Are you a food enthusiast and find delight in crunchy snacks that are also flavorful? Then this Indian snack, Murukku, is the perfect snack for you. The page provides information on indulging in Murukku and reveals the snack’s origins and history, all the way from the southern Indian state, Tamil Nadu, to all regions of the Indian sub-continent. Origins of Murukku Murukku, synonymously known as Chakli, is a confectionary delicacy that first began within the confines of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
The crunchy snack has existed since time immemorial, since the time the Tamil people were prominent tenants of the region. The Tamil community is connoted to be the prime pioneers of rice flour, and the snack was a way of conserving the current delicacy. Initially, Murukku was prepared during extraordinary events and festivities as a treasured snack. Over time, people developed a taste for the snack, so most families adopted the snack as their primary choice.
Types of Murukku There is more than one type of Murukku, each with a specific texture and flavor. The categories include; Basic or Plain goltogel Murukku, which is made using rice flour, urad dal flour, and salt. This Murukku is basic and lacks other tastes making it edible at any time of the day. Spicy Murukku, is one that uses red chili powder, cumin, and black pepper to enhance the flavor, giving it a spicy flavor. Flavored Murukku is another type which relies on garlic and onion for the added flavor using or curry leaves and sesame seeds. Sweet Murukku, is Murukku dough that is sweetened using jaggery, artificial sweeteners, other sugars making it sweet and flavored.
Ingredients for Murukku
Murukku is made up of a few easily available ingredients that burst with flavors including;
Rice flour: The basic ingredient of Murukku, it gives Chakli its characteristic texture. Rice flour is made from grinding raw rice to a fine powder.
Urad dal flour: Urad dal also known as black gram is a type of lentil that is generally used in Indian cuisine. It is made into a fine powder and mixed with Chakli for added flavor.
Spices: Spices such as cumin, black pepper, red chili powder, asafoetida are added to Chakli for extra flavor.
Oil: Oil is a key ingredient in Murukku as it gives Chakli its crispy texture. Sesame or coconut oil is traditionally used for frying Murukku.
Manufacturing process of Chakli
The production process of Chakli is a set of steps that require skill and precision. Here is a simplified version of the traditional way of making Murukku. This includes the following steps;
Mixing the dough: In a large bowl, combine rice flour, urad dal flour, all spices, and add salt. Gradually add water and then knead the combined mixture until a soft dough is formed.
Shaping the dough: Take a small portion of the dough and then roll it into a thin rope-like shape. Then coil the rolled rope to spiral or lay out in a flower shape and shape it with your hands or Palm into the required shape.
Frying the Murukku: Heat oil in a deep fry pan or deep fry kadai. Once the oil is heated, carefully drop the Chakli into the oil and fry until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
Draining and cooling: Allow the fried Chakli to cool in an empty plate with absorbent paper and an airtight container. Various other variations and flavors of Chakli has been experimented over the years, and today, there are a plethora of them to choose from. Some of the frequently prepared ones are as below.
Sesame Murukku: Sesame seeds are added while making dough; thus, giving a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch in between.
Butter Murukku: Butter is added to the dough to make it rich and melted-in-your-mouth kind.
Cheese Murukku: Cheese is mixed into the dough, from which Chakli is made. This gives a savory taste to our traditional Chakli.
Multigrain Murukku: This version is made using flour from different cereals like ragi, bajra, jowar, etc. it goes as a flat cake instead of a round version. This type of chakli is tasty and above all healthy.
Traditional methods of making Chakli
Murukku as festival delicacy: Chakli holds a unique place in Indian festivals, i.e., Chakli is prepared and shared during Diwali, which is about light and celebration. Besides Diwali, many other occasions like marriage or birthday celebrate the festival by making Chakli. It’s ideal for all age group and is even shared as gifts among friends and family. In every festival and celebration, murukku forms an integral part and no way misses from snack items to share with neighbors and guests.
Health benefits: Though Chakli is a more of a junk delicacy, it has some benefits to it as well. Gluten Free: Many people prefer gluten-free food as they are intolerant to gluten; chakli, made using rice flour is absolutely gluten-free. It is safe for people with gluten allergy or celiac disease.
Source of Energy: Chakli is made of rice; energy content is high, and hence eating 1 to 2 chakali in the evening hours will help you keep getting over it throughout the evening.
Murukku is also more nutritious: – Another reason why Chakli is enjoyed by millions of people is that it is nutritious, since it is made of urad dal flour, it is protein-rich. Protein is important because it helps to build and restore body tissues.
Health benefits of Chakli
Low cholesterol:- A cholesterol-free snack such as Chakli is a healthier choice than other fried foods that contain a high quantity of saturated fats. Preparation tips for perfect Chakli
* Dough consistency- The quantity of water used should be of the perfect amount so the dough shouldn’t be sticky or watery.
* Oil temperature- The oil used to fry should be of the correct temperature. If it is not, the Chakli will absorb oil and become greasy.
* Shape and size- There are many different shapes and sizes to experiment with the dough to make it look pleasant. A Chakli press can be used to make shapes of the dough, or a piping bag with a nozzle in the shape of a star can also be used.
* Storage- Chakli tastes best when ate hot but should be stored in a jar after cooled down to keep it crispy. It can be stored for many days if kept correctly.
Conclusion
Murukku is not a snack but an oral treat. People enjoy it and it brings people together. Chakli has a distinct flavor that consumers enjoy. It can be eaten with tea, on special occasions, or as it is to fill the stomach, providing an enjoyable experience to consumers. So, in your lazy time, you take a good movie and eat some murukku while the tasty stuff flows lightly in your mouth down your throat.
Finally, it is extremely safe to establish that Chakli is here to stay and has proven to be the most widely known snack food of all time with its highly attractive tastes. Lastly, the snack has grown to become a favorite among foodies all across the world. As a result, do not put off trying one of the Chakli variants we’ve listed rather hurry towards its crispy goodness and taste the burst like never before.
If you’ve enjoyed exploring the world of traditional Indian snacks, why not continue your culinary adventure with our article on Social Media? Discover more intriguing insights and fascinating topics to enrich your reading experience. Happy snacking and happy reading!
