Recipe for Falahari Chiwda at Home

India is a land of diverse cuisines and traditions, and food always finds a way to connect us to our roots. During fasting seasons such as Navratri, Ekadashi, Janmashtami, or Shivratri, many people prefer preparing falahari (fruit- or fast-approved) dishes. These recipes avoid grains and regular spices, instead focusing on ingredients like potatoes, sabudana, singhara flour, and rock salt. One such delicious snack that has become a household favorite during fasting is Falahari Chiwda.
This light, crunchy, and flavorful mixture is not only suitable for fasting but also doubles up as a healthy tea-time snack for any day. The best part? It is easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be stored for days. Let’s dive into the recipe and understand how you can make this tasty chiwda at home.

What is Falahari Chiwda?

The word falahari means “fruit-based” or “suitable for fasts.” In fasting, regular grains, refined flour, and iodized salt are avoided. Instead, alternative ingredients like sabudana (sago), peanuts, dried fruits, potato wafers, and sendha namak (rock salt) are used.
Falahari chiwda is essentially a mixture of fried and roasted ingredients like sabudana, peanuts, makhana, and dry fruits, seasoned lightly with spices suitable for fasting. It is crunchy, aromatic, and can be enjoyed with tea, milk, or even as a stand-alone snack.

Ingredients for Falahari Chiwda
To prepare about 3–4 servings of falahari chiwda, you’ll need:
● 1 cup sabudana (sago pearls) – preferably small-sized, for crispiness

● 1/2 cup peanuts – roasted or fried

● 1/2 cup makhana (fox nuts) – crisp roasted

● 1/4 cup dry coconut slices (optional but adds rich flavor)

● 1/4 cup cashews – halved

● 2 tablespoons almonds – sliced

● 2 green chilies – chopped

● 8–10 curry leaves (optional, depends on fasting rules)

● 2 medium-sized potatoes – thinly sliced or grated into wafers

● 1 tablespoon ghee or peanut oil

● 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

● 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder

● 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

● Sendha namak (rock salt) – as per taste


Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
● Soak the sabudana: Wash the sabudana pearls, dry them on a cotton cloth for a few hours, and then deep-fry or roast until they puff up. This gives the chiwda its main crunch.

● Potato crisps: Peel and slice potatoes into thin wafers. Fry them in hot oil until golden and crisp. These wafers will give the mixture its body.

● Roast the makhana: Heat 1 teaspoon ghee in a pan and roast makhana until they turn crunchy.

● Nuts and dry fruits: Lightly roast or fry peanuts, cashews, and almonds until golden. Slice some dry coconut if using.

Step 2: Making the Masala Base
● In a deep pan, heat 1 tablespoon ghee or peanut oil.

● Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

● Add chopped green chilies and curry leaves (if you include them in your fasting diet). Fry until crisp.

● Lower the flame and add black pepper powder.

Step 3: Mixing the Chiwda
● Add roasted peanuts, makhana, cashews, almonds, and coconut slices into the pan. Toss gently.

● Add fried sabudana and potato crisps. Mix carefully so everything gets coated with the masala.

● Season with sendha namak and a pinch of sugar. Toss until well combined.

Step 4: Cooling and Storage
● Spread the chiwda on a plate or tray to cool completely.

● Once cooled, store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 8–10 days.


Tips for Perfect Falahari Chiwda
1. Choose small sabudana: They puff up better when fried and add lightness to the mixture.

2. Low flame frying: Always fry or roast on medium flame for even crispness without burning.

3. Add sugar for balance: A tiny pinch of sugar enhances flavors and balances the spice and salt.

4. Healthier version: Instead of frying, you can air-fry or dry-roast makhana, nuts, and sabudana. Use baked potato wafers for a guilt-free option.

5. Customize your mix: Add raisins for sweetness or pumpkin seeds for a modern twist.


Why Falahari Chiwda is a Great Fasting Snack
● Light and crunchy: Unlike heavy fried foods, this chiwda is easy to digest.

● Rich in energy: Peanuts, makhana, and nuts provide protein and healthy fats to keep you energized during fasting.

● Versatile: Can be enjoyed with tea, milk, or as a stand-alone evening snack.

● Make-ahead snack: Since it stores well, you can prepare it in advance and munch on it whenever hunger strikes.


Variations of Falahari Chiwda
● Sweet Falahari Chiwda: Add more raisins, roasted coconut, and a bit more sugar for a sweeter version.

● Spicy Falahari Chiwda: Increase green chilies and add a sprinkle of red chili powder if your fasting allows.

● Minimalist Chiwda: Stick to just sabudana, peanuts, and potatoes for a simpler mix.


Serving Ideas
● Serve it with a cup of hot tea or herbal drink during fasting evenings.

● Pair it with falahari dahi aloo or sabudana khichdi for a wholesome meal.

● Use it as a garnish over vrat-friendly curd bowls for a crunchy twist.


Nutritional Value
A serving of falahari chiwda is a good source of:
● Protein: From peanuts, cashews, and almonds.

● Healthy fats: From makhana and nuts.

● Carbohydrates: From sabudana and potatoes, giving instant energy.

● Micronutrients: Magnesium, potassium, and iron from dry fruits.

It strikes the perfect balance of energy and nutrition, ideal for days of fasting when the body requires wholesome fuel.

Conclusion
Falahari chiwda is more than just a snack — it’s a tradition that has adapted beautifully to modern lifestyles. Quick to prepare, easy to store, and full of flavor, this dish can make your fasting days lighter and more enjoyable. With the crunch of sabudana, the richness of dry fruits, and the comforting aroma of ghee and cumin, falahari chiwda is proof that vrat food can be both delicious and nourishing.
So the next time you plan your Navratri or Ekadashi menu, don’t forget to include this simple yet satisfying recipe. Prepare it once, store it well, and enjoy guilt-free munching all through your fast.