Churmuri

Hi there, hope you enjoyed my two recipes so far. I've been a bit slow in posting recipes because I'm still getting the hang of blogging. I sit and think how to make my blog more interesting without boring you with my talks......which I am not good at. Okey.......this time I have something simple and easy to whip up in no time and very healthy too. Your kids will enjoy this all the more. "Churmuri " .....a familiar word for bangaloreans and mysoreans, roadside gaadis selling puffed rice mixed with seasonings and served in a newspaper rolled cone. Wow......yummy yummy, lip-smacking, finger-licking fun on a rainy day. Wait.....it's not raining.....but that's no reason not to have some fun. I bet you guys out there are missing all the roadside chaats. I am too:( Well.... let's get these things together and have some churmuri with a hot cup of filter coffee. Ummmmmmmmmmm



Ingredients:

Puffed rice ( mamra, kadlepuri) - 2 cups
Onions - 1 cup finely chopped
Carrots- 1/2 cup grated
Cucumber- 1/2 cup finely chopped
Raw mango-1/2 cup finely grated (optional)
Green chillies- 2 finely chopped
Tomatoes- 1/2 cup finely cut (optional)
Red chilly powder -1/2 tsp or according to taste
Salt to taste
Lemon juice to taste
Congress kadlekai (masala peanuts again known to karnataka-ites)- a handful
Oil - 1 tsp
Coriander leaves- 1 Tbs finely cut for garnishing
Fine sev- 2 Tbs (optional)

Take puffed rice in a microwave safe bowl and heat for about 10-15 seconds or till crisp. You can also dry roast it in a kadai for a few minutes just to remove moisture, otherwise the churmuri will get soggy in no time.

Congress kadlekai or masala peanuts can be made at home for this recipe. You can do without it or just add some roasted peanuts but let me tell you it's the congress kadlekai that gives that authentic taste to the churmuri. Some people add nippattu ( a fried snack made with rice flour).
For congress kadlekai, take:
Roasted peanuts- 2 cups
Turmeric- 1 tsp
Red chilly powder- 1 tsp
Asafoetida/heeng - 1/2 tsp
Black pepper powder- 1/2 tsp
Oil- 1 Tbs
Salt to taste
Roast peanuts , remove skin and split into halves. It's easier if you get skinless peanuts. Heat oil on a pan and add asafoetida and turmeric. Add the roasted peanuts and remove the pan from heat. Add chilli powder and pepper powder, salt and mix. Cool and store in an airtight container. Can be used as needed.

Mix chopped onions, grated carrots, green chillies, grated mango (optional), red chilly powder, salt, lemon juice with the mamra and mix . Add congress kadlekai, fine sev and coriander leaves. Add cucumber and chopped tomatoes at the end otherwise the mamra will become soggy. Mix briskly and serve immediately. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Hey guys, wanted to add one more detail. I came across this article in deccan herald which all of you chaat lovers out there must read.
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jul52005/spectrum111920200574.asp