Every thing about MURUKULU JANTHIKULU | Vahrehvah :
Murukulu also known as Janthikulu is a very popular savory snackof the South Indian cuisine. Murukku is traditionally combined with a mixture of urad dal powder, rice flour, salt, chilli powder, ajwain, cumin seeds. These savory snacks like the Murukulu, Janthikulu, chegodi or Chakliare popularly known as Pindivantalu (festival delicacies prepared with flours) in Telugu.
Janthikulu is a famous Andhra speciality prepared during Sankranti and Diwali festivals. They are normally eaten as time pass snacks served with hot tea. Murukulu are made by frying the urad dalto a golden color. Powder the dal, mix rice flour to it. Add sesame seeds, ajwain, salt and chilli powder. Add butter to it and mix it well. Add little water and mix to form a soft dough. Now take the murukulu press put a ball of dough into it and press on top into the hotoil. Press it in circular motion to form the murukulu. Fry in medium flame till light golden brown color and remove.
The deep frying needs to be done on medium flame to ensure evenness in cooking, crispness and to achieve that golden shade. You can also store them in airtight boxes as they will stay for many days. The murukkus are kept in airtight boxes to retain their crispness. It is said that a nice murukulu is that which makes a krum karum sound when they are munched.
These irresistable munchies can be eaten anytime as snacks. There are many variations in preparing the Janthikalu. You can replace butter with hot ghee or mashed potatoes. Each of these gives their unique flavor to the Janthikalu. Olden days, grandparents say that the Murukkus are good for children because, as you eat, it makes the gums stronger.
Another variation is the besan withroasted chickpeas (dalia) powder. The murukkuscan be of any size and shape. It’s a nice snack to binge on during evening time. Murukku is traditionally enjoyed as a treat on the Diwali and Sankranti holidays. Murukku is nutritious also because it is prepared withUrad daland rice. Urad dal has black skin outer while inside is creamy white. This white lentil is rich in protein and iron content is good for improving hemoglobin count. It is nutritious and recommended for diabetic`s too.
Do learn this recipe and help in keeping your children’s gums strong!