busy households. Its unique blend of flavors and textures ensures that it pleases just about every palate, whether you’re looking for something sweet, spicy, or just downright crunchy.
The snack is also an excellent example of how Indian cuisine ingeniously repurposes everyday ingredients to create something flavorful and fun. From breakfast tables to festive spreads, this humble snack has rightfully earned its place in the culinary hall of fame.
Conclusion
Cornflakes Chivda is more than just a snack — it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary creativity. It showcases how everyday pantry staples can be transformed into a gourmet treat with just a bit of frying and a thoughtful mix of spices. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive occasion or simply as a weekday snack, this crunchy delight promises satisfaction in every bite.
Its simplicity is its strength. No fancy gadgets, no exotic ingredients — just a few humble components coming together to create something magical. As the aroma of fried curry leaves and warm spices fills your kitchen, you’ll find that making Cornflakes Chivda is as enjoyable as eating it.
Perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring solo, this recipe stands the test of time and taste. Add it to your collection and enjoy the delicious legacy of Indian snacking.