Jhal Muri (Savory Kolkata Style Snack Mix)

With due apologies to purists, this is my personal take on the popular street food. I have never visited Kolkata, nor sampled the authentic version of Jhal Muri. But I’ve read about it and have taken the liberty to be guided by my taste buds to create this savory snack. I swapped out the puffed white rice (muri/murmura) with puffed black rice (it has a lower GI and more dietary fibre). The mixture has a distinct pungency from the addition of mustard and pickle oils. It’s spicy, tangy, crunchy and pairs particularly well with chai. 

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Recipe

Jhal Muri

Ingredients

1 cup black/white puffed rice (muri/murmura)
1/4 cup roasted peanuts
1/4 cup roasted chana
2 tbsp bhujia sev
1 large red onion, finely diced
3 tbsp chopped cilantro
2 green chillies, finely chopped
1 large potato, boiled, peeled and roughly smashed 
3 tbsp lime juice or tamarind water 
1-2 tsp pickle oil (that is the spiced oil from any Indian pickle)
3 tsp mustard oil 
Black salt & chaat masala to taste
1/4 cup finely diced cucumber (optional)
1 medium tomato (optional)

Method

In a large bowl, mix together the puffed rice, peanuts, chana and sev. Add the rest of the ingredients, stir well to incorporate.

Adjust all seasonings to taste and serve immediately.