Namakin

Namakin refers to a savory or salty-flavored food product, particularly in the context of South Asian cuisine. The term often encompasses a wide variety of snacks, including but not limited to fried lentils, spiced nuts, chickpea flour-based mixtures, and puffed rice preparations. These snacks are typically seasoned with a blend of spices like chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and asafoetida, giving them a distinct and often spicy flavor profile.

Namakin can be consumed as a standalone snack, served as an accompaniment to tea or other beverages, or used as a component in more complex dishes, such as chaats. The specific ingredients and preparation methods for namakin vary widely by region and household. The term is primarily used in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It is a broad category and does not refer to one specific item but rather a family of salty snacks. Common types of namakin include chanachur, sev, mixture, and bhujia. The shelf life of namakin is typically long due to its low moisture content and frying process.