Aval Mixture | Poha Mixture

Aval Mixture, also known as Poha Mixture, is a crunchy, savory snack made from poha (flattened rice), roasted nuts, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a popular choice during festive seasons like Diwali and makes a perfect treat for gatherings. The combination of cashews, peanuts, fried gram dal, and curry leaves gives a lovely mix of textures and flavors. 

This is a quick and easy recipe to make. It is a light snack that doesn’t feel heavy, making it ideal for munching anytime. It can be made in batches, this recipe is perfect when you want a homemade snack that stays fresh for days. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience while roasting, you get a snack that tastes much better than store-bought ones.

Jump to:

• About Aval Mixture
• Aval Mixture Ingredients
• How to make Aval Mixture Step by Step
• Expert Tips
• Serving and Storage
• FAQS
• 📖 Recipe Card

About Aval Mixture

Aval Mixture is a beloved South Indian snack made by roasting flattened rice (poha) along with a mix of crunchy ingredients. It has the perfect blend of crisp textures and bold, savory flavors. The poha turns light and crispy, absorbing the spices beautifully, while the roasted gram dal, peanuts, and cashews add a satisfying crunch.

This recipe is great option for any time you’re craving a quick, tasty snack. The combination of savory, spicy, and a hint of sweetness from raisins makes every bite delicious. Since it is roasted and not deep-fried heavily, it feels lighter compared to other traditional mixtures, making it a guilt-free snack you can enjoy anytime.

You can easily customize it to your liking, you can add garlic, sesame seeds. You can also adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference. You can make it milder for kids or spice it up with green chilies for a spicier taste. And however you make it, Aval Mixture is one of those snacks that always brings back a sense of comfort and warmth with every bite. 

Aval Mixture is a easy snack that you can make in just few minutes, just get ready with all your ingredients and fry them one by one, toss it up with your favorite spices and all done. Your poha mixture is ready – that sounds cool right?!

Aval Mixture Ingredients

• Thick Poha (Flattened Rice) – This is the key ingredient. It forms the base of the mixture. The thin, delicate texture helps absorb the spices, making it flavorful in every bite. 
• Roasted Gram Dal (Chana Dal) – Adds a mild nutty flavor and extra crunch. Roasted gram dal provides a satisfying bite that complements the crispy poha.
• Curry Leaves – Adds aromatic and fragrant flavor. Fresh curry leaves deepen the overall flavor.
• Peanuts, cashews – Add a crunchy texture to the mixture. It also enhances the flavor profile with its savory richness, making this snack even more irresistible.
• Raisins – Adds a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture to balance the savory elements. It also brings a nice contrast of taste.
• Sesame Seeds – Optional but highly recommended. These tiny seeds add a nutty, slightly toasted flavor and additional crunch to the mixture, giving it a lovely depth of texture.
• Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder – Turmeric not only adds color to the mix but also gives a subtle earthy flavor while chili powder adds a gentle heat and bright color to the mixture. 
• Oil – For frying the ingredients. Use a neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil for frying, or ghee for a richer taste.

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Why This Recipe Works

• This recipe is made with simple ingredients.
• It is a quick and easy recipe to make in less than 30-40 minutes.
• It has a balance of textures and flavors. It makes every bite enjoyable.
• It is easily customizable, you can add ingredients of your choice to suit your taste.
• You can adjust the spice level of the dish according to your preference.
• It’s a great make-ahead snack recipe.
• It’s perfect for festive occasions, or as a go-to snack during the week.

How to make Aval Mixture Step by Step

1.Get ready with all your ingredients. Heat oil, once its hot add fried gram dal and fry till golden brown. My peanuts are roasted ones so slightly fried it. If using unroasted do fry and mix. Use a strainer to drain excess oil. Add it to tissue paper. Set aside.

2.Next fry curry leaves until crisp, drain and set aside. Then fry cashews till golden brown, drain and set aside. Add raisins and fry till it bubbles up, drain and set aside.

3.Take your poha, add it to oil and fry till the ‘shh’ sound ceases, Drain and add it to tissue paper to remove excess oil.

4.Add sesame seeds, let it splutter then add required salt red chili and turmeric powders. Now collect everything and drain the excess oil using a tissue paper.

5.After draining and removing excess oil, mix everything together and toss it well. Check, adjust salt and spice level.

Cool down and then store in an airtight container! Serve as a snack with hot coffee.

Expert Tips

• Use thick poha – Always use thick variety poha, as thin poha will turn oily and soggy very quickly when fried.
• Frying – Fry each ingredient separately to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy to prevent sogginess.
• Oil – Use just enough oil to fry the poha. This helps avoid it soaking up too much oil, keeping it light and crispy.
• Garlic – For extra flavor, fry a crushed garlic clove with the curry leaves. This gives the oil a subtle garlic taste that adds depth to the mixture.
• Frying temperature – Ensure the oil is hot enough but not smoking. This will make the ingredients crispy without burning them.
• Customize spices – You can add chilli flakes for a spicier version. Also, adjust the spice level to suit your taste preference.
• Cooling – Allow the mixture to cool completely before storing it. This helps it stay crisp for a longer time and prevents it from becoming soft.

Serving and Storage

Serve Aval Mixture as a snack with hot tea or coffee. It’s perfect for tea-time or as a festive snack. 

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing it to maintain its crisp texture.

FAQS

1.Why is my aval mixture soft?

If the poha isn’t fried properly, it can remain soft. Make sure to fry it until it stops making the “shh” sound. It indicates it’s fully crisp. Also if oil temperature is low then it might turn soggy.

2.Can I use red poha or brown poha?

Yes, you can. Use the thick variety. The taste and color will be slightly different, but will still taste delicious.

3.Can I add other spices to flavor the mixture?

Yes, you can add a pinch of chat masala, cumin powder, or pepper powder if you like extra flavor.

4.Can I skip raisins?

Raisins add a sweet crunch, but if you prefer, you can skip them or substitute them with other dried fruits.

5.Can I use raw peanuts?

While roasted peanuts are ideal for this recipe, you can use raw peanuts. Just make sure to roast them until golden before mixing them in.

6.Can I make Aval Mixture ahead of time?

Yes, Aval Mixture is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the mixture and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it to maintain its crunchiness.

If you have any more questions about this Aval Mixture Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

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