Churmuri (Spicy Puffed Rice)

I can see so many people drooling just by reading the name Churmuri. Just like golgappe/pani poori is for North Indians, I feel churmuri is for Kannadigas (people from Karnataka State, India). I am not saying, Kannadigas donot like golgappe, they love to eat golgappe too :D Churmuri is a street food/chaat of Karnataka. Street vendors sell puffed rice mixed with seasonings and served in a newspaper rolled into a cone. Churmuri can have a number of toppings. The combination of finely chopped onions, chopped cilantro, grated carrots and dry roasted peanuts is one of the most popular toppings for churmuri.(Courtesy: Wikipedia) This street food doesnot call for perfect measurements. Throw in carrots, tomatoes, onions grated mango, chopped cucumber, murukku ( a fried snack) or fried dhal according to your choice & believe me it tastes great :D

Note: Sorry for the delay in posting a recipe. I was on a trip for 5 days & later the sea sickness hit me hard. I will write more about my trip in my next post. Also, I need to catch up with so many recipes posted by my blogger friends.

  

Ingredients: (Serves 3-4)
Puffed rice/Puri/Murmura/Mandakki:  4 cups
Finely chopped onion: 3 tbsp
Grated carrot: 2 tbsp
Congress/roasted peanuts: 1-2 tbsp
Green chilli paste: 1/4 tsp (adjust according to your family needs)
Chaat masala: a pinch (optional)
Red chilli powder: 1/2 tsp (adjust according to your family needs)
Salt: According to taste
Cumin seeds powder: 1/4 tsp
Chopped tomato: 2 tbsp (optional, but recommended)
Sev: 2 tbsp
Oil: 1 tsp
Coriander leaves: 1 tbsp (finely chopped)
Lemon juice: 1 tbsp (adjust according to your family needs)

Method:

• Heat the puffed rice in the microwave for a minute for more crispness (Note: this step is completely optional. if you use a puffed rice that is already crisp & fresh, no need for this. I always do this as I donot find the puffed rice fresh here in Singapore).
• Take a large bowl. Throw in the onions, carrots. green chilli paste, red chilli powder, chaat masala, cumin seeds powder & mix well. Now add the puffed rice, salt, roasted peanuts, oil & mix again. Finally add the tomato, sev, lemon juice, coriander leaves. Mix them thoroughly & serve immediately. 

Note:

• Because of the addition of tomatoes, the puffed rice becomes soggy very fast. Hence, it is advised to be consumed immediately.
• Throw in grated raw mangoes or finely chopped cucumbers for different versions of churmuri.