Cornflakes Mixture in Microwave (No-Fry Cornflakes Chivda)

Cornflakes mixture in microwave is a super crunchy, low-fat chivda made in just a few minutes without deep frying. With roasted peanuts, dalia and aromatic spices, this guilt-free snack is perfect for Diwali or a quick evening teatime treat!

Cornflakes mixture in microwave

Here comes an easy, low fat, crunchy cornflakes mixture/chivda or namkeen recipe using microwave. I should have tried and posted this during Diwali but I didn’t. Last week my in-laws were with me. We all have a habit of munching some savouries immediately after lunch.

Every time my FIL used to buy a mixture packet from Haldirams or Maiyas. This time I wanted to try the same but I wanted it light to tummy as well as tasty. Suddenly this cornflakes mixture recipe using microwave flashed in my mind.

As I can get raw cornflakes in all the shops here, I immediately bought some and tried this recipe for the first time. You can also try this with Kellogg’s cornflakes. It makes your job much easier. We all liked its crunchiness very much inspite of the fact that it is not deep fried. I never expected a mixture without deep frying tastes this good. It is a yummy, guilt free, best evening snacks recipe for all the elders in your family. Do try this easy, low fat cornflakes chivda recipe. Everybody will like it for sure! Please check the recipe notes below for tips and variations.

No-fry cornflakes chivda in bowl

Quick Notes for US & Abroad Kitchens

  • Cornflakes Variety: In Indian grocery stores (such as Patel Brothers or Subzi Mandi), raw unroasted cornflakes (makai poha) are readily available in the grain aisle. If raw cornflakes are not available, standard breakfast cereal cornflakes (like Kellogg’s or store brands) work very well. Since breakfast flakes are already toasted and crisp, skip microwaving them and toss them directly with the warm seasoned nuts and spices.
  • Microwave Wattage Management: Microwaves in US and overseas apartments typically run at 1000W to 1200W, which is higher than standard 800W models. To prevent raw cornflakes and nuts from scorching, microwave in 30 to 45-second bursts, tossing gently between intervals.
  • Nut & Seed Shortcuts: Unsalted dry-roasted peanuts and raw cashew pieces from bulk stores like Costco or Trader Joe’s save prep time. If using pre-roasted peanuts, warm them in the microwave for just 20 to 30 seconds rather than the full roasting cycle.
  • Tempering on Electric Stoves: When using electric coil or glass-top cooktops, warm the small tadka pan on medium heat. Remove the pan from heat right before stirring in the red chilli powder and turmeric so the ground spices bloom gently in the warm oil without turning bitter.
Cornflakes mixture in microwave

Cornflakes Mixture in Microwave (No-Fry Cornflakes Chivda)

Crispy, crunchy and easy low-fat cornflakes mixture (chivda) made in the microwave without deep frying.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Snacks
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4.5 cups

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups Plain raw cornflakes
  • ¼ cup Thin poha / Thin rice flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup Raw dry peanuts
  • ¼ cup Roasted gram dal / Dalia (Pottukadalai)
  • Cashew nuts a handful
  • Curry leaves few

To temper

  • 1 tbsp Cooking oil
  • 2 tsp Red chilli powder
  • ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
  • ¼ tsp Chaat masala (or amchur powder, optional)
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Raisins (dry grapes)
  • Salt as needed

Instructions
 

  • Microwave raw cornflakes in batches on high power (800W) for 1 minute to 1 minute 10 seconds. Time varies based on the microwave wattage. For one batch, spread 3/4 cup of cornflakes evenly on the turntable or a microwave-safe plate. Keep an eye so it does not get burnt.
    Microwaving raw cornflakes in batches until crisp
  • Remove and repeat the same for all batches. Transfer to a wide bowl and let cool down.
  • Next, microwave thin poha for a minute and check whether it becomes crispy. If not, microwave for another 30 seconds to a minute. Remove and add to the cornflakes.
  • Then add dalia (roasted gram dal) and microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. Remove and mix into the bowl.
    Microwaving thin poha and roasted gram dalia
  • Spread the raw peanuts and microwave for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Remove and keep in a separate plate. Peanuts may taste slightly soft initially, but they turn super crunchy once completely cooled. Once cooled and crispy, add them to the cornflakes mixture.
    Microwaving raw peanuts until roasted and crunchy
  • Next, microwave cashews for a minute until lightly golden and remove. Add to the bowl.
  • Microwave curry leaves for a minute until crisp. Remove and add them to the bowl.
  • Mix everything gently with required salt and set aside.
  • In a small kadai or tadka pan, heat oil and add raisins. Roast for a minute until raisins puff up. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala and sugar. Turn off the flame immediately and pour this spiced tempering over the mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly until evenly coated.
    Tempering spices and raisins in oil for chivda
  • Check for taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Allow the chivda to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Stays crispy for more than a week!

Notes

• You can skip raisins if you prefer a purely savoury chivda, but adding them balances the spice with a lovely mild sweet burst.
• All ingredients were microwaved on high power (800W). Adjust timings slightly according to your microwave wattage.
• When microwaving, make sure every ingredient turns completely crisp before mixing; otherwise, moisture from one ingredient will make the whole mixture soggy in a day or two.
• Roasted peanuts turn crunchy only after cooling down completely. You can also judge when peanuts are roasted by their nutty aroma.
• If using store-bought toasted breakfast cereal cornflakes (like Kellogg’s), no need to microwave them. Just toss them directly with the roasted nuts and tempering.
• If you do not want to microwave dalia, cashews and peanuts, you can lightly roast them on the stovetop in a little oil or ghee until crisp.
• Convection oven option: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Spread raw cornflakes on a baking sheet and bake for 3 to 4 minutes, mixing once halfway through, keeping a close eye so they do not burn.
Keyword Chivda recipe, Chiwda recipe, Cornflakes mixture recipe, diwali snacks recipes, Low fat chivda recipe, Low fat snacks recipes
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Enjoy this crispy microwave cornflakes mixture with a hot cup of filter coffee or masala chai!

For more traditional festive ideas, check out my complete collection of South Indian Diwali Sweets and Snacks Recipes.

Crispy microwave cornflakes mixture recipe

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17 thoughts on “Cornflakes Mixture in Microwave (No-Fry Cornflakes Chivda)”

  1. I am an ardent mixture hater. But i can make an exception for this one mixture. Can munch on this anyday any time.

  2. i will surely try this 1.i have a packet of raw cornflakes lying. Didnt want to deep fry n do mixture . so kept on postponing..

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