Bhadang ( Puffed Rice Mixture)

Bhadang is a spicy mixture made with puffed rice and is a popular snack in the state of Maharashtra, India. Puffed rice is known as Kurmura or Murmura in Marathi. This tasty mixture is very easy to prepare, can be made in no time and is a great low calorie and a healthy snacking option. One cup of puffed rice has only 54 calories which can be broken down as  2 % from fat, 91% from carbs and 7% from  protein (Source - fatsecret.com). Here is the link to this information.

This mixture is usually made in bulk and stored in air tight containers and can stay good for months. With Diwali round the corner, I made a big batch of bhadang today which I am sure won't last long.  Bhadang can also be used to make bhel if you have chutneys on hand or dry bhel (sukha bhel) if you don't have chutneys - just add some onions, tomatoes, green chillies and lemon juice and enjoy the amazing flavours.  Here is the recipe for this tasty and healthy bhadang.

Bhadang - Spicy Puffed Rice Mixture

Ingredients

• 6 cups puffed rice 
• 4 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida/hing
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 3-4 garlic cloves minced
• 3-4 green chillies cut into big pieces
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1.5 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup peanuts

Method

• Heat oil in a wok. Add peanuts and fry them for sometime till they start making a popping sound.Take out the peanuts in a plate and keep them aside.
• In the same oil, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. After they start spluttering add the green chillies, garlic and curry leaves and fry till the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Add hing, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, sugar and salt. 
• Add the puffed rice, peanuts and raisins and mix till the puffed rice is fully coated. Sauté on low heat for about 4-5 minutes. 
• Cool and store in an air tight container.