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Making prashad for Ganesh Chaturthi involves dedication, hard work and a whole lot of devotion. Most people who house the idol of Lord Ganesha at home during the festival, invite friends and family to come home, visit and seek blessings. The prashad is first served to Lord Ganesha and then distributed among friends, family and neighbours. Apart from traditional sweets like modak, farsan and savoury snacks are also prepared for Ganesh Chaturthi. These crunchy treats complement the festive spirit of the occasion.
Video Credit: Masala Kitchen
The preparation of these snacks begins with selecting the right ingredients, such as various flours, spices, and seasonings. The process often involves mixing and kneading doughs to achieve the desired texture, whether it's crispy, flaky, or crunchy. Spices like turmeric, chilli powder, and cumin are commonly used to enhance flavour, while ingredients such as peanuts, curry leaves, and mustard seeds add layers of taste.
For many recipes, the dough is shaped into various forms—spirals, strips, or flat pieces—before being fried or baked. Frying is a common method, producing a golden-brown exterior that is crispy and satisfying. Baking can be a healthier alternative, achieving a lighter, yet still delicious, result. While traditional farsan can be intricate and time-consuming, there are several easy-to-make farsan options that one can prepare at home to delight guests during this festive season. Creating these snacks at home allows one to customise them according to personal preferences and dietary requirements.
Chakli
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Chakli, or murukku, is a spiral-shaped, crunchy snack made from rice flour, besan, and spices. To make chakli, combine rice flour, besan, and spices such as ajwain and cumin in a bowl. Add water gradually to form a dough. Using a chakli maker, press the dough into spiral shapes directly into hot oil. Fry until crisp and golden. Chakli is a great addition to festive platters and pairs well with sweet and spicy chutneys.
Mathri
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Mathri is a flaky, savoury biscuit that’s easy to make and perfect for festive occasions. Combine all-purpose flour with ghee, ajwain, and carom seeds to create a crumbly dough. Roll out and cut into small circles before baking or frying until golden brown. Mathri’s crisp texture and mild spices make it a versatile addition to any festive spread.
Poha Chivda
Poha Chivda is a light and crunchy snack made from flattened rice (poha) that’s seasoned with spices and fried. To make this, roast poha in a pan until crisp. Add peanuts, curry leaves, and spices like turmeric and chilli powder, and toss everything together. Poha Chivda is an easy-to-make farsan that’s perfect for snacking and can be stored for several days.
Chana Chivda
This version incorporates roasted chana dal (split chickpeas) as a primary ingredient. The chana dal is mixed with poha or puffed rice, along with spices such as cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric. It has a slightly nutty flavour due to the chana dal and a crunchy texture.
Namak Pare
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Namak Pare are savoury, spiced crackers made from flour and ghee. Prepare a dough with all-purpose flour, ghee, carom seeds, and spices. Roll out the dough thinly and cut into small squares. Deep-fry until crisp and golden. These crackers are a perfect accompaniment to tea and add a crunchy texture to your festive spread.
Kurmura Chivda
Kurmura chivda is made with puffed rice (kurmura), which is toasted with a blend of spices, peanuts, and sometimes dried coconut. It is lighter than other types of chivda and often enjoyed as a quick snack with a hint of sweetness and spice.
Besan Chivda
Besan chivda uses besan or gram flour as a key ingredient, which is mixed with puffed rice or sev. The besan is seasoned with spices and then roasted or fried. This type of chivda has a distinctive flavour from the besan and is usually crunchier.
Methi Chivda
In methi chivda, fenugreek leaves (methi) are dried and added to the mix of puffed rice or poha. This version often includes spices like coriander and cumin, giving it a slightly bitter and aromatic flavour profile.
Sweet Chivda
Sweet chivda is a variation that includes jaggery or sugar along with the usual ingredients. It is often combined with nuts and dried fruits, providing a delightful contrast of sweet and savoury flavours. This version is less common but offers a unique twist to traditional chivda.
Chivda with Nuts and Seeds
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This chivda includes a variety of nuts and seeds, such as cashews, almonds, and sunflower seeds, along with the basic puffed rice or poha. The nuts and seeds add extra crunch and nutrition.
