Murukku (Fried Rice Spirals)

Murukku

Murukku, shown here in stick form, is a popular Indian street food.

Murukku is a crispy, deep-fried street food from India that is easy to make, even for kids. Made of a combination of rice, black lentil, and/or chickpea flours and spices, this snack can be stored for several days. Murukku is a special Diwali (Festival of Lights) treat.

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Kosher

Halal

Ingredients

2 cups (480 ml) rice flour
½ cup (46 g) urad dal flour (black lentil flour)
2 tsp (10 ml) salt
1 tsp (5 ml) cumin seeds
Pinch of asafetida (hing)
1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder (optional)
½ cup (120 ml) water
1 Tbsp (15 ml) melted butter or ghee
4 cups (950 ml) vegetable oil

Directions

Mix both flours together and sift 3 times.
Mix in salt, cumin seeds, and asafetida to the flour mixture with a whisk or your hands.
Gradually mix in water, a tablespoon (15 ml) at a time, to form a smooth dough. Do not use more water than required. If too much water is added, the dough will crack and break up while frying.
Heat oil over medium-high heat so dough doesn’t absorb too much oil while frying.
Use ghee to grease inside of a mukkuru press before placing dough inside. Pump out dough into spirals (or strips, if it breaks).
When oil starts bubbling, gently drop dough into it. Fry until a dough is a golden yellow.
Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve immediately.