Authentic Bengali Street Food: Jhalmuri Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Puffed Rice (Murmura)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped Onions
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped Tomatoes
  • 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Coriander Leaves
  • 1/2 cup boiled, peeled and mashed Potatoes
  • 1/4 cup roasted Peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons Mustard Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 cup Sev (optional)
  • Few sprigs of fresh Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, and mashed potatoes. Mix well.
  2. To this mixture, add the roasted peanuts, red chili powder, chaat masala, and salt. Mix again until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Now add the puffed rice to the mixing bowl. Drizzle the mustard oil over it.
  4. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the mixture and give it a good stir, ensuring that all the puffed rice is coated with the spices and oil.
  5. If you prefer, add in the sev and give it another quick mix.
  6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
  7. Serve your Jhalmuri immediately to maintain its crunchiness. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine and mix the ingredients
  • Knife - For chopping onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves
  • Spoon - To mix the ingredients in the bowl
  • Measuring Cups - To measure the puffed rice, onions, tomatoes, etc.
  • Boiling Pot - To boil and mash the potatoes
  • Tongs - For handling the hot potatoes while peeling and mashing
  • Frying Pan - To roast the peanuts
  • Serving Bowls - To serve the prepared Jhalmuri

Recipe variations

  • Add chopped cucumber or grated carrots for additional freshness and crunch.
  • Include finely chopped raw mango or tamarind chutney for a tangy twist.
  • For a spicier version, add finely chopped green chilies or sprinkle extra red chili powder.
  • Replace mustard oil with melted butter or olive oil for a milder flavor.
  • Add roasted cumin powder or chaat masala for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Include roasted cashews or almonds for added richness and texture.
  • Garnish with finely chopped spring onions or grated cheese for a unique twist.
  • For a vegan option, omit the boiled mashed potatoes and use tofu or tempeh as a substitute.

Recipe overview

Jhalmuri is a popular street food originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly famous in the streets of Kolkata. This beloved snack is a delightful blend of puffed rice, a variety of spices, and fresh vegetables. Its combination of crunchy, tangy, and spicy flavors makes it a delicious and satisfying treat. This recipe walks you through the steps of making your own Jhalmuri at home. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a party appetizer, this easy-to-make dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In just a few steps, you'll create a dish that's packed with flavor and gives you a little taste of Indian street cuisine right in your kitchen. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfying crunch of Jhalmuri!

Common questions

  1. Can I use any other type of rice instead of puffed rice? No, the traditional recipe calls for puffed rice (murmura) as it gives the desired light and crispy texture to Jhalmuri.
  2. Can I use any type of oil for this recipe? Mustard oil is traditionally used in Jhalmuri for its distinct flavor. However, if you don't have mustard oil, you can substitute it with any other neutral cooking oil.
  3. What can I use as a substitute for chaat masala? If you don't have chaat masala, you can replace it with a mixture of roasted cumin powder, amchur (dried mango powder), and a pinch of black salt.
  4. Can I add more vegetables to the Jhalmuri? Absolutely! Jhalmuri is a versatile recipe, and you can add other vegetables like grated carrots, cucumber, or boiled corn to enhance its flavor and texture.
  5. How long does Jhalmuri stay crispy? Jhalmuri is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to maintain its crunchiness. If left for too long, the puffed rice may become soft.
  6. Is Jhalmuri spicy? Jhalmuri has a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing all the ingredients together.
  • Knife - For chopping onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
  • Cutting Board - To provide a surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Spoon - For mixing and stirring the ingredients.
  • Serving Plates - To serve the Jhalmuri.
  • Garnishing Sprig - Used for garnishing with fresh mint leaves.

Origin stories

Jhalmuri, a popular street snack in India, particularly in the regions of Bengal and Bihar, carries the spirit of these vibrant and bustling streets within its flavors. It is believed to have originated from the kitchens of Bengal, a region known for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. The name "Jhalmuri" itself is a Bengali word where "Jhal" means spicy and "Muri" stands for puffed rice. The snack stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Indian street food culture, where simple and humble ingredients are transformed into something that is more than the sum of its parts, providing not just sustenance but a sheer delight to the senses. Over time, Jhalmuri has traveled far beyond the streets of Bengal, making its way into the hearts and homes of people all across India and even overseas. Its irresistible combination of flavors and textures - the crunch of puffed rice, the tang of tomatoes, the heat of chilies, and the freshness of coriander leaves, all perfectly balanced with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of mustard oil - make it a beloved snack, perfect for any time of day.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.