About the Recipe
There's something truly comforting about transforming simple pantry staples into a delicious homemade snack. Vaghareli Cereal is one such quick and easy Gujarati-inspired recipe that gives ordinary breakfast cereal a flavorful makeover with a classic Indian tempering. Infused with the aroma of mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, green chilies, and crunchy peanuts, every bite is packed with savory goodness and irresistible crunch.
Whether you're looking for a speedy breakfast, a light evening snack with chai, or a fun way to use up plain corn flakes, this recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes using everyday ingredients. The best part? It's completely customizable—make it mild for kids or add extra spices for a bold, chatpata flavor.
If you love easy Gujarati-style snacks that are quick, crispy, and full of homemade goodness, this Vaghareli Cereal recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients
4 cups plain corn flakes or unsweetened breakfast cereal
2 cups corn squares
1 cup honeynut cheeros
1 cup rice crispy
3 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
2 teaspoon sesame seeds
8–10 curry leaves
2 green chilies, finely chopped
¼ cup peanuts
2 tablespoons roasted chana dal (dalia optional)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1.5 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional, for a classic Gujarati touch)
½ teaspoon chaat masala or black pepper (optional)
Preparation
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves, chopped green chilies, chana dal, peanuts and let them crackle. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and peanuts lightly roasted.
Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix quickly to avoid burning the spices.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cereal. Gently toss until every flake is evenly coated with the tempering. Then add in sugar and mix again.
Switch off the heat and sprinkle chaat masala if desired
Allow it to cool to room temperature before serving to retain its crispiness and store