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Crispy, light, and melt-in-your-mouth spirals made from rice flour and urad dal. This classic South Indian snack is perfect for festivals like Diwali or as a tea-time treat. The name 'Thenkuzhal' translates to 'tubes of honey', a poetic reference to its delicate, hollow shape and texture.
Prepare the Dough
Set Up for Frying
Shape and Fry the Murukku
Crispy, light, and melt-in-your-mouth spirals made from rice flour and urad dal. This classic South Indian snack is perfect for festivals like Diwali or as a tea-time treat. The name 'Thenkuzhal' translates to 'tubes of honey', a poetic reference to its delicate, hollow shape and texture.
This south_indian recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 252.12 calories per serving with 4.7g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for snack.
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Drain, Cool, and Store
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red chili powder or a pinch of black pepper to the dough for a spicy kick.
Replace cumin seeds with 1 teaspoon of white sesame seeds (til) or 1/2 teaspoon of carom seeds (ajwain) for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of hot vegetable oil or melted vegetable shortening to make the recipe fully vegan.
The primary ingredient, rice flour, is rich in carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy to the body.
Urad dal flour contributes a good amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
A hard murukku is usually the result of a stiff dough or not enough fat (butter/oil). Ensure your dough is soft and pliable, and that the butter is well incorporated into the flour.
This can happen for two main reasons: the dough is too soft and has too much moisture, or the oil is not hot enough. Make sure the oil is at a steady medium heat before you start frying.
While you can try baking them at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, the authentic texture of Thenkuzhal Murukku is light, airy, and crispy, which is best achieved through deep frying. Baking will result in a denser, cookie-like texture.
When cooled completely and stored in a clean, airtight container, they stay fresh and crispy for up to 3 weeks at room temperature.
Thenkuzhal Murukku 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, especially during festive occasions.
One serving of approximately 5 pieces of Thenkuzhal Murukku contains around 230-250 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fats from the frying oil.
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