Masala Muri
A vibrant, crunchy street-food snack from Bengal that comes together in minutes. Puffed rice is tossed with mustard oil, roasted peanuts, fresh onion, green chili, and a sprinkle of tangy spice mix. Perfect for a light evening munch or served alongside hot chai.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Crisp up the puffed rice.
Spread the puffed rice on a large baking tray. Place in the sun for 15 minutes or lightly dry roast in a pan over low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously, until extra crunchy. Let it cool completely.
TIPDon't skip crisping — even slightly stale muri revives and stays crunchy after mixing. - prep
Prep the fresh ingredients.
Finely chop the onion, deseed and chop the tomato and cucumber, chop the green chilies and coriander leaves. Grate the coconut. Keep everything separate and ready.
- mix
Combine the base mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, add the crisped puffed rice, roasted peanuts, chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, green chili, and grated coconut. Toss gently with your hands or a spoon to distribute evenly.
- mix
Dress with oil and spices.
Drizzle the mustard oil and lemon juice over the mixture. Sprinkle in the black salt, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, and regular salt. Toss well until everything is lightly coated.
TIPUse raw, pungent mustard oil for authentic Bengali flavor — just a tiny drizzle is enough. - assemble
Add the final crunch and serve immediately.
Top with chanachur and fresh coriander leaves. Give one last gentle toss. Divide into individual serving bowls or paper cones and serve right away.
TIPMasala muri must be eaten immediately — it gets soggy if it sits.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the puffed rice is completely cool before mixing to retain maximum crunch.
- 2Deseed the tomato thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from softening the muri.
- 3Use raw mustard oil straight from the bottle for its characteristic pungent kick.
- 4Add the chanachur only at the very end to preserve its distinct crunch.
- 5Serve immediately after tossing; muri turns limp within 15–20 minutes.
- 6For a more intense flavor, let the dressed mixture rest for 2 minutes before adding the final toppings.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mild kid-friendly
Omit the green chili and replace black salt with regular salt. Add a spoonful of sweet mango pickle for a tangy-sweet twist that children enjoy.
high proteinHigh-protein
Double the roasted peanuts and add ¼ cup of boiled, cubed potato and 2 tablespoons of roasted chickpeas (chana). Makes the snack more filling for a light meal.
low oilLow-oil
Replace mustard oil with a spray of oil or skip it entirely, and increase lemon juice to 2 teaspoons for moisture and tang without added fat.
jainJain
Skip the onion and garlic. Replace onion with finely chopped raw banana or extra cucumber and use sendha namak instead of black salt. Keep all other ingredients.
Bhel inspiredBhel-inspired
Add a handful of sev (crisp chickpea noodles) and a drizzle of sweet tamarind chutney. Omit chanachur and adjust salt to balance the sweet-tangy element.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Light and airy whole grain
Puffed rice is a low-calorie, whole-grain base that provides quick energy without weighing you down, making this snack ideal for a light evening bite.
Good source of plant protein
Roasted peanuts contribute protein and healthy unsaturated fats, helping to keep you satisfied between meals.
Rich in fresh vegetables
Onion, tomato, cucumber, and cilantro deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration with almost no added calories.
Digestive benefits from cumin
Roasted cumin powder aids digestion and adds a warm, earthy note without any extra fat or sugar.
Probiotic-friendly coconut
Fresh grated coconut provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and a subtle sweetness, supporting gut health in small amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Moisture from chopped tomatoes and cucumbers is the main culprit. Always deseed tomatoes thoroughly and pat cucumber dry with a paper towel before mixing. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
