CHAKULI

Chakuli or Murukku or Rice fritters is a crispy and savory, flavorful Indian snack with irresistibly addictive taste.

Traditionally chakli is a deep fried snack prepared using rice, urad dal and different spices. I have made an instant version using flour and baked it. If you are a person who likes to munch late night or even while watching movie or working, try out this guilt free recipe. This is also a real treat for weight watchers.

This is one of my favorite snack since childhood. Our neighbors prepare and sell different versions of it. Even today, when I visit India I get hot chakulis from there and enjoy it with cup of tea or coffee.

Always prepare a little extra than you actually plan, because this snack is irresistible and you will end up eating at least few the moment its done 🙂 This is one snack that is always in demand even when guests visit our place. All you need is a chakuli press and little patience while shaping them. If this is your first attempt making this snack, or lazy like me, you can make simple rice sticks from the dough and bake it. This chakli press is available in most Indian grocery stores in US and Europe. You get it in wooden, brass, or stainless steel form.

Preparation time : 30 minutes
Serves : 30 chaklis

Ingredients for Chakuli

Rice flour - 1 cup
Red chile powder / Cayenne powder - 1 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Sesame seeds - 3 tsp
Pepper powder - to taste
Asafoetida / Hing - a pinch
Turmeric powder - ¼ tsp
Vegetable shortening / Dalda / Oil - 1 tsp
Yogurt - ¼ cup
Salt - to taste

Steps to prepare Chakuli

Step I

• Preheat the oven to 350 degree F or 180 degree C.
• In a bowl, add rice flour, yogurt, chile powder, cumin seeds, seasame seeds, pepper powder, hing, turmeric powder, salt and mix well.
• Now add warm water little by little and knead it to form a semi soft dough.

Step II

• Put the prepared dough in the chakli press and start shaping it into spiral shape on a greased baking tray from the center towards the outside. If you find it difficult to shape just make sticks from it.
• Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning it once at 13 minute mark, or until it is done
• Chakli is now ready. Cool it and store it in air tight container. This will remain fresh for atleast 15 days.

Tip:

• Vary the spices as per your taste.
• You can also deep fry them using the same dough. Just picnh the swirls at the end to retain its shape while frying.
• You can also add in minced garlic cloves is desired.