Salted Snacks

Flattened rice, commonly known as "poha or Chira" is a popular and traditional breakfast and snack dish in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is made from parboiled rice that has been flattened into thin, light, and dry flakes. Poha is commonly used in various regional cuisines across India and is known by different names in different languages.

The process of making flattened rice involves partially cooking the rice and then rolling or flattening it to produce thin, dried flakes. This makes the rice easier to cook and consume. Flattened rice is available in different thicknesses, with thinner varieties requiring less cooking time.

Poha can be easily rehydrated and cooked by either soaking it briefly in water or by stir-frying it with various ingredients to create a flavorful dish. It's a versatile ingredient and can be cooked in many ways, often with a combination of vegetables, spices, and sometimes nuts or dried fruits. Common additions include onions, green peas, potatoes, mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and more.

Here's a basic recipe for making a popular dish called "Poha":

Ingredients:

• Flattened rice (poha)
• Oil
• Mustard seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Curry leaves
• Green chilies (optional)
• Onions, finely chopped
• Peas
• Turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Lemon juice

1. Rinse the flattened rice in cold water a couple of times, then let it sit in a colander to drain excess water.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies if using.
3. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. Add peas and cook for a few minutes until they are tender.
5. Add turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix well.
6. Add the rinsed and drained flattened rice to the pan. Gently mix everything together.
7. Cover and cook for a few minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Once the poha is heated through, turn off the heat and add chopped coriander leaves and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
9. Mix everything well and serve hot.

Poha is a light and nutritious dish that's often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack option. It's popular not only for its ease of preparation but also for its delightful taste and versatility.

Chanachur is a popular snack food that is commonly found in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh and India. It is a type of spicy and savory mixture made from a variety of ingredients, including fried lentils, peanuts, chickpeas, and spices. Other ingredients that can be added to chanachur include potato sticks, puffed rice, and raisins.

Chanachur is often sold in small packets and can be found in many local shops and street food stalls. It is a popular snack for people on the go and is often consumed with tea or coffee. Different variations of chanachur exist, and the mix of ingredients can vary depending on personal preference or regional traditions. Some versions may be spicier, while others may be sweeter. Overall, chanachur is known for its crunchy texture, spicy flavor, and convenience as a quick snack.

Bikaji Panipuri

Panipuri, also known as golgappa and Fuchka, is a popular street food snack in India. It consists of small, round, crispy shells made of semolina or wheat flour, filled with a mixture of spiced mashed potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and tamarind chutney.

The panipuri shells are typically filled with the spiced mixture and then dipped into a bowl of flavored water before being eaten whole in one bite. The flavored water, or "pani," is made with a mixture of tamarind, mint, coriander, and other spices, and can be customized to suit individual tastes.

Panipuri is a popular snack throughout India and is often sold by street vendors in crowded marketplaces and on busy street corners. It is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often considered a staple of Indian street food.

While panipuri is generally considered safe to eat, it is important to be cautious when consuming street food to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. It is recommended to only eat from reputable vendors, and to ensure that the food is freshly prepared and served hot.