Gluten Free Jhal Muri (spicy puffed rice recipe)

Jhal Muri (Spicy Puffed Rice)

If you’ve ever craved a gluten-free Indian snack that hits all the right notes—crunchy, spicy, tangy, and totally addictive—Jhal Muri is the answer. It's a popular Bengali street snack and is naturally gluten-free, made with puffed rice and a variety of savory ingredients.

What sets Jhal Muri apart is the bold flavor of mustard oil, which plays a key role in giving the snack its signature taste. While you can substitute it with olive oil, the flavor just won’t be the same.

I adapted this version from a recipe my sister shared with me. She’s an intuitive cook who never measures a thing but somehow always gets it just right. She tastes, tweaks, and knows exactly when it’s perfect. However, I’ve provided exact measurement of  the ingredients so there’s no guesswork involved when you make this recipe.

This puffed rice mix is a burst of flavor—light, satisfying, seriously addictive and quick to prepare. It’s perfect for teatime, a movie night, or just because. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE RECIPE HERE

Jhal Muri (Spicy Puffed Rice)

Ingredients:

·         2 cups puffed rice

·         ¼ cup finely diced purple onions

·         2-3 Tablespoons peeled, deseeded and finely diced cucumber

·         ¼ cup roasted peanuts (optional)

·         ¼ cup boiled potatoes, diced into small cubes (optional)

·        1 green chili finely diced for spicy hot snack (optional)

·         2-3 Tablespoons Sev (obtained at an Indian store)

·         1-2 Tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely diced

·        1 Teaspoon lemon juice

·        1 Teaspoon mustard oil

      Spice powders:

·        1/8 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder

·      ½ tsp Cumin

·      ¼ tsp Kala Namak (Black Salt) – can substitute with regular salt

·      ½ tsp Amchur powder (dried mango powder)

·      ½ tsp Ginger powder 

      Recipe:

·       Add all ingredients to bowl starting with puffed rice. (except for lemon juice and cilantro leaves).Mix well. Add spice powders to bowl. Squeeze lemon juice and top with cilantro leaves and mix well.  Add more of any ingredients you like and enjoy! 

·       Serve and enjoy immediately.

      Chef's Tip: Mix everything right before serving to keep it crisp and flavorful. If it sits too long, it turns soggy compromising both the taste and texture of this vibrant snack. Fresh is definitely best way to serve this.