Puffed Rice Bars Recipe
Description:
Puffed Rice Bars are a delightful and nutritious treat, blending the crispy texture of puffed rice with the rich sweetness of jaggery and the warmth of cardamom. Infused with a mix of dry-roasted nuts and dry coconut, these bars not only satisfy your snack cravings but also offer a boost of protein and energy. Ideal for tea time, these crunchy bars are a hit in kids’ snack boxes, offering a wholesome option that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. With a touch of nostalgia, this recipe reminds me of the homemade snack bars my mother would prepare, always served with a smile.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puffed Rice | 2 cups |
| Mixed Nuts (dry roasted, chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Dry Coconut (kopra), grated | 3 tablespoons |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds, powdered | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 3/4 cup |
| Butter (Salted), melted | As needed for greasing the tray |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by organizing all the ingredients in front of you to ensure a smooth cooking process. This makes it easier to add each item promptly. -
Melt the Jaggery:
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the jaggery. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and becomes smooth, turning shiny as it heats up. This step is crucial to ensure the jaggery doesn’t burn and forms a perfect base for the bars. -
Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
Once the jaggery has melted, add the puffed rice, mixed nuts, grated dry coconut, and powdered cardamom. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the jaggery syrup. The mixture should become sticky but not overly wet. -
Form the Bars:
Turn off the heat and carefully transfer the mixture into a greased tray or cake tin. Use wet hands to press down the mixture firmly, leveling the surface and ensuring the bars hold together. The wetness from your hands will prevent the mixture from sticking to your palms. -
Cut and Serve:
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into your desired shapes—whether squares, rectangles, or bars. These sweet, crunchy Puffed Rice Bars are now ready to be enjoyed as a tea-time snack or packed into your kids’ school lunchbox.
Allergen Information:
- Nuts: This recipe contains mixed nuts (typically including almonds, cashews, and walnuts). Ensure there are no nut allergies in those consuming the bars.
- Dairy: Butter is used to grease the tray; those with dairy allergies should substitute with a dairy-free butter or oil.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Dietary Preferences:
- High-Protein Vegetarian: Packed with mixed nuts, these bars offer a good source of plant-based protein.
- Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Refined Sugar-Free: The sweetness in this recipe comes entirely from jaggery, a natural sweetener rich in minerals.
Tips & Tricks:
- For a Crunchier Texture: If you prefer extra crunch, lightly toast the puffed rice and nuts before mixing them with jaggery. This enhances their flavor and adds a deeper crunch.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like pistachios or almonds, or add raisins for a sweet burst of fruit.
- Storage: Store the Puffed Rice Bars in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re perfect for on-the-go snacks, and the flavor tends to improve after a day or two.
Conclusion:
Puffed Rice Bars are a classic snack, offering a balance of crunch, sweetness, and nutrition. The combination of puffed rice, jaggery, mixed nuts, and cardamom creates a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack to accompany your afternoon tea or a healthy option for kids’ lunchboxes, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Try this recipe for a taste of nostalgia and a touch of homemade goodness, and let the delightful crunch bring joy to your snack time!
