Murukku, a savory, crunchy snack originating from the Indian subcontinent, is beloved for its unique texture and delightful taste.

Known by various names across regions—like chakli in Maharashtra and mullu murukku in Tamil Nadu—this spiral-shaped treat has a long-standing presence in Indian cuisine, especially during festive occasions and celebrations.

The Origins of Murukku

Murukku's history traces back to South India, where it was traditionally made in households as a festive snack for celebrations like Diwali and Krishna Janmashtami. Its name, "murukku," comes from the Tamil word for "twisted," referencing its spiral shape formed by twisting dough through a mold.

Over time, the snack spread to various parts of India, each region adding its own twist to the ingredients and flavors. Today, murukku is popular not only in India but also in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore, where Indian communities have introduced this crunchy delight to the local palate.

Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

The traditional murukku recipe includes rice flour, urad dal (black gram) flour, salt, and spices like cumin or ajwain seeds. Some variations also add sesame seeds or chili powder for added flavor. These ingredients give murukku its characteristic taste, blending mild spices with a light, crunchy texture.

Preparation Process

To make murukku, rice flour and urad dal flour are mixed with water to form a dough. This dough is then loaded into a special mold or murukku press, which creates the signature spiral or twisted shapes as the dough is pressed through. The spirals are fried until golden and crisp, resulting in a snack that's both crunchy and light. While deep-fried, murukku remains a popular and relatively healthy snack due to its use of minimal ingredients and spices.

Regional Variations

Murukku varies widely across India. In Maharashtra, chakli is a popular variation made with additional spices like asafoetida and turmeric, giving it a distinct flavor. In Andhra Pradesh, jantikalu is a thinner and spicier version, often enjoyed with tea. Tamil Nadu's mullu murukku is a coarser version with a slightly rough texture, owing to the use of coarsely ground rice flour.

Enjoying Murukku

Murukku is enjoyed as a snack at any time of day and is commonly served with tea or coffee. Its crunchy texture and mild spices make it an addictive treat, loved by kids and adults alike. Murukku also holds a special place in festive gatherings, where it's often made in large batches and shared among friends and family.

Modern Takes on Murukku

While traditional murukku is still cherished, modern variations have emerged, including baked versions and flavors like cheese, garlic, and peri-peri. These innovations add new dimensions to murukku, appealing to contemporary palates while retaining the snack's original charm.

With its deep roots in Indian culture and cuisine, murukku is more than just a snack; it's a symbol of tradition and celebration. Its simple ingredients, unique preparation, and delightful crunch make it a timeless treat that's loved across generations.