Maida Chakli Recipe: Also known as Maida Murukku, this snack is an absolute essential during festivals like Diwali. This traditional recipe, rooted in Gujarati and Marathi culinary styles, employs all-purpose flour (maida) and involves the unique process of dry steaming the flour. This distinctive method imparts a melt-in-the-mouth crispness, creating a taste like no other. Elevating the flavor profile further is the fragrant addition of sesame seeds.
Ingredients
For Maida Chakli Recipe
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Maida)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 tablespoon Oil + additional for deep frying
Directions
For Maida Chakli Recipe
- Sieve 2 cups of maida, secure it in a cotton cloth, and place the tied maida in a small steel container.
- Seal the container with a lid, position the steel container in a pressure cooker, and add water until it reaches half the height of the container. Steam it for approximately 15 to 17 minutes without worrying about the number of whistles.
- Turn off the flame and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. Open the cooker, remove the lid of the container, and untie the maida, now transformed into a large lump.
- Place the lump in a large bowl and untie it, then pound it with a pestle to achieve a flour-like consistency.
- Sieve the pounded mixture again to eliminate any large or small lumps.
- Mix in black sesame seeds, 1/2 tablespoon oil, and salt into the sieved flour.
- Gradually add water in small increments (2 tablespoons at a time) and prepare a smooth and soft dough, similar to chapati dough.
- Fit a star-shaped mold into the chakli maker container.
- Fill the mold with the prepared dough.
- Secure the container tightly with its lid. Form spirals or coils on a paper or thick plastic sheet by twisting the handle while moving it in a spiral motion.
- Deep fry the spirals in medium-hot oil, reducing the flame to low, until they turn light golden brown.
- Drain and transfer to a plate. Allow it to cool to room temperature before serving or storing in an airtight container. Consume within 15-20 days.
Tips and Variations:
- For first-time makers, forming coils directly may be challenging. Instead, make a string of dough with the help of the chakli maker, then manually twist it by winding it into a spiral from inside to outside.
- If preparing in large quantities, steam cook the flour for a longer duration.
- To enhance aroma and taste, add 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds) in step-3.
- Avoid deep-frying too many Maida Chakli simultaneously to prevent uneven cooking and sticking together.
Taste: Crispy and Salty
Serving Ideas: Perfect alongside any sweet during festive times, especially Diwali. They also complement tea as a delicious afternoon snack.
Conclusion:
In summary, mastering Maida Chakli Recipe offers a journey into traditional Gujarati-Marathi cuisine. The dry steaming, sesame seeds, and crispy salty taste make it a cherished snack for celebrations like Diwali. Paired with tea or sweets, Maida Chakli brings delightful uniqueness to any meal.
FAQs
About Maida Chakli Recipe
Q: What makes Maida Chakli Recipe unique?
A: Maida Chakli Recipe uses a traditional Gujarati and Marathi technique of dry steaming maida (all-purpose flour) dough. This imparts a distinctive melt-in-mouth crispness unlike any other snack.
Q: How do you know when the dry steaming is complete?
A: Look for the maida dough to transform into one large lump, usually taking 15-17 minutes. The number of pressure cooker whistles is not as important.
Q: Why are black sesame seeds added?
A: Black sesame seeds enhance the aromatic flavor profile of Maida Chakli Recipe, making it more tasty.
Q: What is the ideal dough consistency?
A: Gradually add water to achieve a smooth, soft chapati-like dough. Avoid over-kneading.
Q: How can you make it more flavorful?
A: Consider adding 1/2 tsp of ajwain (carom seeds) while preparing the dough for extra aromatic taste.
