Name: Instant Chakli Recipe | Murukku for Diwali 2017 Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup rice flour; 6 tablespoons gram flour; 2 tablespoons fried gram dal flour; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt, to taste; 1 tablespoon soft butter or hot oil; Water, as needed for dough; Oil for deep frying

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you have been searching for a snack that perfectly blends tradition, taste, and a touch of celebration, look no further than the Instant Chakli Recipe | Murukku for Diwali 2017 Recipe. This delightful treat offers that satisfying crunch and signature spiral shape we all adore, making it the perfect companion to your festive moments or cozy evenings. The charm of this recipe lies not only in its irresistible flavor but also in its simplicity and the warm memories it evokes around Diwali, bringing friends and family together. Let's dive into the magic of making these golden spirals that promise to become your new favorite snack staple.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up view of a stainless steel pot filled with a single layer of yellow split lentils. The lentils are round and smooth, with some showing a clean white inside where they have naturally split. The inside surface of the pot is shiny and reflective, showing the round shape of the lentils clearly. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Instant Chakli Recipe | Murukku for Diwali 2017 Recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and essential for achieving that authentic taste and crisp texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing flavor and ensuring every bite bursts with richness and crunch.

Rice flour: The base of the chakli, offering lightness and crispiness that holds the shape beautifully.
Gram flour: Adds nuttiness and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the rice flour perfectly.
Fried gram dal flour: Optional but highly recommended for depth of taste and a unique texture twist.
Soft butter or hot oil: Acts as a fat that binds the dough and enriches its flavor, choose according to your preference.
Sesame seeds: These tiny powerhouses provide a nutty aroma and a slight crunch to every spiral.
Chili powder: For that warm, gentle heat that tickles your taste buds without overpowering.
Salt: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors in the chakli.
Oil for deep frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly crisp chaklis.
Water for dough: Just enough to bring the dough together into a workable consistency that’s firm yet pliable.

How to Make Instant Chakli Recipe | Murukku for Diwali 2017 Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by gathering all your dry ingredients—rice flour, gram flour, fried gram dal flour, sesame seeds, chili powder, and salt—in a mixing bowl. Mix them thoroughly so that every element is evenly distributed. Next, add the soft butter or hot oil and mix to incorporate. Gradually add water, little by little, kneading continuously until the dough is soft yet stiff enough to hold shape when pressed. This perfect texture is key to ensuring your chaklis are crisp and well-formed.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

While your dough rests, heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil needs to be hot enough so that the chaklis begin frying immediately, but not so hot that they burn. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it; if it rises to the surface gently and bubbles, it’s ready for frying.

Step 3: Shape the Chaklis

Grease a chakli press fitted with a star-shaped nozzle lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Fill the press with some portion of the dough. Now comes the fun part: press the dough into spirals directly onto a greased ladle or gently onto the hot oil. If you use the ladle, carefully transfer the spiral-shaped dough from the ladle to the oil by shaking it off. The coils should be close but not overlapping.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Deep fry the pressed chaklis until they turn a lovely golden brown shade. You'll know they’re done when the sizzling sound softens, signaling that the moisture is gone and they're ready to be crisped to perfection. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chaklis and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Allow the chaklis to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This cooling process is crucial to maintaining their crunch. Once cooled, they make a fantastic, ready-to-eat snack that keeps well and stays fresh for days.

How to Serve Instant Chakli Recipe | Murukku for Diwali 2017 Recipe

The image shows a round woven basket filled with several crispy, golden-yellow spiral-shaped snacks arranged in layers, each snack having a textured ridged pattern and a small round hole in the middle. The basket sits on a dark wooden surface. The spirals have an even, light brown color with some areas showing a slightly darker shade from frying, giving them a crunchy appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these chaklis shine on their own, you can add a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds or a pinch of chaat masala just before serving to elevate their flavor. A light dusting of finely chopped fresh curry leaves on top can also add a burst of aroma that excites the senses.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of chutneys such as tangy tamarind chutney or a cooling minted yogurt dip. Incorporating these sides creates a delightful flavor contrast that complements the chakli’s crunchy spiced goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your chaklis in decorative bowls or traditional brass plates to add an authentic touch, especially during festive occasions like Diwali. You can also create small snack packs tied with colorful ribbons, making them perfect gifts or party favors that everyone will cherish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the chaklis have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them dry and sealed is essential to preserving their crispiness. They typically stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, ideal for those who like to prepare treats well in advance.

Freezing

If you want to extend their shelf life, chaklis can be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating batches with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When stored properly, they keep well for up to three months without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

To refresh the crunch, gently reheat frozen or day-old chaklis in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. This simple step revives their irresistible crispness, making them taste as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make this chakli without the fried gram dal flour?

Absolutely! Though fried gram dal flour adds a nice texture and flavor depth, using gram flour alone works wonderfully. It will still give you that classic taste and crispness.

What is the best oil to use for deep frying chakli?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point like sunflower, peanut, or vegetable oil is ideal. This ensures the chakli fry evenly without any burnt or off flavors.

How do I know if my chakli dough has the right consistency?

The dough should be soft enough to press through the chakli mold easily but firm enough to hold its shape without flattening. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, add a few drops of water.

Can I add other spices to customize the flavor?

Definitely! While chili powder is traditional for a mild heat, you can experiment with cumin seeds, asafoetida, or even a pinch of garlic powder to tweak the taste to your liking.

How important is cooling the chaklis before storing?

Cooling is crucial because storing warm chakli traps moisture, causing them to lose their crunch. Letting them cool completely before sealing them preserves that perfect crispy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing the Instant Chakli Recipe | Murukku for Diwali 2017 Recipe. Its combination of simplicity, flavor, and festive spirit makes it not just a snack but a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or gifting it to loved ones, this chakli is sure to bring smiles and crunchy happiness to your table. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the joyful journey of chakli making begin!