Murukku

Kai murukku is a traditional and highly regarded savory snack from South India, particularly popular in the state of Tamil Nadu.¹ The name “kai murukku” translates to “hand-twisted spirals,” which perfectly describes its defining characteristic—it is a type of murukku (a popular coiled snack) that is meticulously shaped by hand rather than with a press or mold.²

Here’s a detailed description of kai murukku:

Key Ingredients: The snack is primarily made from a dough of rice flour and urad dal (black gram) flour.³ Other ingredients often include butter or ghee, cumin seeds, and asafoetida, which provide its distinctive flavor and aroma.⁴ The quality of the rice flour, often made from freshly ground, slightly wet rice, is considered crucial for the final texture.⁵
Unique Shaping Process: Unlike other types of murukku, which are extruded using a press, kai murukku is shaped by hand.⁶ This process requires a high degree of skill, patience, and practice.⁷ The dough is rolled into thin strands and then twisted and coiled into a beautiful spiral, often around a central point, like a bottle cap, to create a perfect circular shape.⁸ This manual technique is what gives kai murukku its unique, rustic, and slightly thicker texture compared to machine-made versions. The number of coils or “varisai” (meaning “row” in Tamil) can vary from a few to many, with some traditional recipes calling for several layers.⁹
Texture and Flavor: Once shaped, the spirals are deep-fried to a golden-brown color. The resulting snack is known for being exceptionally crunchy and crispy. The flavor is a savory and nutty combination, with the earthy taste of urad dal and the warmth of spices like cumin and asafoetida.¹⁰
Cultural Significance: Kai murukku is a cherished part of South Indian culinary heritage.¹¹ It is a staple snack prepared for special occasions and festivals such as Diwali, Krishna Jayanthi, and for weddings as a traditional gift.¹² Its handcrafted nature makes it a “labor of love” and a testament to the maker’s skill.¹³ It is often enjoyed as a tea-time snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea.¹⁴

Description

Murukku (pronounced moo-roo-koo) is a savory, crunchy snack that originated in South India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. Its name comes from the Tamil word for “twisted” ( $m u r^u kk u$ ), which refers to its characteristic spiral or coiled shape.

Key Characteristics

Ingredients: Murukku is traditionally made from a dough of rice flour and urad dal (black gram) flour. Other ingredients often include salt, chili powder, asafoetida, and seeds like sesame or cumin for flavor.
Preparation: The dough is kneaded with water and spices, then shaped into coils or spirals. This is typically done using a special press called a “murukku maker.” The shaped dough is then deep-fried in oil until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
Texture and Flavor: The snack is known for its light and airy, yet perfectly crisp, texture. It has a mild, savory, and slightly nutty flavor from the combination of flours and spices.

Regional Variations and Similar Snacks

While murukku is a staple in South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, it is also popular across India and in countries with a large Indian diaspora, such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Chakli: This is a similar snack popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Chakli often includes chickpea flour (besan) in addition to rice flour and urad dal, giving it a slightly different flavor and texture.
Manapparai Murukku: A famous variety from the town of Manapparai in Tamil Nadu, known for its unique taste and texture. The Tamil Nadu government has even applied for a geographical indication (GI) tag for this variety.
Other Types: There are numerous other variations of murukku, often named after their unique ingredients or preparation methods. Some popular types include:
- Thenkuzhal Murukku: A light-colored, traditional variety.
- Mullu Murukku: “Thorn murukku,” which has a spiky, star-like texture from a different mold.
- Kai Murukku: “Hand murukku,” which is intricately hand-shaped and requires great skill.
- Butter Murukku: A softer, melt-in-your-mouth variety made with butter.
- Ribbon Murukku: A flat, ribbon-shaped version.

Murukku is a beloved snack, especially during festivals like Diwali, and is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

Additional information

Weight	250 kg
Dimensions	12 × 6 × 12 cm
weight	1kg

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