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Food & Wine Recipe

Puffed Rice Crunch

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  • ACTIVE: 10 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 25 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 10
  • •FAST
  • •MAKE-AHEAD

In India, the chicki wallah (sweets vendor) knows to set up shop near a school: Children find this crunch irresistible.

  1. 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  3. 2 cups unsweetened puffed rice
  1. Set a 12-by-18-inch sheet of parchment on a large baking sheet and oil the paper. Have a kitchen towel ready.
  2. In a medium saucepan, cook the brown sugar with the lemon juice over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar melts, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until richly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Working quickly, stir in the puffed rice until coated, then immediately scrape the mixture onto 1 end of the baking sheet.
  3. Fold the paper over the rice, cover with the kitchen towel and roll into a tight 3-inch log. Unwrap and let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Using a serrated knife, gently slice the log crosswise 1/2 inch thick and serve.