Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kurmura Energy Bars are a simple, wholesome snack inspired by traditional Indian flavors and everyday ingredients. Made with puffed rice, nuts, and natural sweeteners, these bars are light, crunchy, and surprisingly satisfying. I first prepared them as a quick homemade alternative to packaged snack bars, and they instantly stood out for their balance of texture and flavor. Kurmura, or puffed rice, keeps the bars airy rather than heavy, while jaggery or honey provides gentle sweetness without refined sugar overload. These bars require no baking, come together quickly, and store well, making them ideal for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or an afternoon energy boost. What I appreciate most is how adaptable they are. You can adjust the sweetness, add your favorite nuts or seeds, and shape them to suit your preference. They feel nostalgic yet practical, offering comfort and nourishment in every bite.
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Kurmura Energy Bars: Crunchy, Nourishing, and Naturally Sweet
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crunchy, no-bake Kurmura (puffed rice) energy bars made with jaggery, nuts, and seeds for a wholesome, naturally sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 4 cups kurmura (puffed rice)
- 3/4 cup jaggery, grated or powdered
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Grease a square pan or tray lightly with ghee and set aside.
- Dry roast kurmura in a large pan on low heat for 2–3 minutes until crisp; transfer to a large bowl.
- In the same pan, heat ghee and add jaggery; cook on low heat until melted and slightly bubbling.
- Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt; mix well.
- Quickly add roasted peanuts, seeds, and kurmura to the jaggery mixture.
- Stir rapidly until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly with a greased spatula.
- While still warm, cut into bar shapes.
- Allow to cool completely before removing and serving.
Notes
- Work quickly once jaggery melts as it sets fast.
- You can add grated coconut or chopped dates for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Kurmura (puffed rice) forms the base of these bars. It provides lightness and crunch while keeping the snack easy to digest.
Jaggery acts as the natural sweetener and binding agent. When melted, it coats the puffed rice evenly and adds a warm, caramel-like depth. Honey can be used as an alternative for a milder sweetness.
Peanuts add protein, richness, and crunch. Lightly roasting them enhances flavor and aroma.
Mixed nuts such as cashews or almonds contribute texture and nutritional value, making the bars more filling.
Seeds like sesame or pumpkin seeds add subtle nuttiness and boost minerals and healthy fats.
Ghee enriches the mixture and helps prevent sticking while adding a traditional, comforting flavor.
Cardamom powder provides gentle warmth and fragrance, elevating the overall taste.
Salt sharpens the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by dry roasting the peanuts and mixed nuts in a pan over low heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Set them aside to cool, then roughly chop if needed.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the jaggery with a small splash of water over low heat, stirring until it dissolves into a smooth syrup. Add ghee and stir well. To test readiness, drop a small amount into cold water; it should form a soft ball.
Lower the heat and quickly add the puffed rice, roasted nuts, seeds, cardamom powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly coated before the mixture begins to set.
Transfer the mixture into a greased tray or lined pan. Press it down firmly using a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer. While still warm, cut into bar shapes.
Allow the bars to cool completely before removing and serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 10 to 12 bars. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for cooling and setting.
Storage/reheating
Store Kurmura Energy Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They do not require reheating and are best enjoyed as is.
Variations and Customizations
These bars are highly customizable. You can replace peanuts with roasted chickpeas for a different protein source or add dried fruits such as raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness.
If you prefer softer bars, increase the jaggery slightly or add a spoon of honey. For firmer bars, press the mixture very firmly and allow extra cooling time.
Flavor variations work well too. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can replace cardamom for a different profile. I also tested a version with cocoa powder mixed into the jaggery, which created a subtle chocolate note without overpowering the base ingredients.
For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of ghee.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Kurmura Energy Bars are light yet energizing. They provide quick carbohydrates from puffed rice, healthy fats from nuts and seeds, and minerals from jaggery. They are suitable as a midday snack when enjoyed in moderation.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Jaggery Consistency
Avoid overcooking the jaggery syrup, as it can make the bars too hard.
Quick Mixing
Once the puffed rice is added, work quickly to ensure even coating.
Firm Pressing
Press the mixture firmly to help the bars hold their shape.
FAQs
Can I use honey instead of jaggery?
Yes, honey works well but creates slightly softer bars.
Are these bars kid-friendly?
Yes, they are mildly sweet and easy to chew.
Can I skip nuts?
Yes, replace them with extra seeds if needed.
Do these bars need refrigeration?
No, room temperature storage is sufficient.
Why are my bars too hard?
The jaggery syrup may have been overcooked.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes, mix cocoa powder into the syrup for flavor.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, puffed rice is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make them thinner?
Yes, spread the mixture in a larger tray.
How long do they stay fresh?
Up to one week when stored properly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger pan and work quickly.
Conclusion
Kurmura Energy Bars are a simple, nourishing snack that combines crunch, warmth, and natural sweetness. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, they are a practical homemade option for energy on the go.
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