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Snacking frequently has a poor rap for being unhealthy and high in empty calories. But what if we told you there was a method to indulge your snacking urges without endangering your health? Enter Bhunja, a well-known and savoury street snack from the Indian state of Bihar that can be made healthy by using the proper ingredients.
Made across Bihari homes and equally available on the streets of cities like Patna, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, etc. Bhunja is a delectable blend of tastes and textures made from puffed rice or flattened rice, veggies, spices, and numerous other crunchy ingredients. Let's look at seven delectable Bhunja dishes that make snack time a guilt free treat.
1. Puffed Rice Bhunja: All Bhunja variants are built upon the traditional Puffed Rice Bhunja. Starting with puffed rice, a low-calorie and gluten-free ingredient, you can prepare this. For freshness, mix with finely sliced onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and green chiles. Add chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice for flavour. Combine everything for a quick snack that is refreshing and satisfying at any time of day.
2. Poha Bhunja: Another great base for a healthy bhunja is poha, or flattened rice. To make the poha more crunchy, start by lightly toasting or dry roasting it. Add some toasted peanuts for texture and protein, along with some grated carrots and diced bell peppers. For that distinctive bhunja flavour, season with black salt, red chilli powder, and a little bit of turmeric. Your Poha bhunja is now prepared to serve a delicious and filling snack.
3. Sprout Bhunja: Add sprouted moong beans or other legumes to your bhunja to up the nutritious value. These sprouts provide the snack a hearty character while also being a rich source of important nutrients. For a special touch, combine them with finely chopped spinach, shredded coconut, and a tiny bit of mustard oil. The outcome is a Sprout bhunja that is flavorful and healthy.
4. Chana Bhunja: This bhunja variant benefits from the nutty goodness of chickpeas, or chana. Toss the chickpeas with the puffed rice after roasting or cooking them until they are crispy. For a flavour explosion, include diced tomatoes, red onions, and green chiles. Sprinkle with roasted cumin powder, black salt, and amchoor (dried mango) powder to improve the flavour. Your protein-rich Chana bhunja is a delicious treat that will keep you fuller for longer.
5. Peanut Bhunja: In addition to being delicious, peanuts are also a great source of protein and good fats. Roasted peanuts, puffed rice, raw mango diced, and finely chopped coriander leaves join to make Peanut bhunja. Mango's tanginess perfectly balances the earthy flavours of the peanuts. For a tasty and wholesome snack, incorporate a bit of red chilli powder, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Mixed Bhunja: Experience a flavour explosion with Mixed Bhunja, a seductive fusion of spices and textures that is both thrilling and gratifying. This creative recipe mixes a variety of flavours, from tart raw mango and crunchy peanuts to puffed rice and crispy peanuts. A joyful dance of flavours that encapsulates the spirit of street food culture, Mixed Bhunja is tossed with flavorful spices, chopped onions, and fresh coriander leaves. This meal delivers a harmonic blend of ingredients that is sure to take your munching to a whole new level of pleasure, whether it is consumed as a quick snack or a light party appetiser.
7. Packaged Snacks Bhunja: Although it can be tempting, packaged foods like Lays and Kurkure are not the healthiest choices. Make them into Bhunja to transform them into a healthier delight. Reduce the size of the chips, then combine them with the puffed rice. Add some chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and almonds for crunch and nutrition. Although these prepackaged snacks are not the healthiest, the bhunja version gives them a creative twist that improves their taste and general health.
Bhunja is an adaptable and delicious snack that may be made to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional requirements. You can make this common street dish into a guilt-free treat by using the appropriate ingredients and adding fresh vegetables, sprouts, and nuts. These seven bhunja recipes provide something for everyone, whether you prefer traditional tastes or want to try out novel pairings. Your taste senses and body will thank you for choosing homemade bhunja the next time you are in the mood for a snack instead of one of the bad ones.
