Churmur: Your New Favourite Chatpata Snack, Boss!

Namaste Dosto! Kem Cho? Assalamualaikum! Sat Sri Akal! And a big, warm hello to all my amazing readers from across the globe! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, back in your kitchens (virtually, of course!) with a recipe that’s going to make your taste buds sing. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of Churmur – a crunchy, tangy, and utterly addictive street food sensation!

Churmur is the king of snacks, especially during the vibrant festival of Durga Puja in Bengal. You will find it in every nukkad and galli of Kolkata. It is also a popular snack during evenings or a light snack during the monsoon season.

A Little Churmur History, Just for Fun!

Churmur is a proud child of Kolkata’s bustling streets. Think of it as pani puri’s cool cousin, but with a unique twist. It is believed to have originated as a way to use leftover phuchka (pani puri) shells, transforming them into something even more exciting. Talk about zero waste and maximum flavour!

Ready to Get Cooking?

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: No cooking required! Just assembling!

What You’ll Need (The Magic Ingredients):

Phuchka/Pani Puri shells (Gol Gappa) – 15-20, lightly crushed
Aloo (Potato) – 1 medium, boiled, peeled, and diced
Pyaaz (Onion) – 1 small, finely chopped
Dhaniya Patta (Fresh Coriander Leaves) – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
Imli Chutney (Tamarind Chutney) – 2 tablespoons (adjust to your liking)
Pudina Chutney (Mint Chutney) – 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra zing!)
Bhaja Masala (Roasted Spice Mix) – 1 teaspoon (recipe below)
Kala Namak (Black Salt) – 1/4 teaspoon
Lal Mirch Powder (Red Chilli Powder) – a pinch, or more if you like it spicy!
Nimbu ka Ras (Lemon Juice) – 1 teaspoon
Sev (Thin Gram Flour Noodles) – for garnish (optional)

Bhaja Masala Recipe (makes about 1/4 cup):

Jeera (Cumin Seeds) – 1 tablespoon
Dhaniya (Coriander Seeds) – 1 tablespoon
Saunf (Fennel Seeds) – 1 teaspoon
Sukha Lal Mirch (Dry Red Chillies) – 2-3 (adjust to your spice level)
Methi (Fenugreek Seeds) – 1/4 teaspoon
Kalonji (Nigella Seeds) – 1/4 teaspoon
Ajwain (Carom Seeds) – 1/4 teaspoon

Dry roast all ingredients in a pan until fragrant. Let cool, then grind to a coarse powder. Store in an airtight container.

Let’s Make Some Churmur!

Crush the shells: Gently crush the phuchka shells into smaller pieces. Don’t pulverize them, we want some texture!
Combine the goodies: In a large bowl, combine the crushed phuchka shells, diced potatoes, chopped onions, and coriander leaves.
Add the chutneys: Drizzle in the imli chutney and pudina chutney (if using).
Spice it up: Sprinkle in the bhaja masala, kala namak, and lal mirch powder.
Lemon magic: Squeeze in the nimbu ka ras.
Mix it well: Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to crush the phuchka shells too much.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with sev (if using) and serve immediately.

Chef Curry’s Top Tips for Churmur Perfection:

Fresh is best: Use fresh ingredients for the most vibrant flavour.
Adjust the spice: Don’t be shy to adjust the amount of lal mirch powder to your preference.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the bhaja masala and boil the potatoes in advance to save time.
Don’t let it sit: Churmur is best enjoyed immediately after mixing, otherwise, the phuchka shells will get soggy.

Churmur: Your Way!

Churmur is a no-cook recipe. You will need a gas stove or induction stove to make the bhaja masala and boil the potatoes.

Churmur: The Goodness Inside

Churmur, while a treat, also offers some nutritional benefits. Potatoes provide carbohydrates for energy, while coriander and mint add vitamins and antioxidants. Tamarind chutney offers digestive benefits. However, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to the sodium content from black salt.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Churmur as a delightful evening snack.
It’s a perfect appetizer for your next dinner party.
Pack it in a separate container for a picnic, mixing just before serving.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Go ahead, try this simple yet amazing Churmur recipe at home. Make it your own by adding your personal touch. Share it with your friends and family and watch their faces light up with joy. After all, food is best enjoyed when shared with loved ones.

Happy Cooking, Folks! And remember, keep those taste buds dancing!

Churmur: Your New Favourite Chatpata Snack, Boss!