Post published on March 18, 2021 by vspiceroute

Last post modified on October 2, 2025 by vspiceroute

Introduction

Cereal no Chevdo is a modern twist on a traditional Gujarati snack. Growing up in India, cereal wasn’t something we ate every day, it was more of an occasional treat. But after moving to the USA, cereal became a pantry staple, and soon I discovered that it could be turned into an amazing savory snack!

With a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, crunchy, and slightly sweet flavors, this recipe is loved by kids and adults alike. Every Diwali, along with sweets and other savories, this Chevdo takes center stage in my kitchen. My family can’t get enough of it. My cousins request containers full whenever we meet, my son prefers this over potato chips, and even my mother-in-law in India asks me to send her a batch overseas.

The light and airy texture of rice cereal (Special K) combined with roasted peanuts, lentils, curry leaves, and spices creates a snack that’s not only addictive but also lighter than traditional fried mixtures. Once you try it, you’ll keep making it again and again.

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 oz) pack Special K Original cereal (or rice flakes cereal)

  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola works best)

  • 1 cup raw peanuts

  • 15–20 green chilies (slit lengthwise, adjust to spice level)

  • 1 cup split Bengal gram (chana dal)

  • 1 tsp hing (asafoetida) powder

  • 20 curry leaves (fresh if possible)

  • 1 tsp red chili powder

  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

  • ¼ cup sugar

How to Make Cereal no Chevdo

Step 1: Roast the Nuts & Lentils

  1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.

  2. Add peanuts, green chilies, and Bengal gram. Roast them gently, stirring continuously, until the peanuts turn a deep golden-brown. This ensures crunchiness and removes raw flavors.

Step 2: Flavor the Oil

  1. Once the peanuts are nearly done, add hing (asafoetida) and curry leaves. Let them sizzle for 1–2 minutes. The curry leaves will crisp up and release their aroma.

Step 3: Add Spices

  1. Mix in salt, sugar, and red chili powder. Stir well so the spices coat the nuts and dal evenly.

Step 4: Add the Cereal

  1. Reduce heat to low and gently add the Special K cereal. Toss everything carefully so the cereal gets coated with the spiced mixture without breaking. Cook for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Store

  1. Turn off the heat and transfer the mixture to a large pan or tray.

  2. Using clean hands, gently toss the mixture for 5 minutes to separate and evenly distribute ingredients.

  3. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 weeks.

  • Always let the mixture cool fully before storing to prevent sogginess.

  • If making in large batches for festivals, divide into smaller jars or pouches for easy gifting.

Serving Suggestions

  • Snack time: Perfect with evening chai or coffee.

  • Party snack: Serve in small bowls during Diwali gatherings, potlucks, or game nights.

  • Travel mix: Pack into small containers for long drives or picnics.

  • Healthy swap: A crunchy alternative to potato chips or fried snacks.

Expert Tips

  • Control the spice: Adjust the number of chilies and chili powder based on your preference. You can also deseed green chilies to reduce heat.

  • Add variety: Mix in roasted cashews, almonds, or raisins for a richer taste.

  • Crunch factor: Always roast nuts and dal thoroughly on medium heat to make them perfectly crunchy.

  • Sugar balance: Don’t skip the sugar. It balances out the spice and enhances flavor.

  • Batch making: Double or triple the recipe for festivals. This Chevdo makes a wonderful edible gift.

Once you try this Cereal no Chevdo, it will become a must-have snack in your home, not just during Diwali but all year round!

Chevdo

Cereal no Chevdo

Every Diwali we make a lot of sweet and savory snacks and this is one of our favorite snacks.
We have come across many different versions of Cereal Chevdo but my version has been a big hit with my family members. I get orders from my brother and cousins to make this before we meet so they can take containers of this chevdo to their house. My mother in law who lives in India always asks me to send this over to her overseas. My son prefers this over potato chips.
The rice cereal is nice and light and after adding the curry leaves and other spices and nuts, it makes perfect snack. I promise if you have this once you will want to eat it again and again. Checkout my Instagram for an IGTV video for this Chevdo.
5 from 9 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12 oz Special K original cereal pack
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 cup raw peanuts
  • 15-20 green chillies
  • 1 cup split bengal gram
  • 1 tsp hing powder
  • 20 curry leaves
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a wide pan, add the peanuts, green chillies and bengal split gram and roast for some time.
  • Add the hing powder and curry leaves and let it cook for few minutes.
  • Once the peanuts turn dark in color, add salt, sugar and red chili powder.
  • Add the cereal and cook for few minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and remove the Cereal mixture.
  • Transfer to a different pan and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Use your hands to toss the mixture for about 5 minutes. Let it completely cool and store it.

Notes

https://vspiceroute.com/rotli-na-khakra/
Keyword cereal no chevdo, cereals, Diwali, diwali nashto, diwali snack ideas, diwali snacks, easy snack idea, Jain, nut mix, spicy cereal, spicy crunchy snack, Vegan, vegan snack

Find more snack recipes here 

I have used Special K Original Cereal

https://vspiceroute.com/rotli-na-khakra/