Authentic Indian Chakli Recipe: A Crunchy Snack for All Occasions

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Rice Flour
  • 1/2 cup Besan (Gram Flour)
  • 1/4 cup Urad Dal Flour
  • 1 tablespoon Softened Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • Water, as needed for kneading
  • Oil, for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, besan, urad dal flour, carom seeds, sesame seeds, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida and salt.
  2. Add the softened butter to the flour mixture and mix it well.
  3. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a soft, pliable dough.
  4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
  5. While the oil is heating, fill the chakli maker with a portion of the dough.
  6. Press the chakli maker to form spirals onto a sheet of parchment paper or a clean, dry cloth.
  7. When the oil is sufficiently hot, gently slide the chakli into the oil.
  8. Fry the chakli until it turns golden brown on both sides. Ensure to flip the chakli a few times for even frying.
  9. Remove the fried chakli using a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  10. Repeat steps 5 to 9 with the remaining dough.
  11. Allow the chakli to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine and mix the ingredients.
  • Chakli Maker - A special kitchen tool used to shape the chakli dough into spirals.
  • Deep Frying Pan - A pan with high sides to hold enough oil for deep frying the chakli.
  • Slotted Spoon - A spoon with slots or holes to remove the fried chakli from the oil.
  • Parchment Paper or Cloth - To place the formed chakli spirals before frying.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the excess oil from the fried chakli.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of rice flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace besan with corn flour or chickpea flour for a different flavor and texture.
  • Add a teaspoon of cumin seeds or fennel seeds for an extra burst of flavor.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chilli powder or add finely chopped green chillies.
  • Add a tablespoon of grated ginger for a hint of warmth and freshness.
  • Try using ghee instead of butter for a richer taste.
  • Experiment with different spices like garam masala, chaat masala, or black pepper to give the chakli a unique twist.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the wheat-based flours with gluten-free flours like millet flour or sorghum flour.
  • Add a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs like coriander leaves or curry leaves to enhance the flavor.
  • Make a sweet version by adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a pinch of cardamom powder to the dough.

Recipe overview

Enjoy the festive season with this traditional and crunchy Indian snack - Chakli. Also known as murukku, this delectable snack is a favorite during celebrations and is sure to bring a smile to your face. Expect a delightful fusion of flavors from the blend of rice flour, besan, and urad dal flour, enhanced with a mix of spices including carom seeds, sesame seeds, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and asafoetida. The process of making chakli is as enjoyable as savoring it - kneading the dough, shaping the spirals with a chakli maker, and deep frying them to golden perfection. With a crispy texture and a savory taste, chakli is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea or coffee. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and create this wonderful snack in your kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought rice flour instead of making it at home? Yes, you can use store-bought rice flour instead of making it at home. However, homemade rice flour is preferred for better texture and taste.
  2. Can I substitute any of the flours with a different flour? It is best to stick to the recommended combination of rice flour, besan, and urad dal flour for the authentic taste and texture of chakli. Substituting flours may alter the final result.
  3. Can I skip the carom seeds and sesame seeds? Carom seeds and sesame seeds add flavor and crunch to the chakli. However, if you don't have them or prefer not to use them, you can skip them. The chakli will still be delicious.
  4. How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying? To check if the oil is hot enough, you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it immediately rises to the surface and starts sizzling, the oil is hot enough for frying.
  5. Can I bake the chakli instead of deep frying? Chakli is traditionally deep-fried for the best texture and taste. Baking may result in a different texture and may not yield the same crispy outcome. However, if you prefer, you can try baking at a moderate temperature until they turn golden brown.
  6. How long can I store the chakli? Once the chakli has completely cooled, you can store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Ensure that the container is kept in a cool, dry place.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Chakli, a delightful Indian snack, has its roots spread across different regions of India, each with its unique variant. It's interesting to note that Chakli is known by various names in different parts of the country. In Maharashtra, it's known as 'Chakli', while in South India, it is referred to as 'Murukku'. While the North Indians make it during Diwali, the South Indians relish it as 'Murukku' during the Pongal festival. Although this crunchy snack has different names and slightly varied recipes across regions, the crux of its preparation remains the same. The dough made from rice flour and urad dal flour is shaped into spiral forms using a chakli maker, and then deep-fried to perfection. The endearing versatility and the ease of preparing this snack make it a popular festive delight across the Indian subcontinent.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.