Snacks hold a special place in every kitchen. Whether you’re looking for something to munch on while watching your favorite show or offering guests a light yet flavorful treat, Cornflakes Namkeen is a perfect choice. A popular savory Indian snack made with everyday pantry ingredients, it’s the perfect mixture of crispy cornflakes, peanuts, and aromatic spices.
This delightful snack not only satisfies your cravings but is also a healthier option compared to deep-fried alternatives like chips or other oily snacks. Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare Cornflakes Namkeen and make it a regular in your snack rotation.
What is Cornflakes Namkeen?
Cornflakes Namkeen is a delicious blend of lightly spiced ingredients, such as roasted cornflakes, peanuts, and dry fruits. These are often tossed with spices, curry leaves, and sometimes, fried gram dal to give it that extra punch. Originating in India, this snack has evolved to accommodate various flavors, making it versatile enough for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients for Cornflakes Namkeen
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can customize it according to your taste and preferences. Here’s a standard list of ingredients to get started:
- 2 cups plain cornflakes (not the sugary breakfast kind)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup fried gram dal (chana dal)
- 2 tbsp almonds or cashews (optional)
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chat masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp black salt (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
How to Make Cornflakes Namkeen
This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in less than 20 minutes. Follow these easy steps to get that perfect balance of crunch and flavor in your Cornflakes Namkeen.
Step 1: Dry Roast the Cornflakes
Take a large pan and heat it over medium flame. Add the plain cornflakes to the pan and dry roast them for 4-5 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure they get evenly roasted and crispy but not burnt. Once they are roasted, transfer them to a plate and let them cool.
Step 2: Fry the Peanuts and Chana Dal
In the same pan, add a bit of oil or ghee. When it’s hot, fry the peanuts until they are golden and crunchy. Remove and set them aside. Next, fry the chana dal until it’s crispy, and do the same with almonds or cashews if you’re using them. Drain the excess oil using a paper towel.
Step 3: Sauté the Curry Leaves and Spices
Now, heat a bit more oil in the pan and add cumin seeds. Once they start spluttering, toss in the fresh curry leaves. Fry them for a minute until they turn crisp. Lower the heat, and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and a pinch of black salt. Stir for a few seconds to release the aromas.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now, add the roasted cornflakes, peanuts, chana dal, and any nuts you’ve fried earlier into the pan with the spices. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the spices coat every piece. Add salt to taste and sprinkle some chat masala for a tangy finish.
Step 5: Let it Cool and Store
Allow the mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, your Cornflakes Namkeen is ready to eat! You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week, making it an ideal snack for those impromptu cravings.
Why Make Cornflakes Namkeen at Home?
There are numerous reasons why preparing this snack at home beats buying it from the store:
- Healthier Option: Since you’re in control of the ingredients, you can ensure it’s healthier by using minimal oil and adding nutritious elements like nuts and seeds.
- Customizable Flavors: Whether you prefer it spicy, tangy, or mild, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Add green chilies for more heat or skip the chat masala if you prefer a simpler taste.
- Economical: Making this mixture at home is often cheaper than buying pre-packaged versions, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk.
- No Preservatives: Unlike packaged snacks that often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, homemade Cornflakes Namkeen is free from unwanted chemicals, making it a cleaner snack.
Cornflakes Mixture Variations
One of the best things about Cornflakes Namkeen is its adaptability. You can experiment with different ingredients to create variations of the original recipe:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a bit of jaggery or sugar along with the spices for a mix of sweet and spicy flavors. This variation is popular during festivals like Diwali.
- Herbal Twist: If you enjoy herbal flavors, try adding roasted sesame seeds, fennel seeds, or even some fresh coriander for an aromatic twist.
- Crunchier Version: Want more crunch? Add ingredients like puffed rice (murmura), sev, or even fried potato sticks to make it more like a Cornflakes Mixture.
- Low Oil Option: If you’re watching your oil intake, you can roast all the ingredients instead of frying them. While this may alter the taste slightly, it keeps the dish much lighter and healthier.
Benefits of Cornflakes Namkeen
While Cornflakes Namkeen is a tasty snack, it also offers some health benefits when made with care:
- Rich in Fiber: Cornflakes are a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you fuller for longer.
- Protein-Packed: Adding ingredients like peanuts and gram dal boosts the protein content of the snack, making it a more nourishing option.
- Nutrient-Rich: Including nuts such as almonds or cashews adds healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals to your snack.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile snack can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Serve it:
- As a Tea-Time Snack: Perfect alongside a hot cup of chai.
- In Lunchboxes: Pack it in small portions for a mid-day energy boost.
- During Festivities: Serve it during holidays or as a part of a festive snack spread.
- On-the-Go: Take it along for road trips, hikes, or long journeys. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and delicious!
FAQs
Is Cornflakes Namkeen a healthy snack?
Yes, when made at home with minimal oil and nutritious add-ins like nuts and seeds, Cornflakes Namkeen can be a healthy and light snack.
Can I store Cornflakes Namkeen?
Yes, you can store it in an airtight container for up to a week without it losing its crunchiness.
What kind of cornflakes should I use?
Use plain, unsweetened cornflakes for this recipe. Avoid sugary breakfast cereals.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts, puffed rice, or even sev to create your own variation.
Is Cornflakes Namkeen gluten-free?
Yes, cornflakes are naturally gluten-free, but make sure the other ingredients you add, like spices, are also gluten-free.
How spicy is Cornflakes Namkeen?
The spice level is entirely up to you. You can adjust the chili powder to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
Cornflakes Namkeen is the ultimate blend of flavors and textures that will leave you reaching for more. Whether you’re craving something crunchy, spicy, or just a quick bite, this snack delivers. It’s easy to make, versatile, and healthier than most store-bought alternatives. So, next time you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying snack, whip up a batch of Cornflakes Namkeen!