Recipe: Chakli or Murukku

Chakli, also known as Chakkuli or Murukku in some regions, is a delicious and crunchy traditional Indian snack, especially popular during festivals like Diwali. Its spiral shape, obtained through a special mold, is not only visually appealing but also contributes to its unique texture.

Made from rice flour and urad dal, this snack is a testament to India's rich culinary heritage, where every ingredient and technique has a story to tell. Making Chakli is an art passed down from generation to generation, and each family has their own unique version, with slight variations in ingredients and methods.

Chakli, with its spiral shape and crunchy flavor, is a delight that evokes memories of celebrations and shared moments. Its preparation, although requiring patience and practice, is a rewarding experience that culminates in a bite full of tradition and flavor.

In the context of Ayurveda , the composition of Chakli presents interesting aspects. Rice flour, the main base, is generally considered light and easy to digest, although it can be slightly astringent. Urad dal, on the other hand, is heavier and more nutritious, providing protein and fiber.

Combining the two can help balance the properties of each ingredient. Sesame seeds are valued in Ayurveda for their warming and nourishing properties, in addition to being a good source of calcium.

Frying, however, can increase the fat content and make Chakli harder to digest, especially for people with weak digestion or Kapha imbalances. From an Ayurvedic perspective, it is advisable to consume Chakli in moderation, especially during the colder months, and to balance it with herbs and spices that aid digestion, such as ginger or cumin.

However, it is important to remember that Ayurvedic recommendations should be individualized and based on each person's constitution (Prakriti) and state of balance (Vikriti), so it is always advisable to consult a qualified professional before making significant changes to your diet.

Enjoy this unique appetizer, either alone or with others, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Indian cuisine. Prepare to enjoy a bite that encapsulates centuries of tradition and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 mins ♥ Cook Time: 20 mins ♥ Total Time: 40 mins ♥ Yield: 4 servings

Nutrition: 47 calories, 1.2 grams fat

Ingredients:

1 cup rice flour
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup sour cream
5 tbsp pea flour
5 tbsp butter
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp sesame seeds
Salt to taste
Water
Oil for frying

Recipe Method:

In a medium sized pot mix the rice flour, all-purpose flour, pea flour, cream, sesame seeds, cumin seeds and salt. Soften the butter and incorporate the mixture to create crumbly dough. Add water in small amounts and knead up to create soft dough. Make sure there are no air bubbles. Wrap the sheet of dough into a sheet of plastic wrap and let rest for
15 minutes.

Do spirals first on sheet of clean paper towels.

Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat using sufficient amount of oil to submerge all the murukkus without touching each other. Carefully transfer the murukkus in hot oil. Fry until golden brown.

Be careful since the cumin seeds might burn within murukkus.

Remove from the oil with a skimmer and arrange them on a sheet of absorbent kitchen paper to drain excess oil. Allow to cool. Store the chakli in an airtight box or put them under vacuum at room temperature to preserve the fragrance. They will keep for a few days in a dry container.

TIPS:

1. Store the chakris in an airtight container or vacuum-pack them at room temperature to preserve their fragrance.
2. Test it with a small amount of batter before dipping the first chakris. If it floats immediately, it's too hot.
3. This is a specific tool for making a snack called Sev. It can be purchased online or in ethnic shops near you for just a few rupees.
4. Chakli is traditionally enjoyed with hot chai tea or filtered Indian coffee. It also pairs well with refreshing drinks like mango lassi or nimbu pani (Indian lemonade).
5. Chakli can be served as part of a festive meal alongside other appetizers such as samosas, pakoras, and bhujia. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to main dishes such as dal makhani or chana masala.