chakli

Chakli is a savory, deep-fried Indian snack made from a flour-based dough that is extruded through a star-shaped mold and fried until crisp. The snack is especially associated with Maharashtra, but is widely enjoyed across India, where a similar preparation is known as murukku in Tamil Nadu and other southern regions. The base dough is typically made from rice flour, often combined with urad dal flour; chickpea flour is also used in some recipes. To this base are added salt and spices such as ajwain (carom seeds), cumin, and sesame seeds, with red chili powder or green chilies and sometimes a bit of turmeric for color. Some versions include a small amount of ghee or oil for richness.

The dough is kneaded with hot water to form a smooth, pliable consistency. It is loaded into a chakli press or piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip and pressed into hot oil in coiled or spiral shapes. They are fried until golden brown and crisp, then drained on paper towels and cooled. The finished chakli has a crisp bite and a nutty, spiced aroma.

Regional variations exist in shape and flour blends. While chakli is the Marathi name, murukku is common in Tamil and other South Indian households. Chakli is a traditional festive snack in India, particularly during Diwali and some regional celebrations, and it keeps well for several weeks when stored in airtight containers.