Murukku is a popular South Indian snack made from rice flour and urad dal (black gram dal). It's known for its unique spiral or flower shape and its crispy texture. A step-by-step guide on how to make Murukku:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1/2 cup urad dal (black gram dal), roasted and powdered
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons melted ghee (clarified butter)
- Salt to taste
- Water (for kneading the dough)
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Equipment:
- Murukku press or chakli maker with the desired attachment
Instructions:
1. Preparing Urad Dal Flour:
- Roast the urad dal in a dry pan over low heat until it turns light golden. Allow it to cool and then grind it into a fine powder. Set aside.
2. Making the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, urad dal powder, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the melted ghee to the dry ingredients and mix to incorporate it evenly.
- Gradually add water to the mixture and knead it into a smooth, pliable dough. The dough should be stiff, not too soft.
3. Preparing the Murukku Press:
- Assemble your murukku press and choose the desired attachment. You can use the one with multiple small holes to create the classic spiral shape.
4. Filling the Press:
- Take a portion of the dough and place it inside the murukku press.
5. Shaping the Murukku:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Place a clean, dry cloth or plastic sheet on your work surface. On top of it, start pressing the murukku dough out of the press to form spirals or flower shapes directly into the hot oil. Do this carefully to avoid splattering hot oil.
6. Frying the Murukku:
- Fry the murukku in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they turn golden brown and become crispy. This can take 2-3 minutes per batch.
7. Draining and Cooling:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried murukku from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Storing:
- Once the murukku has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for several weeks.
Enjoy your homemade Murukku, a delicious and crispy South Indian snack that's perfect for festivals, tea time, or anytime you're craving a crunchy treat.