Diwali Series #1 " HOW TO MAKE CHAKLI WITH RICE FLOUR: A CRISPY INDIAN DELIGHT "

Chakli, also known as Murukku, is a popular Indian snack that's enjoyed during festivals, special occasions, or simply as a delicious treat. Made from rice flour and a few simple ingredients, Chakli is loved for its irresistible crunch and unique spiral shape. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of making Chakli with rice flour, so you can enjoy this delightful snack at home.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let's gather all the ingredients:

1. Rice Flour: Start with high-quality rice flour. You can make it at home by grinding raw rice or purchase it from the store.
2. Urad Dal Flour: Urad dal (black gram) flour is another essential ingredient that gives Chakli its crispiness.
3. Besan (Gram Flour): Besan helps bind the dough and adds a nutty flavor to the Chakli.
4. Butter or Ghee: To provide the Chakli with its rich, buttery taste and texture.
5. Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds add a wonderful nutty aroma and a hint of crunch to your Chakli.
6. Red Chili Powder: For a touch of spiciness. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
7. Asafoetida (Hing): This adds a unique flavor and aids in digestion.
8. Cumin Seeds (Jeera): For an earthy, aromatic flavor.
9. Salt: To enhance the taste of the Chakli.
10. Water: To bring the dough together.
11. Oil: For deep frying.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preparing the Chakli Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rice flour, 2 tablespoons of urad dal flour, 2 tablespoons of besan, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter or ghee.
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, a pinch of asafoetida, 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and salt to taste.
3. Mix all the dry ingredients well.
4. Gradually add water, little by little, and knead the dough. The dough should be smooth, soft, and non-sticky.

2. Preparing the Chakli Maker

1. Fix the star-shaped plate (the one with small holes) into the Chakli maker.
2. Grease the inside of the Chakli maker with a few drops of oil.

3. Shaping and Frying the Chakli

1. Take a portion of the dough and place it inside the Chakli maker.
2. Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
3. Hold the Chakli maker over the hot oil and press the dough into a spiral shape directly into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Fry the Chakli until it turns golden brown, flipping it occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take 4-5 minutes.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried Chakli and drain excess oil by placing them on paper towels.

4. Serving Your Homemade Chakli

Your homemade Chakli is now ready to be served. Allow it to cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container. Chakli has a good shelf life, so you can enjoy it for several days.

Tips and Variations:

• You can experiment with different shapes for your Chakli by using various plates in the Chakli maker.
• Adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less red chili powder.
• You can add other spices like ajwain (carom seeds) or methi (fenugreek seeds) for unique flavors.
• To make a healthier version, you can bake the Chakli in the oven instead of frying them.
• Chakli pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it an ideal snack for tea-time.
• Consider making Chakli in larger quantities to share with family and friends during festivals and celebrations.

Making Chakli with rice flour is a fun and rewarding culinary experience. This crunchy Indian snack is not only delicious but also a delightful addition to your festive menu. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, follow this step-by-step guide, and you'll be enjoying homemade Chakli in no time. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a journey to create this beloved Indian treat in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Enjoy your Chakli, and share the joy with your loved ones!