Homemade Fresh Mixed Masala Puffed Rice/Chaal Vaja

It’s a crunchy, spicy, tangy Indian snack made from puffed rice (murmura) tossed with spices, peanuts, roasted lentils, and curry leaves. Super light, tasty, and easy to make at home!

🍛 Mixed Masala Indian Puffed Rice (Masala Murmura) Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 cups puffed rice (murmura / kurmura)
• 1 tbsp oil (mustard or sunflower oil)
• ¼ cup peanuts
• 2 tbsp roasted chana dal (optional)
• A few curry leaves (about 10–12)
• 1–2 dried red chilies or ½ tsp red chili powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp chaat masala or amchur (dry mango powder)
• Salt to taste
• (Optional: a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and some mustard seeds)

👩‍🍳 Method

1. Heat oil in a large pan on low flame.
2. Add peanuts and fry till golden.
3. Add curry leaves, dried red chilies, and hing — let them crackle.
4. Stir in turmeric, chili powder, cumin powder, and salt — mix quickly.
5. Add puffed rice and roasted chana dal.
6. Toss everything well on low flame for 3–5 minutes until puffed rice absorbs the spices and becomes crisp.
7. Turn off heat and sprinkle chaat masala or amchur for tanginess.
8. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

🕒 Storage

• Stays fresh for 2–3 weeks at room temperature if kept dry and sealed.
• Perfect for tea-time or a light evening snack.

🍋 How to Serve / Use

1. As a dry snack: enjoy plain, like spiced popcorn.
2. As quick bhel: mix with chopped onion, tomato, coriander, green chili, and lemon juice just before serving.
3. As topping: sprinkle over chaat, poha, or salads for crunch.