Crunchy Flavorful Rice Krispies Treat

Oh, you’re in for a treat! Let me introduce you to the amazing world of Jhaal Muri!

It’s a spiced puffed rice dish that is insanely popular as street food in India. You know what’s interesting? While Bhel puri is a similar version enjoyed in the northwestern parts of the country, Jhaal Muri has its roots in Bengal, the state where I was born and raised!

When I first came to the US I used to miss this a lot and didn’t know where to find puffed rice (it’s available widely now). I used Rice Krispies cereal and that habit kind of stuck so I use that mostly to create this delicious treat.

The combination of the crispy puffed rice, tangy flavors, crunchy veggies, and a burst of spices creates a mouthwatering snack that is truly addictive. Trust me, once you take a bite of this delightful treat, you won’t be able to resist going back for more!

Ingredients At A Glance

Puffed rice or Rice Krispies cereal – Puffed rice you’ll find in any Indian grocery store and you know where to find good ol’RIce Krispies.

Vegetables – For spicy puffed rice, you will need diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, boiled, diced potatoes, and green chilies (optional).  Add green chilies according to your tolerance for spice; you can also skip it altogether.

Coriander leaves – The addition of chopped coriander enhances the flavor and aroma of the dish but it’s optional.

Sev mix – Sev is made of long, thin strands of gram flour that have been deep-fried and flavored. You can buy it from an Indian grocery store or get it online. It does add a nice crunch but also optional.

Spices – You will need roasted cumin powder, chaat masala powder ( a flavorful spice blend available in Indian stores or online), and red chili powder or paprika.

Salt – I have used black salt; you can also use table salt.

Lemon Juice – Lemon juice adds tanginess to the dish.

Making Jhaal Muri

Welcome to the wonderful world of Jhaal Muri – the spicy and crunchy Indian street food sensation that’s perfect for snacking on the go.

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

To begin this journey, we’ll start with the ever-humble potato. Boil them up until they’re soft and tender, ready to be cubed and mixed with the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

It’s time to add the magic! Combine the boiled potato cubes with puffed rice, fresh cucumber slices, juicy tomato chunks, finely chopped onion, fragrant coriander leaves, and a generous serving of crunchy Sev mix. Just the thought of all these delicious ingredients coming together is making my mouth water.

Step 3: Add the Spices and Flavors

Now it’s time to give this dish some serious personality. Sprinkle over some roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, red chili powder, and squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Give the mixture a good toss to ensure an even distribution of flavors. The combination of these spices will create a tantalizing aroma that will have your taste buds begging for more.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

The final step is to serve your Jhaal Muri creation immediately after preparation. Serve it up in bowls or paper cones for that authentic street food experience. But, be warned, the puffed rice will start to get soggy if left for too long – so make sure you dive in while it’s still fresh and crunchy! And, of course, feel free to add some roasted nuts for an additional crunch.

Note:

Remember, feel free to experiment with your ingredients and spices to cater to your taste preferences. Get creative and add some fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of tamarind chutney for added flavor exploration. With all these options, the possibilities are endless.

Now that you’ve followed these steps, the only thing left to do is enjoy your bowl of homemade Jhaal Muri – a perfectly balanced snack that’s ideal for satisfying your cravings at any time of day!

Some Pro Tips For Jhaal Muri

• Puffed rice quality is essential. So, while purchasing fresh puffed rice, always be sure to check the manufacturing date. I love to use Rice Krispies because it’s so crunchy and has a hint of sweetness.
• Some people like to add coconut pieces or shredded coconut to Jhaal Muri.
• To make it a lunch or a heavier snack I sometimes add kala chana. These are chickpea-like beans that need to be soaked overnight to be consumed. They are an immense source of fiber and Vitamin B. They taste really good in jhaal muri.
• In Bengal, people add a drop or two of mustard oil to add to the taste and keep the puffed rice fresh.

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