Butter Murukku Recipe
Butter Murukku, a traditional South Indian snack, holds a special place in Indian homes, especially during festivals like Diwali. This crispy and savory snack is not just a treat for the taste buds but can be nutritious when prepared with high-quality ingredients.
By focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, we can turn this recipe into a healthier option without sacrificing the traditional flavors. Made from rice flour and butter, Murukku is a good source of carbohydrates and fats, providing energy while being light on the stomach.
This recipe offers an easy and flavorful way to enjoy a homemade snack that’s free of preservatives, and you can adjust it to suit different dietary needs.
Ingredients
The key to making the perfect Butter Murukku is using high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe, with measurements that are ideal for making a batch of around 25-30 murukkus:
- Rice flour: 2 cups (use fine rice flour, available in Indian stores or make your own by grinding rice)
- Besan (chickpea flour): 1/4 cup
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (room temperature, unsalted butter)
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon (optional, for flavor)
- Asafoetida (hing): 1/4 teaspoon (for digestive benefits)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon or to taste
- Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon (adds a nutty flavor and texture)
- Carom seeds (ajwain): 1/2 teaspoon (great for digestion)
- Water: Approximately 3/4 to 1 cup (enough to form a smooth dough)
- Oil: For deep frying (use sunflower or peanut oil for a neutral flavor)
Optional Ingredients for Variations
- Spinach puree: 1/4 cup (for added nutrients and color)
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon (for an earthy flavor and color)
- Green chili paste: 1 teaspoon (for those who prefer spicier murukkus)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Sift the flours: In a large mixing bowl, sift the rice flour and besan to ensure they are free from lumps. This will help create a smooth dough, essential for making crisp murukkus.
Add dry ingredients: Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, sesame seeds, carom seeds, and salt to the sifted flours. These spices not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the nutritional profile, with cumin and carom seeds aiding in digestion.
Incorporate butter: Add the softened butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture in the murukku.
Add water gradually: Start adding water little by little, mixing the dough with your hand. You want a soft, smooth dough that’s neither too dry nor too sticky. The dough should be pliable, as this will make it easier to press through the murukku mold. Depending on the moisture in the flour, you may need between 3/4 to 1 cup of water.
Rest the dough: Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step helps the flours absorb the moisture evenly and results in crispier murukkus when fried.
Step 2: Shaping the Murukku
Prepare the mold: Use a traditional murukku press or a piping bag with a star nozzle. Grease the insides of the mold lightly with oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
Fill the mold: Break a portion of the dough and place it inside the murukku press or piping bag.
Shape the murukku: On a sheet of parchment paper or a clean, dry surface, press the dough in a spiral shape to form murukkus. Make sure the spirals are not too tight, as this allows for even cooking. Press gently to avoid breaking the dough.
Step 3: Frying the Murukku
Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan, heat the oil on medium-high heat. To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it rises to the surface without browning immediately, the oil is ready.
Fry the murukku: Carefully slide the shaped murukkus into the hot oil. Fry a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry until golden: Let the murukkus cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning them occasionally to ensure even frying. Once they turn a light golden color, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Cool and store: Allow the murukkus to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This helps them retain their crispiness for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for Maximizing Flavor and Nutrition
Butter choice: Opt for unsalted butter or ghee if you want a more traditional and richer flavor. Ghee adds a depth of flavor and is known for its healthy fats that support digestion and nutrient absorption.
Fresh spices: Use freshly ground cumin and carom seeds for a more robust flavor. Toasting the sesame seeds lightly before adding them to the dough can also enhance their nutty flavor.
Incorporate vegetables: For a healthier twist, add vegetable purees like spinach or beetroot to the dough. This not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a vibrant color, making the murukkus visually appealing, especially for kids.
Reduce frying oil absorption: To make the snack lighter, fry the murukkus in moderately hot oil. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains uncooked, leading to excess oil absorption.
Variations and Substitutions
For gluten-free diets: Butter Murukku is naturally gluten-free when made with rice flour and besan. However, ensure that the besan is certified gluten-free if necessary.
Vegan variation: Replace butter with a plant-based butter or cold-pressed coconut oil. Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor, which pairs well with the spices.
Health-conscious version: For a lower-fat version, try baking the murukku instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), line a baking tray with parchment, and bake the murukkus for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. This reduces the oil content while maintaining the crunch.
Add herbs: Fresh herbs like finely chopped curry leaves or coriander can be added to the dough for a fresh, herbaceous twist. Curry leaves, in particular, are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips
Pairing ideas: Butter Murukku is traditionally served as a tea-time snack, paired with a hot cup of masala chai. You can also serve it with refreshing beverages like buttermilk or coconut water for a balanced snack.
Serving platter: For a festive presentation, arrange the murukkus in a decorative serving dish lined with banana leaves. The banana leaves not only provide a rustic, authentic touch but also impart a subtle aroma to the snack.
Accompaniments: Serve murukkus with a variety of dips for a modern twist. Mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or even a simple yogurt dip with a sprinkle of chaat masala can elevate the flavors.
Festive display: If you’re making murukkus for a festival like Diwali, you can stack them in a pyramid shape on a plate, garnished with a few edible flowers or leaves for a festive feel.
Conclusion
Butter Murukku is a timeless snack that can be enjoyed year-round. By focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, you can make this traditional recipe healthier and more flavorful. The crispy, buttery texture paired with the aromatic spices makes it a perfect accompaniment to any meal or an ideal standalone snack.
With variations to suit dietary preferences, such as vegan or baked versions, this recipe offers something for everyone. Whether you’re making it for a festival or simply for an afternoon snack, Butter Murukku is sure to be a hit!
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