Puffed rice, called murmura in Hindi, is one of the most common and loved ways we enjoy rice in India. It holds a special place as a snack that’s light, crunchy, and easy to prepare. Known locally as masala murmura, this spiced puffed rice snack is a favorite in many Indian households.
Perfect for those moments when you want something tasty but not heavy, this recipe is a healthy option that’s vegan, effortless to make, and utterly addictive.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to bring this simple snack to life with a blend of traditional flavor and wholesome ingredients, ready in a flash whenever hunger strikes.
What is Murmura? Why is it Popular?
Rice puffing is an interesting process! Basically, you start with rice grains—white or brown—and heat them up until they puff into those light, crunchy pieces we all love, called puffed rice. Around India, this crispy snack goes by many names. We call it murmura in Hindi, but depending where you are, you might know it as muri, mamra, kurmura, pori, mandakki, or borugulu. It’s popular not just here but also across Southeast Asia.
If you’ve ever wandered through an Indian market, you might have noticed traditional puffed rice being made the old-fashioned way: rice grains roasted or steamed first, then placed on hot sand inside big iron woks. It’s a time-honored method that takes some patience but makes the rice light and airy.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to go through all that trouble to enjoy a great puffed rice recipe at home. Murmura is easily available in stores, and that’s what makes this murmura recipe super easy and quick to whip up whenever you’re craving a light, healthy snack.
Ingredients:
This Indian puffed rice recipe is all about pantry staples. Here’s everything you need:
- 2 cups murmura (puffed rice)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts or roasted chana dal
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, carrot, and capsicum
- 1-2 green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp mustard or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Lemon wedges
Ingredient Hacks
- Swap peanuts with roasted almonds or cashews for a twist.
- Use seasonal veggies like cucumber or tomato for added freshness.
- For nut-free diets, simply use roasted seeds or skip nuts altogether.
Equipment Needed
- Wide nonstick pan or kadhai
- Mixing spatula
- Airtight storage jar for leftover murmura chivda
Step-by-Step Process
Prepping the murmura:
- Start by dry roasting murmura in your pan for 2-3 minutes.
- This trick is essential—it restores crunch to puffed rice that’s gone soft and wakes up the flavor.
- Once crisp, set aside.
Make the masala base:
- Add oil to the same pan.
- When hot, toss in cumin seeds.
- As they splutter, add green chilies and all your finely chopped veggies.
- Sauté till onions turn translucent and veggies are just softened.
Spice things up:
- Sprinkle in turmeric, red chili powder, chaat masala, and salt.
- Mix well so the veggies are evenly coated.
Add protein:
- Toss roasted peanuts or chana dal into the pan.
- Stir until everything is fragrant.
Bring it all together:
- Finally, add your crispy murmura.
- Mix gently—murmura can break up easily, so use a light hand.
- Make sure every grain is coated with masala flavors.
Final touches:
- Turn off the heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, sprinkle coriander, and serve immediately for best crunch.
Why Choose This Healthy Murmura Snack?
- Quick & Easy: Ready within 10 minutes—ideal for busy evenings or sudden cravings.
- Perfect Diet Snack: Low calories and fat make it a smart choice for weight management and healthy snacking.
- Customizable: Add or swap veggies, nuts, and spices as you wish.
- Budget-Friendly: Puffed rice is economical and goes a long way.
- Nutrient Boost: By adding peanuts, chana dal, and veggies, you pack in protein, fiber, and micronutrients.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Growing up, murmura chivda wasn’t just a snack, it was a tradition. When the rains started and we all craved something spicy with our chai, Grandma reached for the murmura tin every time. She taught me simple ways to make snacks exciting with basic ingredients, and the joy of experimenting with flavors—red chilli for a spicy kick, a handful of peanuts for crunch, and that final squirt of lemon for zing.
Even now, when life gets busy, I turn to healthy Puffed Rice Snacks recipes like this one—a delicious reminder of family, simplicity, and joy in the everyday.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Puffed Rice Snacks
- Always roast murmura before mixing for extra crunch.
- Add lemon juice just before serving—this keeps the flavor fresh.
- Store leftover chivda in airtight jars to maintain crispness for several days.
- Use fresh coriander for aroma and color, or try mint for a twist.
- Turn leftovers into bhel puri by adding chopped tomato, sev, and chutneys.
FAQs:
- Is murmura good for health?
Yes! is naturally low in calories and fat, and when used in healthy murmura recipes, it’s an ideal light snack. - Can murmura chivda help with weight loss?
Diet snacks with murmura fill you up without the extra calories—helpful for those minding their weight. - Which other snacks use puffed rice?
Popular puffed rice snacks include bhel puri, jhalmuri, and more. - Is Puffed Rice gluten-free?
Absolutely—puffed rice comes from rice, so it’s perfect for gluten-free diets. - What’s the best way to add variety?
Try different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Swap in seasonal veggies or experiment with spices like black salt or amchur.
Final Thoughts
Puffed Rice Snacks is much more than a snack—it’s a cherished part of Indian kitchens and a delicious way of staying healthy. Whether you’re in a rush, sharing a chai with friends, or looking for the ultimate comfort food, try healthy masala Puffed Rice Snacks is quick, customizable, and bursting with flavor.
Give this Indian puffed rice recipe a try and bring a taste of tradition—and health—to your snack time.
Masala Murmura (Spicy Puffed Rice) Recipe
Equipment
- 1 wide nonstick pan or kadhai
- 1 mixing spoon or spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 measuring cup and measuring spoons
- 1 serving bowl
- 1 airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 2 cups murmura (puffed rice)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts or roasted chana dal
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped capsicum
- 1/2 pcs green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp mustard or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a wide pan on medium flame and dry roast the murmura for 2-3 minutes until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. When they crackle, add green chilies and chopped vegetables. Sauté for 2 minutes till onions turn translucent.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and chaat masala. Mix well.
- Stir in the roasted peanuts or chana dal and cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the roasted murmura to the pan. Toss everything gently so the spices evenly coat the puffed rice.
- Turn off the flame. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve immediately for the best crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep fresh and crisp.
Notes
- If your murmura feels a bit soft or stale, always dry roast it for a couple of minutes before adding to the rest of the ingredients. It makes all the difference—you’ll get that perfect, satisfying crunch in every bite.
- This snack is highly customizable! Feel free to toss in other nuts, a handful of roasted seeds, or even a little sev for extra texture.
- Like a little more heat? Add extra green chilies or some black pepper.
- Masala murmura is best enjoyed fresh and crisp, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps well for a few days, so it’s great for meal prepping snacks for the week.
- To keep the flavors bright, add lemon juice and coriander just before serving.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and super light, making it perfect for guilt-free munching any time of day.
