Ribbon pakoda/Murukku

Murukku is the common name for an assortment of crunchy snacks made from rice, gram flour (besan) or a mixture of other flours. It is mixed with a dash of spices and deep fried to create a symphony of flavours. I ate ribbon pakoda from a savory shop in India and it was so spicy and brittle that it awakened a few more taste buds. My daughter is the one who enjoyed it most as she loves spicy snacks. I promised her that she will get some homemade soon.

Just to break the monotony of this chilly weather she wanted some crunchies and I decided to make ribbon pakoda. It was my excuse to stand near a hot stove and get some extra warmth for a while. After frying a batch, I declared it, the perfect snack for winter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup gram flour
• 1 tbsp coconut powder
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• 1/2 tsp salt or as needed
• vegetable oil for frying

1. Mix all the ingredients except the oil for frying and make a soft dough.
2. Take a small portion of the dough and feed it in a Murukku press.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan and drop a bit of the dough to test. If the bit comes to the top immediately bubbling, oil is ready for frying.
4. Press the dough through the slits as thin ribbons into the hot oil.
5. Make the ribbons crisscross without overcrowding.
6. Turn it once to the other side.
7. Remove it with a slotted spoon when it is golden brown.
8. Allow the excess oil to drain on a paper towel.
9. Cool it and enjoy this snack.

Try other plates in the murukku press to make different patterns.

Can be stored for many days in an air tight container. It is a wonderful snack with a cup of tea or even with alcohol.

Merry Christmas!This is exactly how we are celebrating Christmas because of an Ice storm that struck us!

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