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Vegetarian / शाकाहारी Indian / South Indian Healthy

Thenkuzhal Murukku – Crispy Spiral Snack for Diwali

RSFrom the kitchen ofRajnish Saharan

Preparation20 min

Cooking15 min

Serves4

Portion1 bowl (approximately 200g)

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A little about this dish

Thenkuzhal Murukku is a traditional South‑Indian snack that is a staple during Diwali celebrations. The name literally means ‘spindle‑shaped coil’ and the snack’s golden‑brown, crunchy texture is achieved by deep‑frying a dough of rice flour, semolina, and a touch of spice. The aroma of cumin and black pepper mingles with the subtle sweetness of jaggery, creating a harmonious balance that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. Unlike processed snack mixes, this recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it a healthier alternative that still delivers the indulgent crunch people love during festive feasts.

01 · Everything you need

Ingredients सामग्री

9 ingredients

200g Rice Flour (चावल का आटा)

200 gram

50g Semolina / Suji (सूजी)

50 gram

1 tsp Cumin Seeds (जीरा)

1 teaspoon

1 tsp Black Pepper (काली मिर्च)

1 teaspoon

1 tsp Red Chili Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर)

1 teaspoon

1 tsp Salt (नमक)

1 teaspoon

1 tbsp Jaggery (गुड़) – grated

1 tablespoon

1 tbsp Oil for deep frying (तेल)

1 tablespoon

Water as needed to make dough (पानी)

02 · From prep to plate

Make it with care. बनाने की विधि

10 steps

Phase 1: Preparation & Setup

In a large mixing bowl, combine 200g Rice Flour (चावल का आटा), 50g Semolina (सूजी), 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (जीरा), 1 tsp Black Pepper (काली मिर्च), 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (लाल मिर्च पाउडर), and 1 tsp Salt (नमक). Mix thoroughly.

Phase 1: Preparation & Setup

Add 1 tbsp grated Jaggery (गुड़) to the dry mix and stir until evenly distributed.

Phase 1: Preparation & Setup

Gradually pour warm water, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading to form a firm, pliable dough. The dough should not be sticky; it should hold its shape when pressed between fingers.

Phase 2: Shaping the Spiral

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long, thin rope about 30 cm in length.

Phase 2: Shaping the Spiral

Take one rope and twist it into a spiral coil, ensuring the ends meet and overlap slightly. Repeat with remaining portions.

Phase 3: Deep Frying

Heat 1 tbsp Oil (तेल) in a deep‑frying pan over medium flame. To test readiness, drop a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface within 30 seconds, the oil is ready.

Phase 3: Deep Frying

Gently slide one spiral into the hot oil, turning it with a slotted spoon to ensure even browning. Fry until golden‑brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Phase 3: Deep Frying

Remove the fried spiral with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat with remaining spirals.

Phase 4: Finishing & Resting

Let the fried spirals rest for 2 minutes; this allows the steam to escape and the crust to firm up.

Phase 5: Plating & Serving Suggestions

Arrange the crispy spirals on a serving platter. Serve hot or at room temperature with a side of coconut chutney or sweet yogurt dip.

🇮🇳 FSSAI™ COMPLIANT

VEG शाकाहारी

🇺🇸 USDA™ FoodData™

Verified DB

Energy 354 kcal

Protein 8.1g

Carbs 66g

Fat 6.4g

Sodium 693mg

Potassium 64mg

View Full FSSAI™ Nutritional Facts / पूर्ण पोषण विवरण देखें ▼

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

पोषण संबंधी जानकारी • Per Serving Basis

Approx. Serving Size / सर्विंग माप: 1 bowl (approximately 200g)

Servings Per Recipe: Approx. 4

Energy / ऊर्जा 354 kcal (1481 kJ)

18% Adult RDA*

Nutrient / पोषक तत्व	Per Serving	% DV*
Carbohydrates / कार्बोहाइड्रेट	66 g	24%
Total Sugars / कुल शर्करा	2 g	4%
Dietary Fiber / आहारीय रेशा	1.5 g	5%
Protein / प्रोटीन	8.1 g	15%
Total Fat / कुल वसा	6.4 g	10%
Saturated Fat / संतृप्त वसा	1 g	5%
Trans Fat / ट्रांस वसा	1 g	50%
Sodium / सोडियम	693 mg	35%
Potassium / पोटैशियम	64 mg	2%

⚠️ Statutory Disclaimer / वैधानिक सूचना:

Nutritional values are computed per serving based on reference composition standards. Individual dietary requirements may vary. Not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet.

* % Daily Values are based on ICMR-NIN 2020 RDA for an adult (2000 kcal).

A little kitchen confidence

Your recipe questions

How do I make the dough hold its shape?+

Add warm water a tablespoon at a time while kneading until the dough is firm and pliable, not sticky.

Can I change the spice mix?+

The recipe uses cumin, black pepper, and red chili powder; you may adjust the amounts to suit your taste but keep the overall flavor balance.

How long should I fry each spiral?+

Fry until golden‑brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side, as the recipe indicates.

Meet the recipe’s creator

Rajnish Saharan

As a dentist by profession, I have a deep passion for cooking, especially when it comes to traditional Rajasthani dehati food. I love experimenting with authentic recipes and ingredients to bring out the rich flavors of Rajasthan. My cooking philosophy revolves around using locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques to create delicious and memorable meals. I'm not a professional chef, but a home cook who enjoys sharing my love for food with others. I cook weekly and share my recipes with anyone interested in exploring the flavors of India.

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