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Crispy Indian Puffed Rice Snack
Crispy, light, and packed with warming heat, this Indian-inspired snack mix transforms simple pantry staples into something you won't want to stop eating. The combination of airy puffed rice, roasted peanuts, and buttery cashews creates a deeply satisfying crunch. Fresh green chilies and popped mustard seeds bring a bright, savory flavor that builds with every handful. It's a fantastic savory bite to keep on hand for afternoon tea or casual snacking.
Equipment
- Wok
- Stovetop
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive or peanut oil
- ½ teaspoon whole brown mustard seeds
- 1–2 fresh hot green chilies, cut into fine rings
- 6–7 fresh curry leaves, or Thai basil or small basil leaves, lightly crushed in your hand
- ¼ cup raw cashews (this is a good opportunity to buy cashew halves or broken cashews)
- ¼ cup raw peanuts (red skins on or off)
- 4 cups puffed rice (murmura)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nice red chili powder, if needed
- 1 teaspoon fine sugar
Instructions
- 1Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, stir in the whole brown mustard seeds.
- 2Wait a few seconds for the mustard seeds to pop, then carefully add the sliced green chilies and crushed curry leaves. Stand back slightly, as the moisture in the leaves will cause the hot oil to splutter.
- 3Fry the mixture for about 1 minute until the chilies and leaves dry out slightly. Toss in the raw cashews and peanuts, stirring briskly until the nuts turn a light golden color.
- 4Pour in the puffed rice and fry for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Season the mixture with the salt, red chili powder, and fine sugar, mixing thoroughly before turning off the heat.
- 5Allow the snack mix to cool completely in the pan before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the cooled puffed rice mixture in an airtight container at room temperature. It'll stay fresh and crisp for at least a week.
- Substitutions: If you can't find fresh curry leaves, lightly crushed Thai basil or small sweet basil leaves work well as an aromatic alternative.
Recipe Details
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