If you love crunchy South Indian snacks that melt in your mouth and are perfect for tea-time munching, then Finger Millet Murukku (also known as Ragi Murukku) is going to be your next favorite! 😍
Crisp, flavorful, and packed with the natural goodness of Ragi (Finger Millet), this healthy twist on the classic Murukku brings the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing snacks for festivals like Diwali or just stocking up for guilt-free evening treats, Finger Millet Murukku is a winner every time! 🧡
🌾 What is Finger Millet Murukku?
Murukku is a traditional South Indian snack made from rice flour and urad dal flour, deep-fried into beautiful spiral shapes. The name “Murukku” means “twisted” in Tamil — referring to its iconic swirled design.
In this version, we use Finger Millet (Ragi) flour as the base ingredient, replacing or complementing rice flour. The result? A crunchy, earthy, and slightly nutty-flavored snack that’s not just delicious but also rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. 💪
Perfect with a cup of chai ☕ or as an on-the-go snack, Ragi Murukku is proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on flavor! 🌿
🌿 Why Choose Finger Millet?
Finger Millet, known as Ragi in South India, is a super grain loaded with nutrients. For generations, it has been part of Indian cuisine for its numerous health benefits.
Here’s why Ragi deserves a place in your diet 👇
💪 High in calcium – strengthens bones and teeth
🩸 Rich in iron – boosts hemoglobin levels
🌿 High fiber content – aids digestion and promotes fullness
🫀 Heart-friendly – lowers bad cholesterol
🔥 Low glycemic index – suitable for diabetics
🌾 Gluten-free – perfect for those with gluten intolerance
By using Finger Millet in your favorite snack, you make it both tasty and nourishing! 😋
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make Finger Millet Murukku at home 👇
🌾 Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Finger Millet (Ragi) Flour
- ½ cup Rice Flour
- 2 tablespoons Urad Dal Flour (roasted and powdered)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (softened) or Oil for vegan version
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds or Sesame Seeds
- ½ teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
- ½ teaspoon Red Chili Powder (optional, for spice)
- Salt – to taste
- Water – as required
🥄 For Frying
- Oil – for deep frying
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
🪵 Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine ragi flour, rice flour, and urad dal flour.
- Add salt, asafoetida, cumin or sesame seeds, and red chili powder.
- Mix in butter and rub gently with your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Slowly add water, a little at a time, and knead into a soft, non-sticky dough.
💡 Tip: The dough should be firm enough to hold shape but soft enough to pass easily through the murukku press.
🌀 Step 2: Shape the Murukku
- Grease your Murukku press or chakli maker with a little oil.
- Choose the star-shaped nozzle for traditional Murukku design.
- Fill the press with the dough.
- On a greased plate or parchment paper, press out spiral shapes (2–3 inches wide).
✨ Pro Tip: You can also pipe small sticks or rings for easier frying and portion control.
🔥 Step 3: Deep Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium flame.
- Check if the oil is ready by dropping a small piece of dough — it should rise immediately but not brown too fast.
- Carefully slide 2–3 murukkus into the oil.
- Fry on medium flame, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Repeat with the remaining dough.
⚠️ Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — murukkus need space to fry evenly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Finger Millet Murukku with:
- ☕ A hot cup of Masala Chai or Filter Coffee
- 🥭 As a crunchy side for lemon rice or curd rice
- 🍱 In lunchboxes or as travel snacks
- 🎉 During festivals like Diwali, Krishna Jayanthi, or Navratri
Store them in an airtight container once completely cooled — they stay fresh and crisp for up to 3 weeks! 😋
💡 Tips and Tricks
✨ Butter makes it better: Use softened butter for perfect crispness.
✨ Oil temperature matters: Always fry on medium heat — too hot and the outside will brown while inside stays soft.
✨ No murukku press? Roll small logs and shape them into rings instead.
✨ Add flavor: You can add garlic paste, crushed pepper, or ajwain for extra taste.
✨ Make it vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or refined oil.
🧠 Nutritional Benefits
| Nutrient | Approx. Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Fat | 6 g |
✅ Calcium-rich snack for stronger bones
✅ Gluten-free & high fiber
✅ Lower cholesterol & supports digestion
✅ Perfect for kids and adults alike
🌤️ When to Enjoy
Finger Millet Murukku is perfect for:
- 🌅 Morning tea or coffee breaks
- 🌇 Evening snack time with family
- 🧳 Travel snacks that don’t spoil easily
- 🎊 Festive celebrations as a crunchy delight
It’s a great alternative to deep-fried junk snacks — you get all the crunch with none of the guilt! 🌿
❤️ Conclusion
Finger Millet Murukku is the perfect example of how traditional Indian snacks can be made healthier without losing their charm. 🌾💛
With the nutty flavor of ragi, the crisp texture of rice flour, and the comforting crunch of a classic murukku, this snack ticks all the right boxes — tasty, nutritious, and nostalgic! 😍
So, next time you crave something crispy and satisfying, skip the store-bought versions and make your own Ragi Murukku at home. They’re wholesome, easy to make, and absolutely addictive. 🌀💚
Serve them with chai, pack them for travel, or share them with friends — these crunchy spirals of goodness will win everyone’s heart! 💫