Authentic South Indian Chakkali Recipe: A Crispy Snack for All Seasons

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Rice Flour
  • 1/2 cup of Urad Dal
  • 1 teaspoon of Sesame Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of Cumin Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 teaspoon of Red Chili Powder
  • 2 tablespoons of Butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup of Water (or as needed)
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Take a pan and dry roast urad dal until it turns golden brown. Allow it to cool.
  2. Grind the roasted urad dal into a fine powder using a grinder.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add rice flour, urad dal powder, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, red chili powder, and salt. Mix them well.
  4. Add butter to the mixture and mix well again until the mixture turns crumbly.
  5. Gradually add water and knead into a soft and smooth dough.
  6. Take small portions of the dough and use a chakli maker to shape them into chakkalis.
  7. Heat oil in a frying pan for deep frying.
  8. Carefully drop the shaped chakkalis into the hot oil and deep fry on medium heat until they turn golden brown.
  9. Drain the fried chakkalis on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  10. Let the chakkalis cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A pan for dry roasting the urad dal.
  • Grinder - A grinder to grind the roasted urad dal into a fine powder.
  • Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients.
  • Chakli Maker - A utensil used to shape the chakkalis.
  • Frying Pan - A pan for deep frying the chakkalis.
  • Paper Towels - Used for draining excess oil from the fried chakkalis.
  • Airtight Container - Used for storing the chakkalis once they cool.

Recipe variations

  • Using Whole Wheat Flour instead of Rice Flour.
  • Adding Ground Black Pepper or Chaat Masala for a spicier flavor.
  • Using a Gluten-free Flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Replacing Butter with Ghee or Oil for a vegan option.
  • Adding Finely Chopped Spinach, Fenugreek Leaves, or Mint Leaves for a twist.
  • Incorporating Crushed Garlic or Ginger for an added flavor.
  • Mixing in Grated Cheese for a cheesy variation.
  • Adding Coarsely Ground Peanuts or Cashews for a crunchy texture.
  • Experimenting with different spices such as Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, or Garam Masala.
  • Using a Chakli Maker with different shapes for a unique presentation.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Chakkali recipe! Chakkali, also known as Murukku, is a popular Indian snack known for its crunchy texture and delicious taste. It's often enjoyed during Indian festivals or as a tea-time snack. This recipe combines the richness of rice flour and urad dal powder with the flavors of sesame seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and spices. The dough is then shaped into spiral forms using a chakli maker and deep-fried to perfection. This snack is not only delightful to the palate but also quite easy to prepare at home. Just follow the steps, and you'll have a batch of crispy, golden-brown Chakkalis ready to enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought rice flour? Yes, you can use store-bought rice flour for this recipe. Just ensure that it is fine rice flour.
  2. Can I substitute urad dal with another ingredient? Urad dal is a key ingredient in this recipe and provides a unique flavor. It is recommended to use urad dal for the authentic taste of chakkali.
  3. Can I skip adding sesame seeds? While sesame seeds add a nice crunch and flavor to chakkali, you can skip them if you don't have any or if you have an allergy. The recipe will still turn out delicious.
  4. Can I use ghee instead of butter? Yes, you can use ghee as a substitute for butter in this recipe. It will give a slightly different flavor to the chakkali but will still be tasty.
  5. How long can I store chakkali? If stored in an airtight container, chakkali can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain their crispness.
  6. Can I reheat chakkali? Chakkali is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Reheating may make them lose their texture and become soft. It is recommended to consume them immediately after frying.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Grinder - A kitchen appliance used to grind the roasted urad dal into a fine powder.
  • Chakli Maker - A specialized tool used to shape the chakkalis with ease.
  • Frying Pan - A pan used for deep frying the chakkalis.
  • Paper Towels - To drain and absorb excess oil from the fried chakkalis.
  • Airtight Container - To store the chakkalis and keep them fresh.

Origin stories

Chakkali, also known as murukku, is a traditional Indian snack, reputed for its delicious crunch and unique shape. The snack traces its roots to the southern regions of India, particularly the state of Tamil Nadu. Interestingly, the name "murukku" translates to "twisted" in Tamil, which perfectly describes the spiral shape of the snack. This delectable treat plays a significant role in Indian culture, often featuring in festival celebrations and everyday snack time. A special aspect of chakkali preparation is the use of a 'chakli maker' or 'murukku press,' a tool that gives the snack its distinctive spiral form. This tool and the technique of making chakkali have been passed down through generations, preserving the rich heritage of Indian culinary art.

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.