Heat 2 tbsps of oil in a kadai over medium flame. Add raw peanuts and fry until golden brown and crisp. Drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil and set aside. Peanuts add a crunchy base and nutty flavour to the chivda.
In the same oil, fry halved cashew nuts until golden brown. Drain and set aside with the peanuts. Cashews contribute a rich, buttery texture that balances the crispiness of poha.
Deep fry almonds in the oil until lightly browned. Drain on absorbent paper. Almonds lend a subtle crunch and earthy flavour, enhancing the nutty profile of the chivda.
Add roasted chana dal to the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Drain and set aside. The chana dal provides a hearty bite and additional protein, making the snack wholesome.
Heat 2 tbsps of oil in a nonstick pan. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown. Add chopped green chillies and curry leaves, cooking for 2 minutes on low heat. This step infuses the oil with aromatic flavours for the chivda.
Add mustard seeds to the pan. When they splutter, add a pinch of asafoetida. Stir in the fried peanuts, cashews, almonds, chana dal, turmeric powder, and salt. Finally, gently fold in roasted poha, tossing to coat evenly with spices.
Allow the chivda to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Proper cooling ensures the poha remains crisp, and the snack can be enjoyed over several days without losing its crunch.