Pottukadalai Murukku | Roasted Gram Chakli 

Pottukadalai Murukku, also known as Roasted gram Chakli is a delicious traditional snack popular in South India. Its origins can be traced back to Tamil Nadu, where it is often made during festivals and special occasions like Diwali and Krishna Janmashtami etc. This savory delicacy, with its crispy texture and irresistible flavors, is made from a combination of rice flour, roasted gram flour (pottukadalai), and a blend of aromatic spices.

To whip up a batch of delicious Pottukadalai Murukku, you'll need a handful of simple and readily available ingredients. The key players include rice flour, roasted gram flour (pottukadalai), hot oil or butter , sesame seeds, asafoetida, and salt. These ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of flavors and that signature crispy texture.

Besides the ingredients, you'll need a few basic kitchen tools to make Pottukadalai Murukku. A murukku press, also known as a chakli maker or sev press, is an essential piece of equipment. It helps you shape the dough into those beautiful, intricate patterns that make the murukkus visually appealing. Additionally, a deep-frying pan or kadai, a slotted spoon, and absorbent paper towels are necessary for frying the murukkus to golden perfection.

To start the process, combine the rice flour, roasted gram flour, melted butter or hot oil, sesame seeds, asafoetida, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth, pliable dough. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pass through the murukku press with ease.Now fill the murukku press with the dough and choose a disc with your desired pattern (I used 3 hole disc). Squeeze the press over a greased plate or ladle (I personally prefer this because it’s safe and easy to handle)or directly into the hot oil, forming spirals or circular shapes.

When your oil is hot and ready keep it in medium heat, gently slide the shaped dough into the pan, taking care not to overcrowd it. Fry the murukkus until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on absorbent paper towels to drain any excess oil.

There are few variations which you can do in this recipe like adding red chilli powder for spiciness,switching jeera instead of sesame seeds,or adjusting the ratio of the flours , some people even add ajwain seeds too. So you can try out what best suits your taste preferences.

✍️Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pottukadalai Murukku-

👉Balancing the Ingredients-

Finding the right balance of ingredients is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Adjust the quantity of roasted gram flour and rice flour to get the ideal crunch without compromising on taste.Here I have used 2:1 ratio of rice flour to roasted gram flour you can do it 1:1 ratio that taking equal quantities of both the flours.

👉Achieving the Right Consistency-

Getting the dough consistency just right is crucial. If the dough is too dry, it will be difficult to press through the murukku maker. On the other hand, if the dough is too wet, the murukkus might absorb excess oil while frying. Take your time and gradually add water to achieve a dough that is pliable and workable.Moreover don’t add too much butter or oil this will disintegrate the murukku while frying,so do a test by frying just one Murukku to check if the consistency is right if not make required adjustments and then proceed.

👉 Mastering the Techniques-

Shaping the murukkus requires a little practice and finesse. Experiment with different patterns and apply gentle pressure while squeezing the dough through the press. With time and practice, you'll become a murukku-making pro and impress your friends and family with your skills.

Pottukadalai Murukku is a cherished South Indian snack that brings joy and satisfaction to those who indulge in its crispy goodness. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat, paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or served during festive celebrations, this snack holds a special place in the hearts of many. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a touch of creativity, you can easily recreate this traditional delicacy at home. Get ready to savor the crispy crunchy pottukadalai murukku 😋.Check out the recipe below.

Ingredients -

Processed rice flour(Idiyappam flour/

kolukattai flour)-2 cups

Fried gram dal flour-1 cup

Black sesame seeds-3/4-1 Tbsp 

Asafoetida-1/4 Tsp 

Salt to taste 

Oil -for deep frying

Recipe Video

Method 

👉In a mixing bowl sift the processed rice flour and roasted gram flour (pottukadalai maavu )along with salt and asafoetida.Add black sesame seeds and mix well.

👉Add 1 Tbsp hot oil and carefully mix everything.

👉Now add water little by little and knead a soft but firm pliable dough.

👉Fix the 3 hole Murukku disc into the murukku presser and grease it with oil , now take a portion of the dough and fill it inside the Murukku maker .

👉Keep greased flat ladles or plates ready , now gently press the dough into circular shapes on to the ladles.

👉Heat oil in a wide kadai for deep frying. Once the oil is hot keep the heat in medium and then gently slide the murukkus into the oil .

👉Do not disturb for few seconds, then gently flip the murukkus and cook both sides. 

👉Remove from oil once the bubbling of the oil stops and colour changes to light golden brown.Transfer the pottukadalai murukkus to a tissue paper to remove excess oil.

👉Repeat with rest of the dough.Make sure to fry in batches and not to overcrowd the oil.Moreover keep the dough covered with cloth to prevent drying.

👉Once cooled store in airtight container.

Preparation Time-30 minutes 

Yield- 15-17 Murukkus depending on size