Mumbai Style Spicy Murmura (Spicy Roasted Puffed Rice) Recipe
Mumbai Style Spicy Murmura is a delectable Maharashtrian snack that perfectly balances spiciness, crunch, and freshness, making it an ideal companion for your tea-time breaks. With the goodness of vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and onion, this snack is not only flavorful but also a healthy choice. The use of puffed rice (murmura) ensures itβs light, while the rich blend of spices creates a satisfying taste. This simple recipe, which takes only a few minutes to prepare, is an absolute favorite in many households, adding a burst of flavors with every bite.
Whether you are craving something spicy and crunchy, or simply looking for a nutritious snack that pairs well with tea, this Mumbai Style Spicy Murmura is just the perfect option to prepare and serve.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puffed rice | 2 cups |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As required |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 4 to 5 leaves |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 1 to 2, finely chopped (adjustable) |
| Cucumber | 1/2 cup, finely chopped (optional) |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
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Heat the Oil: Start by heating extra virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up, then add the cumin seeds and curry leaves. Let them splutter to release their rich, aromatic flavors.
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Add the Puffed Rice and Spices: Once the cumin seeds and curry leaves have finished spluttering, immediately add the puffed rice to the pan. Stir in the salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, sugar (if using), and chaat masala powder. Mix well to coat the puffed rice evenly with the spices.
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Roast the Puffed Rice: Continue to roast the puffed rice mixture for about 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure it crisps up slightly and absorbs the flavors. The roasting will make the puffed rice more crunchy and flavorful.
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Cool the Mixture: Once the puffed rice has been roasted to a light golden color, remove the pan from the heat. Let the mixture cool down for a few minutes.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the puffed rice is cooling, prepare the fresh vegetables. Finely chop the tomato, onion, and green chillies. If using, chop the cucumber as well.
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Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, add the cooled puffed rice mixture and the freshly chopped vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined.
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Add Lemon Juice: Finally, drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture and give it a final mix to blend all the ingredients together.
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Serve: Your Mumbai Style Spicy Murmura is now ready to be served! Enjoy it as a crunchy, spicy treat alongside a cup of masala chai or as a snack for any occasion.
Allergen Information
- Puffed Rice: Generally, puffed rice is gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. However, ensure that the brand used does not contain any added preservatives or allergens.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This oil is free from common allergens and is a healthy fat source.
- Spices and Vegetables: The spices used (such as cumin, turmeric, red chilli, and chaat masala) are natural and do not contain any allergens. The vegetables (tomato, onion, cucumber, and green chillies) are generally safe for most people but be mindful of any individual sensitivities.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is 100% vegetarian, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian or plant-based diet.
- Gluten-Free: As long as the puffed rice used is confirmed to be gluten-free, this recipe can also be considered gluten-free.
- Low-Fat: The recipe uses olive oil, a source of healthy fats, and includes no added sugars or unhealthy fats, making it a low-fat choice for a snack.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe fully vegan, ensure the sugar used is plant-based (as some sugars are processed with animal products).
Tips and Advice
- Adjust Spice Levels: Depending on your tolerance for spice, you can adjust the amount of green chillies and red chilli powder. For a milder version, you can omit the green chillies or reduce the amount of red chilli powder.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even boiled potatoes for added flavor and texture.
- Extra Crunch: If you prefer your murmura extra crispy, you can roast the puffed rice in the pan for a little longer, but be cautious not to burn it. Stir it constantly to achieve an even crispiness.
- Sugar: The sugar adds a slight sweetness that balances the spiciness of the dish. If you prefer a savory version, feel free to omit it.
Conclusion
Mumbai Style Spicy Murmura is a wonderful, healthy snack that brings the rich flavors of Maharashtra to your home. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a perfect choice when you’re in the mood for something savory and satisfying. Whether paired with tea or enjoyed on its own, this snack offers a delightful crunch with every bite. Itβs easy to make, versatile, and full of flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Mumbai.
