Murukku is a popular South Indian snack renowned for its crispy texture and enticing flavors. Commonly prepared during festive occasions like Diwali, this savory delight is made from a combination of rice flour, urad dal flour, and besan (gram flour). Infused with cumin seeds, sesame seeds, asafoetida, and a touch of butter, the dough is skillfully shaped using a murukku press, forming intricate spirals. Deep-fried until golden brown, these crunchy, coiled delights are enjoyed as a delightful snack with tea or coffee. Murukku’s unique blend of spices and satisfying crunch makes it a beloved treat in South Indian cuisine.
Here’s a basic recipe for Murukku:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1/2 cup urad dal flour (split black gram)
- 1/4 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the flours:
- Roast the urad dal in a pan until it turns golden brown. Allow it to cool, then grind it into a fine powder to make urad dal flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, urad dal flour, and besan.
- Add Flavors:
- Add asafoetida, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, softened butter, and salt to the flour mixture.
- Make the Dough:
- Gradually add water and knead the flour mixture into a smooth, soft dough. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape but not too hard.
- Prepare for Frying:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
- Shape the Murukku:
- Take a small portion of the dough and place it inside a murukku press (also known as a chakli press) fitted with a star-shaped or murukku plate.
- Fry the Murukku:
- Press the murukku press directly over the hot oil, swirling the dough in a circular motion to form a spiral shape. Fry until the murukku turns golden brown and crisp. Ensure the oil is not too hot, as it may result in uneven cooking.
- Drain and Cool:
- Once the murukku is golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the oil. Place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the Process:
- Continue the process with the remaining dough, frying a few murukkus at a time.
- Cool Completely:
- Allow the murukkus to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
- Serve:
- Murukku is ready to be served as a snack. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.
Remember, practice makes perfect with murukku. The consistency of the dough and the pressure applied while shaping the murukku can affect the final result. Adjust water or flour as needed to get the right consistency.
