Why did my murukulu turn out oily?

There are two common reasons: either the dough was too soft and watery, or the oil was not hot enough. Ensure the dough is a non-sticky, pliable consistency and always test the oil temperature before frying.

How do I store murukulu to keep them crispy?

Let the murukulu cool down completely to room temperature before storing. Then, place them in a clean, dry, airtight container. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to 3 weeks.

Murukulu is a deep-fried snack, making it high in calories and fat. While it's a delicious traditional treat, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

How many calories are in one serving of Murukulu?

A serving of 4 murukulu pieces contains approximately 280-320 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fats from the frying oil.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While traditional murukulu is deep-fried for its characteristic texture, you can try baking them. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. The texture will be different, more like a cracker, but it's a healthier alternative.

Home / Recipes / south_indian / Murukulu

south_indianMediumvegetariannut free

Murukulu

POPULARITY

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

9/10

Crispy, golden, and addictively savory. These spiral-shaped South Indian snacks are made from rice flour and urad dal, seasoned with aromatic spices. A perfect crunchy treat for festivals or with a cup of chai.

PREP

20m

COOK

30m

SERVES

4 PIECES

290 cal

SERVINGS

INSTRUCTIONS

5 steps. 30 minutes total.

5 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Flour Mixture
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted rice flour, urad dal flour, ajwain, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, hing, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- c.Add the softened butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for a crispy texture.
2
Step 2
- a.Knead the Dough
- b.Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, to the flour mixture.
- c.Knead gently to form a smooth, pliable, and non-sticky dough. The consistency should be similar to soft chapati dough – firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to be pressed easily.
- d.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3
Step 3
- a.Set Up for Frying
- b.Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed kadai or deep pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface steadily without browning too quickly, the oil is at the perfect temperature (around 350°F or 175°C).
- c.While the oil is heating, grease the inside of a murukulu press (chakli maker) with a little oil and fit it with a star-shaped disc.
- d.Take a portion of the dough and roll it into a log shape. Fill the press with the dough, ensuring there are no air gaps, and close the lid.
4
Step 4
- a.Shape and Fry the Murukulu
- b.Press the dough out onto a greased plate, parchment paper, or a flat spatula in a spiral motion to form 3-4 inch diameter circles. Tuck the end of the spiral into the circle to secure it.
- c.Carefully slide the shaped murukulu into the hot oil. Fry 3-4 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry on medium heat. After about 2 minutes, gently flip them over. Continue to fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are a light golden brown and the vigorous bubbling of the oil has subsided.
- e.The reduction in sizzling is the key indicator that the murukulu is cooked through and has become crispy.
5
Step 5
- a.Drain and Store
- b.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried murukulu from the oil and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- c.Allow them to cool completely to room temperature. They will become even crispier as they cool.
- d.Once cooled, store the murukulu in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness for up to 3 weeks.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
The dough's consistency is key. If it's too dry, the murukulu will break while pressing. If too wet, they will absorb excess oil. Add water one tablespoon at a time to get it right.
2
Always fry on a consistent medium heat. High heat will brown the outside quickly, leaving the inside raw, while low heat will make them oily.
3
For extra crispiness, you can add 1 tablespoon of hot oil from the frying pan into the flour mixture before kneading the dough.
4
Keep the unused dough covered with a damp cloth at all times to prevent it from drying out while you are frying in batches.
5
Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in small batches maintains the oil temperature and ensures evenly cooked, crispy murukulu.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Flour Variation

Replace urad dal flour with an equal amount of roasted gram flour (pottukadalai maavu) for a different flavor and a lighter, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Spice Variation

Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder for a vibrant yellow color or 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for a spicier kick.

Flavor Infusion

For a garlicky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of garlic paste to the dough. For a herby note, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped curry leaves.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

⚡️

Provides Quick Energy

The primary ingredient, rice flour, is rich in carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of fuel, providing a quick burst of energy.

🌿

Aids Digestion

Spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and hing (asafoetida) are traditionally used in Indian cuisine to improve digestion, relieve gas, and prevent bloating.

💪

Source of Plant-Based Protein

Urad dal flour contributes a modest amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

This usually happens if the dough is too dry or stiff. Add a teaspoon or two of warm water and knead again until it becomes smooth and pliable.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

general_healthy·30 min·276 cal

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Murukulu

For 8 servings

5 steps. 30 minutes total.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5