Quick Oats Recipe – Crunchy Indian Snack with Peanuts & Cashews

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Oats Recipe – Crunchy Indian Snack With Peanuts & Cashews

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, satisfying snack. And if that snack can be a little bit healthy and packed with flavour? Even better! This quick oats recipe is exactly that – a crunchy, savoury, and slightly sweet Indian snack that comes together in under 20 minutes. I first made this when I was craving something to munch on during movie night, and it’s been a family favourite ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average oatmeal! We’re transforming humble quick oats into a seriously addictive snack, loaded with the goodness of nuts and a lovely aromatic tempering. It’s perfect for those afternoon cravings, a little something to pack in lunchboxes, or even to offer guests with a cup of chai. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this crunchy goodness:

• 1 cup quick cooking oats (approx. 150g)
• 1 tablespoon oil (approx. 15ml)
• 5-6 almonds
• 5-6 cashews
• 1 tablespoon peanuts (approx. 15g)
• 1 tablespoon golden raisins (approx. 15g)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
• 1-2 green chilies
• 8-10 curry leaves
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference:

Oats: Types and Quick-Cooking vs. Rolled Oats

We’re using quick-cooking oats here because they get beautifully crispy when roasted. Rolled oats will work in a pinch, but you’ll need to roast them for a bit longer to achieve the same texture. Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended for this recipe.

Nuts: Regional Variations in Nut Usage

Feel free to play around with the nuts! In some parts of India, you’ll find this snack made with pistachios or even walnuts. My grandmother always added a few pieces of dried coconut for extra flavour.

Oil: Choosing the Right Oil for Frying

I prefer using a neutral-flavoured oil like sunflower or vegetable oil for frying the nuts. You can also use groundnut oil for a more traditional flavour.

Asafoetida (Hing): Benefits and Substitutes

Asafoetida, or hing, has a unique pungent aroma that adds a wonderful savoury depth to the snack. It’s also known for its digestive properties! If you can’t find it, a tiny pinch of garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but it won’t be quite the same.

Sugar: Traditional Sweeteners Used in Indian Snacks

Traditionally, jaggery (gur) is used in Indian snacks for a lovely caramel-like sweetness. You can substitute the sugar with about ¾ teaspoon of grated jaggery if you have it on hand.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, measure out all your ingredients and keep them close by. This makes the whole process so much smoother.
2. Heat a kadai (wok) or a deep frying pan over low heat. Add the oats and roast them, stirring constantly, until they turn fragrant and light brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the roasted oats to a plate and set aside.
3. Now, add the oil to the same kadai. Fry the peanuts until they’re nice and crunchy. Remove them and set aside. Repeat this process with the almonds, cashews, and finally the golden raisins, frying each separately and draining them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the curry leaves, chopped green chilies, asafoetida, and sugar to the kadai. Sauté for a minute or two until the curry leaves are crisp and the sugar has dissolved. Be careful not to burn the spices!
5. Add the fried nuts, raisins, and roasted oats to the kadai. Sprinkle in salt to taste and sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, ensuring everything is well combined.
6. Finally, and this is important, let the mixture cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This is what keeps it nice and crunchy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this snack absolutely perfect:

Roasting the Oats for Maximum Flavor

Don’t rush the oat-roasting process! Low and slow is the key to getting that lovely nutty flavour without burning them.

Frying Nuts to Perfection: Avoiding Burn

Keep a close eye on the nuts while frying. They can burn quickly! Stir frequently and remove them as soon as they turn golden brown.

Tempering Techniques for Enhanced Taste

The tempering (the process of frying the spices in oil) is where all the magic happens. Don’t skip it! It infuses the entire snack with incredible flavour.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check that your sugar isn’t processed with bone char.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Good news! This recipe is also naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Red Chili Powder)

If you like a bit more heat, add ¼ – ½ teaspoon of red chili powder along with the green chilies. My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper too!

Festival Adaptation (Diwali/Snack Box Friendly)

This snack is perfect for Diwali or to include in a snack box. It travels well and is always a hit.

Serving Suggestions

This snack is delicious on its own, but it’s also lovely with a cup of masala chai or a glass of lassi.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled snack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It might lose some of its crunch over time, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

How long does this snack stay crunchy?

It stays crunchiest for the first 3-4 days. After that, it might soften slightly, but it will still be tasty!

Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Pistachios, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious additions.

What is asafoetida and where can I find it?

Asafoetida is a resin with a pungent smell, used as a flavouring agent in Indian cuisine. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores, or online.

Can I make this snack ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.

Is this a healthy snack option?

It’s a relatively healthy snack, thanks to the oats and nuts. However, it’s still best enjoyed in moderation.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delicious quick oats snack. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below!