Jhaalmuri

One the biggest things that really get my goat is the complete lack of awareness in mainstream USA that snacks can be easy, healthy and delicious, all at the same time. Here, "snacks" seems to mean ultra, super, disgustingly sweet rubbish that goes under the guise of hostess cakes and rollos and twinkies and what have you. The fact that 'snack' signifies sweetness and not savoury deep-friedness [as it does back home] is a cultural difference: I accept that at face value. But the fact that it should be limited to sweetness alone, or that the concept of sweetness be so badly abused, annoys me no end. But more on that later. Here's how to make a really healthy but totally delicious snack.

Ingred:

Puffed rice/wheat.
Red onions.
Tomatoes.
Green chillies.
Coriander leaves.
Slice of lemon.
Boiled/roasted corn (optional).
Slices/shreds of coconut (optional).
Bengal gram/chana/chhola.
Mustard oil.


How to:
Boil the gram/chhola like you would boil beans--slowly on low flame till it's nice and soft. Soaking for a day also works, especially if you want them to sprout.



Chop onions, green chillies and tomatoes and put them in a bowl. Drain the gram and add a handful to the bowl. Pour half a teaspoon of mustard oil (when making for one) and a little salt, and mix well. Now add a handful of puffs and mix again. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and slices of coconut. Or if you like them, just add them to the mix. Squeeze a slice of lemon on top. Voila!