Authentic Seepu Murukku Recipe – Crispy South Indian Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Seepu Murukku Recipe – Crispy South Indian Snack

Hello friends! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that instantly transports me back to my childhood – Seepu Murukku! These crispy, ring-shaped snacks were always a highlight during festivals and special occasions at my grandmother’s house. The satisfying crunch and subtly sweet-savoury flavour are just irresistible. I’m so excited to share my version with you, so you can experience a little bit of that magic too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seepu Murukku (sometimes called Murukulu) is a classic South Indian snack, especially popular in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. It’s wonderfully crunchy, flavourful, and surprisingly satisfying. This recipe is a little bit of work, but trust me, the end result is so worth it. Plus, making it is a fun activity to do with family! You’ll love how these melt-in-your-mouth treats disappear quickly once they’re out of the fryer.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Seepu Murukku:

• 2 cup rice flour
• ¼ cup urad dal flour (roasted)
• ¼ cup mung bean flour (roasted)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cup coconut milk (diluted)
• Canola oil, for frying

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

• Roasted Urad Dal and Mung Bean Flour: This is key. Roasting the urad dal and mung beans before grinding them into flour gives the murukku a beautiful colour and a lovely nutty flavour. You can find pre-roasted flours at Indian grocery stores, or easily roast them yourself – just dry roast on medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden.
• Flour Ratios: You’ll find slight variations in flour ratios depending on the region. Some families prefer a little more rice flour for extra crispness, while others like a higher proportion of urad dal flour for a softer texture. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect balance!
• Coconut Milk: I use diluted coconut milk (about 1 ½ cups water to 1 cup thick coconut milk) for a lighter texture. Some recipes call for thick coconut milk, which will result in a slightly richer, denser murukku. Both work beautifully – it just comes down to personal preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, roast and grind the urad dal and mung beans into a fine powder. It’s important to sieve this mixture to remove any coarse particles, then grind again if needed. This ensures a smooth texture for your murukku.
2. Warm the coconut milk with salt until it’s just lukewarm. Let it cool slightly before using – you don’t want to cook the flour!
3. In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, urad dal flour, mung bean flour, and salt. Mix everything together really well.
4. Now, gradually add the lukewarm coconut milk to the flour mixture. Start slowly, mixing with your hands until a smooth, pliable dough forms. It should come together easily without being sticky.
5. Time for the fun part! Fit your Seepu Murukku mold with the desired nozzle. Press the dough into the mold and press into thin strips directly into hot oil. Cut the strips into 2-inch pieces.
6. Gently shape each piece into a ring by joining the ends with your fingers. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect – they’ll still taste amazing!
7. Heat canola oil in a deep pan over medium heat (around 350°F/175°C). Carefully fry the murukku rings in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove the fried murukku with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Expert Tips

Want to make sure your Seepu Murukku turns out perfectly? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

• Dough Consistency is Key: The dough should be soft and pliable, like playdough. If it’s too dry, add a little more coconut milk, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of rice flour.
• Troubleshooting – Dough Breaking: If the dough is breaking while you’re pressing it, it’s likely too dry. Add a tiny bit more coconut milk and knead well.
• Troubleshooting – Oily Murukku: If your murukku are absorbing too much oil, the oil isn’t hot enough. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the dough.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Too low, and the murukku will be oily. Too high, and they’ll burn before they cook through.

Variations

Let’s get creative! Here are a few ways to customize your Seepu Murukku:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the coconut milk with any plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses rice flour and lentil flours.
• Spice Level: For a little kick, add ½ teaspoon of chili powder to the flour mixture. My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) too!
• Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for Diwali or Krishna Jayanthi. I often make a huge batch for these celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

Seepu Murukku is best enjoyed fresh, with a cup of hot chai! They’re also great as a snack on their own, or served alongside a cup of filter coffee.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled Seepu Murukku in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They might lose a little of their initial crispness, but they’ll still be delicious!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What is the shelf life of Seepu Murukku? They’re best enjoyed within a week, but can last longer if stored properly in an airtight container.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temperature before using.
• What type of oil is best for frying? Canola oil is a good choice, but you can also use sunflower oil or vegetable oil.
• Why is sieving the flour important? Sieving removes any lumps and ensures a smooth, even texture for your murukku.
• What if my dough is too sticky/dry? As mentioned earlier, add a little coconut milk if it’s too dry, and a little rice flour if it’s too sticky. Adjust gradually until you reach the right consistency.

I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy snacking!