Charmure Upkari (Spicy Puffed Rice)

I actually never thought that I would be writing about this simple, spicy and tasty, “no fuss”, no cooking and a typical “Amchi” snack – Charmure Upkari.   “Charmure” is the Konkani word for puffed rice and “Upkari” means a dry curry.

Hello friends, I got back (about ten days ago) after attending our annual “Teru” or Ratha-Utsav festival in Katapady, a small village in Udupi district. During the last day of the festival, a fair is generally held in the temple premises wherein various stalls are put up. Here, one gets to taste some authentic Konkani cuisine – Golli Bajje, Biscut Aambado, Charmure Upkari etc…. To tell you frankly, the taste of one such item that still lingers in my mouth is the humble “Charmure Upkari”. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am tasting this after a long time. So, here it is!

 

 

Ingredients

Ingredients

Charmuro / Puffed rice	2 cups
Coconut gratings	3-4 tbsps
Coconut oil	3-4 tsps
Chilly powder	½ tsp
Sambhar powder	1 tsp
Onions (chopped)	1 medium
Lemon juice  (optional)	1 tsp
Chopped coriander leaves	1 tbsp
Grated carrot (optional)	1-2 tbsp
Salt	As per taste

Method :

1. In a large bowl, place the coconut gratings, chilly powder, sambhar powder, coconut oil, chopped onions, grated carrot, lime juice, salt  and Charmuro/Puffed rice.  Mix them well.
2. Finally garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
3. Serve immediately.

Prepartion time :  15-20 mins

Serves : 2

Note:

• Charmuro/Puffed rice should be fresh and crisp. If it’s not crisp, roast it in a pan for a few minutes – it will turn crispy.
• This is an evening snack.
• You can use any oil of your choice. But coconut oil gives it that authentic “Amchi” taste.
• Use of chilly powder and Sambhar powder can be adjusted according to one’s taste.