Homemade puffed rice is a delicious and crunchy option you can easily prepare at home. Perfect as an appetizer or as an addition to your desserts, this snack allows you to enjoy a light and tasty texture and is much healthier than commercial versions. In addition, you can customize it by adding spices or even a touch of cocoa to give it a different flavor and surprise your guests. If you love experimenting with rice desserts, you can also try other dishes like bhelpuri, a popular Indian snack full of flavor, or discover the delicious teurgoule. This traditional French dessert will surprise you. Go ahead and prepare your own homemade puffed rice! Keep reading to learn all the steps and secrets to make this snack perfect at home.
Pre-preparation of ingredients
Before you begin, ensure you have all your ingredients ready and organized. Measure out the 100g of SOS Special Dessert Rice and 250ml of water that you will use to cook the rice. The rice must be well cooked before drying it, so pay attention to the cooking time. Also, preheat the oven to a low temperature (approximately 65ºC) as you will need it to dry the rice once it is cooked.
Cooking rice for a perfect base
Place the rice and 250 ml of water in a pot. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the rice cooks evenly. It is essential that the rice is completely tender before drying it, but be careful not to overcook it. Drain it well once cooked to avoid excess moisture remaining when drying it in the oven.
Dry the rice to get a good puff.
Spread the cooked rice evenly on a baking tray lined with non-stick paper. This will prevent it from sticking and make the drying process easier. Place the tray in the oven at 65ºC for approximately 3 hours, or until the rice is completely dry and crispy. A helpful tip is to check and stir the rice occasionally to ensure it dries evenly. If you prefer, you can also opt to use an air fryer to speed up the process. Want to know how to cook this recipe in this appliance? Check out our recipe for puffed rice in an air fryer.
Fry the rice for a perfect crispy texture.
Once the rice is completely dry, heat plenty of sunflower oil in a pan. To make sure the oil is cooked, you can do a little test with a grain of dry rice: if it puffs up quickly, it is ready. Add the dry rice a little at a time, stirring carefully to prevent it from burning. The rice will puff up within seconds, so it is important to keep a close eye on it.
Once fried, place the puffed rice on absorbent paper to remove excess fat. This step is crucial to make the puffed rice crispy and light.
Presentation and storage of puffed rice
Puffed rice is a versatile appetizer that can be served either plain or with spices or even sprinkled with cocoa if you prefer it sweet. If you wish, you can sprinkle on some sweet paprika or a spice mix for an extra touch of flavor.
To preserve puffed rice, make sure to store it in an airtight container, preferably glass, so that it maintains its crunchiness. If stored properly in a dry, cool place, puffed rice can last for several days without losing its texture.
Conclusion
Homemade puffed rice is an ideal choice for those looking for a crunchy and delicious snack with a homemade touch. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it is also incredibly versatile: you can enjoy it as a snack or use it as a base for desserts or light accompaniments.
