Rajgira Recipe – Puffed Amaranth Snack with Peanuts & Cumin Seeds

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rajgira Recipe – Puffed Amaranth Snack with Peanuts & Cumin Seeds

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying snack, you have to try this Rajgira recipe. I first made this when I was looking for something to munch on during a fast, and honestly, it’s become a regular craving even when I’m not fasting! It’s so simple, yet bursting with flavour – the perfect little pick-me-up any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This puffed amaranth snack (also known as Rajgira Chivda) is a winner for so many reasons. It’s ready in under 15 minutes, requires minimal ingredients, and is naturally gluten-free. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients! It’s a fantastic alternative to processed snacks and keeps you feeling full and energized. Honestly, once you start, you won’t be able to stop!

Ingredients

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

• 3 cups puffed amaranth (rajgira) – about 150g
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts – about 30g
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• Few curry leaves – about 10-12
• Salt (sendha namak for fasting) to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Rajgira, or puffed amaranth, is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids! It’s also a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium.

Now, about the oil. For everyday cooking, you can use any neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil. But if you’re making this for a fast (vrat), ghee or peanut oil are excellent choices.

And finally, the salt! I highly recommend using sendha namak (rock salt) when fasting. It’s considered the purest form of salt and is allowed during most fasting periods. Regular salt is perfectly fine if you’re not fasting, of course.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously easy.

1. Heat a kadhai or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the oil and cumin seeds.
2. Once the cumin seeds start to splutter (they’ll jump around – be careful!), add the curry leaves and roasted peanuts. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the curry leaves are crisp and fragrant.
3. Now, gently add the puffed amaranth and salt. Mix everything together very gently, so you don’t crush the delicate rajgira flakes.
4. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely. This is important – it helps the flavours meld together and keeps the snack crunchy.
5. Once cooled, store in an airtight container. And that’s it!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a large batch, work in smaller portions to ensure everything gets evenly coated.
• Keep a close eye on the cumin seeds – they burn quickly!
• Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Everyone has different preferences.

Variations

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

• Fasting-Friendly Options: Add a pinch of black pepper or a few chopped green chilies (if allowed during your fast) for a little extra kick.
• Spice Level Adjustments: For a spicier snack, add a pinch of red chili powder or a finely chopped green chili while sautéing the cumin seeds. My friend, Priya, loves adding a dash of chaat masala!
• Different Nut Combinations: Feel free to swap out the peanuts for cashews, almonds, or a mix of your favourite nuts. I sometimes use a handful of chopped walnuts for a richer flavour.

Serving Suggestions

This Rajgira snack is perfect on its own! But it’s also lovely sprinkled over yogurt, added to a trail mix, or even enjoyed with a cup of chai. It’s a great travel snack too – lightweight and super satisfying.

Storage Instructions

Store the cooled snack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. It tends to lose its crunch over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is Rajgira good for weight loss? Absolutely! It’s low in calories and high in fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
• Can I make this snack ahead of time? Yes, definitely! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavours develop.
• What is Sendha Namak and why is it used? Sendha Namak, or rock salt, is considered pure and is traditionally used during fasting periods in India.
• Can I use other seeds besides cumin? You can! Try mustard seeds, fennel seeds, or even a mix of seeds.
• How can I adjust the saltiness of this snack? Start with a small amount of salt and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Enjoy! I really hope you give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below.