Millet Murruku Crispy Sankranti Delights with a Healthy Twist!!!

Sankranti, celebrated as a harvest festival across India, is deeply connected to food traditions that symbolize abundance, prosperity, and joy. Among the many delicacies prepared for this auspicious occasion, murukku holds a special place, particularly in South Indian households.

Murukku, a crispy, spiral-shaped snack, derives its name from the Tamil word murukku, meaning "to twist." This reflects the intricate artistry and care involved in its preparation. Traditionally made with rice and lentil flour, along with butter, sesame seeds, and spices, murukku is a crunchy and flavorful treat. In recent years, healthier variations using millet flour have gained popularity, adding both nutrition and a festive touch.

The process of making murukku is often a family affair during Sankranti, bringing loved ones together to shape spirals while sharing stories and laughter. This collaborative activity reflects the festival’s spirit of unity, gratitude, and togetherness.

Murukku also carries symbolic significance. Its golden, circular form resembles the sun, central to Sankranti’s worship, as it begins its northward journey (Uttarayan). Sharing murukku with friends and neighbors aligns with the festival’s theme of spreading blessings and strengthening community bonds.

Offering murukku as part of Sankranti rituals expresses gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Its crunchy texture and delightful flavor complement the festival’s sweeter dishes, such as sakkarai pongal and til-gud.

More than just a snack, murukku embodies the essence of Sankranti: a celebration of hard work, gratitude, and the joy of reaping the fruits of labor.

Crispy Millet Murukku Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup millet flour (ragi, bajra, or jowar)
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 2 tbsp roasted gram flour (optional)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)
• Salt to taste
• Water for kneading
• Oil for deep frying

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine millet flour, rice flour, gram flour, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, asafoetida, and salt.
2. Add the butter and mix well until the flour mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually add water, kneading to form a soft, non-sticky dough.
4. Fill a murukku press with the dough and shape it into spirals on parchment paper.
5. Heat oil and fry the murukkus until they turn golden brown and crisp. 
6. Place murruku them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. 

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: ~110
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 5g

Millet murukku is a guilt-free snack, rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your Sankranti celebrations!