Spice it up with 'Jhaalmuri'

'Jhaalmuri', the spicy puffed rice salad, is a light snack you can have anytime anywhere. It is one of the Kolkata's popular street speciality. You will find some of the Jhaalmuri vendors wandering in the local trains while others being stationed at outside every popular public space. The best part of this snack is that you can get it made as per your taste preferences. There are variety of ingredients to choose from. My personal favourite Jhaalmuri spot is the one at New Market, Esplanade. The muri masala (spices) they use gives a special kick of flavour!

Nothing can beat the taste of the Jhaalmuri you get on the streets but I often like to experiment with different ingredients at home. Here is a simple variation of this versatile snack:

• 1 cup puffed rice ("Muri")

• 1/4 cup chickpea flour noodles ("Sev")

• 1/4 cup boiled peanuts

• 1/4 cup edamame or corn

• 3 green chillies, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon shredded coconut

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1/2 medium cucumber, chopped

• 1/4 onion, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon tamarind sauce

• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

• 1 teaspoon mustard oil

• Pinch chaat masala

• Pinch garam masala

• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder

• 1/2 tsp rock salt

• Salt to taste

Combine the puffed rice, chickpea flour noodles, edamame and boiled peanuts in a large bowl. Stir in the shredded coconut, cilantro, coconut, green chillies, tomato, cucumber and onions to combine. Add the tamarind sauce, lime juice, mustard oil, chaat masala, garam masala, red chilli powder, rock salt, salt and mix well.

Serve in a bowl or a cone made from newspaper. Enjoy!