Authentic South Indian Murukku Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of rice flour
  • 1/2 cup of roasted gram flour
  • 1/4 cup of urad dal flour
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing)
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, roasted gram flour, urad dal flour, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, asafoetida, and salt.
  2. Add the butter to the flour mixture and knead it into a soft dough by gradually adding water. The dough should be soft and pliable, not sticky.
  3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
  4. While the oil is heating, fill a murukku press with a portion of the dough.
  5. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.
  6. Press the dough through the murukku press into the hot oil, forming spiral shapes. Fry three or four murukkus at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
  7. Fry the murukkus until golden on both sides, turning them over once during cooking. This should take about 2 minutes per side.
  8. Remove the murukkus from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  9. Repeat with the remaining dough, allowing the oil to reheat between batches.
  10. Let the murukkus cool before serving. They will become crispier as they cool.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace rice flour with besan (gram flour) for a gluten-free version.
  • Add chili powder or crushed black pepper for a spicy variation.
  • Include crushed curry leaves or dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for an aromatic twist.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like chaat masala, turmeric powder, or garam masala to add unique flavors.
  • Try using whole wheat flour or millet flour instead of rice flour for a different texture.
  • For a vegan option, substitute butter with vegetable oil or vegan margarine.
  • Make savory murukku by adding finely chopped onions, green chilies, and grated cheese to the dough.
  • For a sweet variation, add powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and a pinch of saffron to the dough.
  • Replace the urad dal flour with roasted gram flour (besan) for a nutty flavor.
  • If you prefer a crunchy texture, add some coarsely ground roasted peanuts or cashews to the dough.

Recipe overview

Murukku is a popular and traditional South Indian snack beloved for its crispy texture and delightful taste. Made with a blend of rice flour, roasted gram flour, and urad dal flour, this delightful treat is seasoned with cumin and sesame seeds to create a unique flavor profile. The dough is then shaped into spiral forms using a murukku press and deep-fried until golden. This recipe guide will take you through the step-by-step process of making your own homemade murukku. Expect a fun and engaging cooking experience that leads to a deliciously crispy and addictive snack. Perfect for festivals, special occasions, or simply to enjoy with a cup of chai, murukku is a delightful snack you'll want to make again and again.

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. Make sure to use a good quality rice flour for best results.
  2. Can I substitute any of the flours?
    It is best to use the mentioned combination of flours for authentic Murukku. Substituting flours may alter the texture and taste of the final product.
  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
    It is recommended to make the dough right before frying the Murukku. If the dough sits for too long, it may dry out and affect the texture of the Murukku.
  4. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
    You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it rises to the surface quickly and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready for frying.
  5. Can I reuse the oil?
    You can strain and store the cooled oil for future use. However, it is important to ensure that the oil is clean and free from any food particles before reusing it.
  6. How long do Murukkus stay fresh?
    Murukkus can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  7. Can I add spices or herbs to the dough?
    You can customize the flavor of Murukku by adding spices like chili powder, turmeric, or herbs like curry leaves. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Murukku, a delectable and crispy South Indian snack, has a rich history that takes us back to the Indian subcontinent. Its name, derived from the Tamil word for 'twisted', vividly illustrates its distinct spiral shape. This timeless treat transcends generations and geographical boundaries, and it holds a special place in the heart of the Indian diaspora, reminding them of the Diwali celebrations back home. While it's traditionally prepared during festivals, the simplicity and versatility of Murukku have made it a beloved everyday snack. No Indian festivity is considered complete without sharing and indulging in Murukku's crunch, making it a symbol of joy, togetherness, and the rich tapestry of Indian culinary tradition.

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.