Authentic South Indian Chakkuli Recipe: Crispy and Delicious Snack for Every Occasion

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Rice flour
  • 1 cup of Roasted gram flour
  • 1/4 cup of Butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Asafoetida
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon of Red chilli powder
  • 1 tablespoon of Cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of Sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup of Grated coconut
  • 1/4 cup of Hot water (for dough)
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, roasted gram flour, asafoetida, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, grated coconut, and salt.
  2. Add the butter to the mixture and knead it well.
  3. Slowly add the hot water, little by little, while continuing to knead. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky.
  4. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
  5. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan.
  6. While the oil is heating, divide the dough into small portions. Using a chakli maker, shape the portions into spirals on a greased sheet of parchment paper.
  7. Fry the chaklis in the hot oil until they turn golden brown. Make sure to fry them on a medium flame to ensure even cooking.
  8. Drain the fried chaklis on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  9. Allow the chaklis to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace rice flour with wheat flour for a different texture and taste.
  • Add finely chopped green chilies or crushed black pepper for a spicier version.
  • Include roasted and crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
  • Replace butter with ghee (clarified butter) for a richer flavor.
  • Add finely chopped fresh coriander leaves or curry leaves for a hint of freshness.
  • Experiment with different spices such as fennel seeds, carom seeds, or fenugreek seeds for unique flavors.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flours like chickpea flour or millet flour.
  • For a vegan option, substitute butter with coconut oil or any other plant-based butter substitute.
  • Try adding grated cheese or cheese powder to make cheesy chakkulis.
  • Create a sweet version by adding powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and a pinch of saffron to the dough.

Recipe overview

Chakkuli, also known as Murukku in some regions, is a popular, delightfully crispy Indian snack that's perfect for any festive occasion or just an evening of casual munching. The recipe uses a combination of rice flour and roasted gram flour, mixed with a blend of spices, to create a dough that's then shaped into spirals and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a batch of beautifully golden, crunchy snacks with a light, slightly spicy flavor that's incredibly addictive. Each bite of Chakkuli offers a crunchy, savory, and slightly spicy flavor that will keep you reaching for more. This recipe guides you through the process step by step, making it easy to recreate this traditional snack in your own kitchen. It might take a bit of practice to get the shapes right, but once you master it, you'll find it's quite a fun process. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful snack time.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute rice flour with another type of flour? It is recommended to use rice flour for authentic chakkuli. Substituting with other flours may alter the texture and taste of the chakkuli.
  2. Can I use store-bought roasted gram flour? Yes, you can use store-bought roasted gram flour.
  3. Can I omit the grated coconut? Yes, you can omit the grated coconut if you prefer. It adds a subtle flavor and texture to the chakkuli, but it is not essential.
  4. How long can I store the chakkulis? When stored in an airtight container, chakkulis can stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks.
  5. Can I bake the chakkulis instead of deep frying? The traditional method of making chakkuli involves deep frying. Baking may not yield the same texture and taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Chakli Maker - A kitchen tool used to shape the chakkuli dough into spirals.
  • Deep Frying Pan - A pan with high sides to deep fry the chaklis.
  • Parchment Paper - A non-stick paper used for shaping and transferring the chakkuli dough.
  • Paper Towel - Towels to drain excess oil from the fried chaklis.
  • Airtight Container - A container to store the chaklis and keep them fresh.

Origin stories

Chakkuli, also known as Chakli, is a traditional Indian snack that is often enjoyed during festive occasions. Its origin lies in the culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent, where it was first made by the skilled home cooks of Maharashtra. The snack is also immensely popular in South India, where it is known as "Murukku." Shaped into delightful spirals, Chakkuli is a perfect blend of crunch and flavor. The art of making it is often passed down through generations. It's not uncommon for the entire family to gather around the kitchen during the festive seasons, each member engaged in the process of shaping and frying these golden spirals of deliciousness. Today, Chakkuli has traveled far beyond its roots, winning hearts across the globe with its unique texture and taste.

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.