In India, celebrations during festivals are incomplete without delicious foods. Whether it is lunchtime or dinnertime, people incorporate their favourite dishes during these festive days. Additionally, snack time is enjoyed with a variety of tasty treats. One of the most cherished snacks during these occasions is murukku.
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Originating from South India, murukku is a crunchy treat made from rice flour and various spices. It comes in many varieties, each offering a unique flavour and texture. With a little creativity, you can make murukku healthier by incorporating different ingredients. Let’s explore some tasty and healthy types of murukku that you can enjoy during the festive season.
Cashew Murukku
Cashew murukku is a delightful variation that includes ground cashews in the dough. This nutty addition not only enhances the flavour but also adds healthy fats and protein. To make cashew murukku, mix rice flour with ground cashews, spices, and water to form a dough. Shape the dough into spirals and fry until golden brown. This murukku is perfect for festive munching and can be enjoyed with tea or coffee.
Palak Murukku
Palak murukku is a nutritious twist on the traditional recipe. Spinach, or palak, is blended into the dough, giving it a vibrant green colour and a boost of vitamins. To prepare palak murukku, blend fresh spinach leaves with water and mix it with rice flour, cumin seeds, and salt. Shape it into spirals and fry until crispy. This murukku not only looks appealing but also adds a healthy touch to your festive spread.
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Sabudana Murukku
Sabudana murukku is a gluten-free option made from tapioca pearls. This variation is especially popular during fasting seasons like Navratri. To make sabudana murukku, soak sabudana in water until it becomes soft. Drain the water and mix the sabudana with mashed potatoes, rice flour, and spices. Shape the mixture into small spirals and deep-fry them until crispy. This snack is light and crunchy, making it a perfect treat for festive munching.
Rava Murukku
Rava murukku is made using semolina, giving it a different texture compared to the traditional rice flour murukku. To prepare rava murukku, roast semolina lightly before mixing it with rice flour, spices, and water to form a dough. Shape the dough into spirals and fry until golden brown. This murukku has a delightful crunch and a unique flavour, making it a great addition to your festive snack table.
Poha Murukku
Poha murukku is another innovative version made with flattened rice. This type of murukku is light and crispy. To make poha murukku, soak poha in water for a few minutes, then drain it. Mix the soaked poha with rice flour, spices, and a little water to form a dough. Shape the dough into spirals and fry until crisp. Poha murukku is a delicious and healthier alternative that everyone will love.
Besan Murukku
Besan murukku, made from chickpea flour, is a tasty and protein-rich option. This murukku has a distinct flavour and is perfect for those looking for something different. To prepare besan murukku, combine besan with rice flour, spices, and water to form a dough. Shape the dough into spirals and fry until golden brown. The nutty taste of besan adds depth to this snack, making it a delightful treat for festive occasions.
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Ragi Murukku
Ragi, or finger millet, is known for its health benefits and is a fantastic ingredient for murukku. Ragi murukku is high in fibre and essential nutrients. To make ragi murukku, mix ragi flour with rice flour, spices, and water to form a dough. Shape it into spirals and fry until crispy. This murukku is not only healthy but also adds a unique flavour to your festive snack assortment.