Murukku/Murukulu: A Crunchy Munchy Snacks for all Seasons

Murukku in the begining, was not a snack but was a technique used by the people of tamil nadu to preserve rice flour and other ingredients during the monsoon season when fresh produce was scarce. Today, murukku is enjoyed all over India and has become a staple snack during festivals and celebrations.

This crunchy and savory snack is often enjoyed with tea or coffee and is perfect for snacking on any time of the day.

One of the unique features of murukku is its texture. The snack is crunchy and crispy on the outside, but still retains a soft and chewy texture on the inside. This makes it a satisfying snack that is sure to please your taste buds.

Murukku is not only delicious, but it is also a relatively healthy snack option. It is made from rice flour, which is gluten-free and low in fat. Additionally, the use of spices in murukku provides numerous health benefits. Cumin, for example, is known for its digestive properties, while chili powder is a good source of vitamin C.

Even though, Murukku is a good snack option that keeps you full for a longer period of time, it can not be ignored that the dish is deep fried and contains a sin=gnificant amount of salt which is not suitable for people trying to lose weight or stugglingh with high blood pressure. However keeping the amount of salt on check and air-frying the snack can elevate the health benefits of the dish. By being mindful of the sodium content and portion sizes, you can enjoy murukku as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Here’s a recipe for making murukku:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon asafetida powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons hot oil
• Water as needed
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, gram flour, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, chili powder, asafetida powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add hot oil to the dry ingredients and mix it well. This helps to make the murukku crispy.
3. Gradually add water to the mixture and knead it into a soft and smooth dough. The amount of water needed will depend on the quality of the flour.
4. Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a cylindrical shape. Place the dough into a murukku press with the star-shaped nozzle.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadai on medium flame.
6. Press the dough into the hot oil, and using a slotted spoon, gently turn over the murukku and fry until it is golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the murukku from the oil and drain the excess oil on a paper towel.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
9. Let the murukku cool completely and store it in an airtight container.

Enjoy your homemade murukku as a snack or serve it as a side dish with your favorite meal.