Jhalmuri (Spicy Puffed Rice Street Snack)
Local name: ঝালমুড়ি
In short: Crunchy puffed rice tossed with onion, cucumber, green chili, peanuts and mustard oil, the spicy snack sold in paper cones across Bangladesh. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 285 kcal
Jhalmuri is one of Bangladesh's most popular street snacks, a spicy, crunchy toss of puffed rice with onion, chili, cucumber, peanuts and a splash of mustard oil. Vendors mix it to order in a tin and serve it in a paper cone. It is cooling, salty and fiery at once. There is no cooking, and it has to be mixed right before serving or the rice goes soft. Adjust the chilies to taste.
Instructions
- Put the puffed rice in a large bowl. If it feels soft or stale, crisp it in a dry pan over low heat for 2 minutes and let it cool.
- Add the onion, cucumber, tomato, green chilies, peanuts, chanachur, cilantro and the coconut, if using.
- Sprinkle the cumin, black salt and chili powder over the top, then drizzle with the mustard oil and lime juice.
- Toss quickly with your hands or two spoons for about 20 seconds until everything is coated. Serve right away in paper cones or bowls, since the puffed rice softens within minutes.
Tips
- Keep the chopped vegetables small and well drained. Wet vegetables make the rice soggy. Mix just before eating.
- Add tamarind pulp or chopped green mango for a sour twist, or boiled chickpeas to make it a more filling snack.
Questions and answers
Where can I buy puffed rice?
Look for muri or murmura at South Asian grocery stores. Plain, unsweetened puffed rice cereal is a good substitute.
How spicy is jhalmuri?
The word jhal means spicy, and vendors usually ask how hot you want it. Use one chili for a mild mix or several for a fiery one.
Can I make jhalmuri ahead of time?
Chop the vegetables ahead and keep them chilled, but toss everything together only just before serving. After 10 minutes the puffed rice starts to soften.
How long does it take to make Jhalmuri (Spicy Puffed Rice Street Snack)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Jhalmuri (Spicy Puffed Rice Street Snack)?
About 285 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 285 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
