Murukku
Street Food • Sri Lanka
ගැන Murukku
Crunchy rice-flour spirals — tea-table snack of Tamil-SL origin.
How to Make Murukku (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Murukku is a beloved Sri Lankan street food snack, cherished for its irresistibly crisp texture and delicate savory flavor. This crunchy spiral-shaped treat is a staple during festive occasions, but it is also enjoyed as an everyday tea-time snack across Sri Lanka. Made primarily from rice flour and urad dal flour, Murukku is naturally vegan and vegetarian, making it a perfect fit for a plant-based diet. In Sri Lanka, Murukku holds a special place in both Tamil and Sinhalese communities, often prepared at home and shared with family and friends. The word 'murukku' means 'twisted' in Tamil, which refers to its unique coil or spiral shape formed by pressing the dough through a special mold. With aromatic spices like cumin and sesame seeds, each bite of Murukku is a burst of flavor and crunch. This healthier version uses minimal oil and wholesome ingredients, making it an excellent choice for calorie-conscious foodies seeking authentic Sri Lankan flavors.
Ingredients(for About 8-10 medium Murukku pieces per serving)
- 1 cup Rice flour (Kekulu haal pethi)
- 1/4 cup Urad dal flour (Ulundu pethi)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (Thala)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Suduru)
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder (Optional for mild heat) - optional
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida powder (Perumkayam) - optional
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil (Pol thel, for dough)
- as needed Water (To form dough)
- for light frying Coconut oil (Pol thel, use as little as possible)
Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, urad dal flour, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, chili powder, salt, and asafoetida powder.
3 minutes
Sift flours for extra lightness.
- 2
Add the 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to the dry ingredients and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
2 minutes
Rub in the oil evenly for crispier Murukku.
- 3
Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, kneading until you form a smooth, soft, and non-sticky dough.
5 minutes
Do not overwork the dough to avoid toughness.
- 4
Fill a Murukku press (or piping bag with a star nozzle) with the dough. On parchment paper or a clean surface, pipe out spiral shapes of desired size.
5 minutes
Keep the spirals tight for even cooking.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthier Sri Lankan Murukku recipe uses minimal oil and leverages wholesome ingredients such as rice and urad dal flours, making it lower in saturated fat and free from artificial additives. Its vegan and gluten-free potential ensures suitability for various dietary preferences while still delivering authentic flavors and satisfying crunch. Perfect for guilt-free snacking, especially for those watching their calorie intake.
Murukku is naturally rich in complex carbohydrates from rice flour, offering sustained energy. Urad dal flour adds plant-based protein and dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and muscle repair. Sesame and cumin seeds provide essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Using coconut oil in moderation adds healthy fats without cholesterol, making this snack heart-friendly when consumed mindfully.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Ensure the dough is soft but not sticky for easy pressing and perfect shapes.
- 💡Tip 2: Always fry Murukku on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- 💡Tip 3: For gluten-free Murukku, verify the purity of flours used.
Storage & Serving
Store cooled Murukku in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid moisture exposure to maintain crispness.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 485.0 kcal |
| Protein | 8.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58.0 g |
| Total Fat | 24.8 g |
| Fiber | 3.4 g |