Kai Murukku, also known as 'handmade murukku,' is a traditional South Indian savory snack made primarily from rice flour and urad dal (black gram) flour. It is named 'kai' (meaning 'hand' in Tamil) because it is skillfully shaped by hand into intricate spirals or coils before being deep-fried to a...

Kai Murukku recipe
Prep Time
4hr 0min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
4hr 30min

Ingredients

15 Servings
(1 serving = 2 murukkus)
  • Raw rice
    Raw rice
    2cup
  • Urad dal
    Urad dal
    1/2cup
  • Butter
    Butter
    1 1/2tbsp
  • Black sesame seeds
    Black sesame seeds
    1tbsp
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • Salt (to taste)
    Salt (to taste)
  • Oil (for deep frying)
    Oil (for deep frying)

How to make Kai Murukku

  1. Step 1

    Soak raw rice for 3 hours, then rinse and drain out the water.

  2. Step 2

    Grind the soaked rice to a smooth paste using very little water. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Dry roast urad dal until it turns light brown in color.

  4. Step 4

    Let the roasted urad dal cool completely, then grind it into a fine powder.

  5. Step 5

    Add the powdered urad dal to the ground rice paste along with butter, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, and salt.

  6. Step 6

    Mix and combine well. The batter should be smooth and flexible, neither too tight nor too loose.

    Step 1.1: Mix and combine well
  7. Step 7

    Grease your hands with a little oil. Take a small lemon-sized ball of the batter and shape one end to a slight point and make small ribbon shape.

    Step 1.1: Grease your hands with a little oil
  8. Step 8

    Gently twist and roll the dough using your fingers to form a spiral or coil shape on a cotton cloth.

    Step 1.1: Gently twist and roll the dough using your fingers to form a spiral or coil shape on a cotton cloth
    Step 1.2: Gently twist and roll the dough using your fingers to form a spiral or coil shape on a cotton cloth
    Step 1.3: Gently twist and roll the dough using your fingers to form a spiral or coil shape on a cotton cloth
  9. Step 9

    Repeat the process until all the batter is used.

  10. Step 10

    Heat oil for deep frying. When the oil is hot, add the prepared murukku one by one.

  11. Step 11

    Fry on medium to high flame until the bubbles stop and the murukku turns golden and crispy.

  12. Step 12

    Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Tasty and crispy kai murukku is ready to serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

82.3kcal (4.12%)

Protein

2.2g (4.38%)

Carbs

12.7g (4.61%)

Sugars

0.2g (0.32%)

Healthy Fat

1.7g

Unhealthy Fat

1.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the rice is soaked for the full 3 hours to achieve a smooth paste.

  2. Roast the urad dal evenly to enhance the flavor of the murukku.

  3. Grease your hands lightly with oil to prevent the dough from sticking while shaping.

  4. Fry the murukku in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.

  5. Store the murukku in an airtight container to retain its crispiness for longer.

FAQS

  1. Can I use store-bought rice flour instead of grinding raw rice?

    While traditional kai murukku is made using freshly ground rice paste, you can use store-bought rice flour as a substitute. Do not use roasted rice flour. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

  2. How do I ensure the murukku doesn't break while shaping?

    Ensure the batter is smooth and flexible. If it's too dry, add a few drops of water to adjust the consistency.

  3. Can I use white sesame seeds instead of black sesame seeds?

    Yes, you can use white sesame seeds, but black sesame seeds are traditionally preferred for their distinct flavor and appearance.

  4. How long can I store kai murukku?

    Kai murukku can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks if kept in a cool, dry place.

  5. What oil is best for deep frying murukku?

    Any neutral-flavored oil like sunflower oil or vegetable oil works well for deep frying murukku.

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rene121's profile picture

Gayatri

(@rene121)

Cooking is my passion. Flavours unite us 🤝..I love to create new recipes... and also love to learn about different cuisine. ...

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