Chatpata Nuts - Indian Masala flavoured Mixed Nuts

Made n Enjoyed
Hello readers,

Although vegetarianism awerness is everywhere in the world, I've always found it very difficult to get hold of vegetarian food on most of my holidays in various countries. As soon as you mention that you want vegetarian food, they will say yes, we cater so many salads, chips etc. Most of the time you end up with eggs and different kinds of non veg products in your food, and you get so frustrated and end up finding an Indian Restaurant somewhere !!

No wonder, mostly we Indian's carry half of our kitchen and our chilli sauce bottles with us while we are travelling. Maybe others think we are trying to save some money and to some extent they are right - why would you pay so much for a bottle of water, rather take one from home and carry it all the way :) But let me tell you not only is it about saving money but saving our selves from starving too!  Most of us have learnt from our friends and families, although in India you can find food in every corner of the street,  many prefers to carry their own food and snacks. Reasons are the food available in India is not hygienic and most of the time you end up getting ill. So it is advisable you carry your own food with you !

There are a few reasons that most of the time I carry some non perishable food items with me while on holiday, we can get our food on time, if we can't find vegetarian option, at least we have something to fall on, and of course save some pennies :) It's a life savior !!

I prepared some chatpata nuts which my dad loves to have now and then, and few other items for our recent holiday to Portugal. Although we stayed in a self catering Villa, we went on a few excursion and they were really handy that time. It feels good when you have something to munch on while travelling. Spicy, tangy and a little sweet flavored nuts were awesome, we really enjoyed them by the swimming pool with a few refreshing drinks !!

They are great for gifting someone who is foodie, can be served at any parties with drinks or simply munch them while watching tele !!!

You will need:-

• 1 cup nuts like cashews, Almonds, Peanuts, hazelnuts . ( choice is yours whatever nuts you want to use )
• 2 tbsp any oil
• salt to taste ( try to use less salt as chaat masala contains lots of salt too )
• Dhanajeera powder 1 tsp. ( coriander and cumin powder )
• Red chilli powder 1 tsp.
• Dry mango powder 1/2 tsp. ( Amchoor Powder )
• Garam masala 1/2 tsp.
• Chaat masala 1 tsp.
• Anardaana powder 1/2 tsp. ( pomegranate powder )
• Caster sugar 1 tbsp.

Method :-
Place mixed nuts in a M/W proof plate and roast them for 3-4 minutes on HIGH ( 100 ).
Every minute pause and check the nuts and shuffle them.
When they are done let them cool for 2-3 minutes.
Add 2 tbsp. oil and all the masala and mix very well.
Once again put nuts in the M/W and roast them for another 30-40 seconds on HIGH.
If you feel that masla has made nuts too dry and your masala is not sticking to the nuts, add 1/2 tbsp. oil and mix well.
Let the nuts cool completely and store them in air tight container.
They will stay fresh up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy !!

Linking this to my own event My bowl of Snack
Celebrate - Love you Dad event series started by JCookingOdyssey and guest host by Nabanita.
 and Made with Love Mondays !