Ragi Thenkuzhal is a traditional South Indian snack with crunch and a burst of flavours. This savoury treat originates from Tamil Nadu and is a favourite during festivals and celebrations. Combining ragi flour, rice flour, and spices creates a unique texture and taste that will tantalize your taste buds. It is best served at tea-time snacks or even at gatherings.Â
About the recipe
Ragi Thenkuzhal is a traditional South Indian dish originating from Tamil Nadu. It is a savoury, crispy, and flavorful snack. This recipe features ragi flour, rice flour, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dough is shaped using a murukku maker and deep-fried to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy treat that pairs perfectly with hot tea or coffee. Serve it as a snack during festivities, or enjoy it as a crunchy bite any time.
Why you will love this recipe
Ragi Thenkuzhal is made with simple ingredients and is easy to prepare, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary heritage of South India. The combination of ragi flour and aromatic spices makes this dish a delightful tea-time snack that will leave you craving more. Ragi Thenkuzhal is the perfect choice for a delicious and satisfying snack.
Ragi Thenkuzhal
Cooking Tips
For the perfect batch of Ragi Thenkuzhal, dry roast the flours before mixing them with the other ingredients. This helps enhance the flavours and ensures a crispy texture. Additionally, be careful when frying the thenkuzhals—ensure the oil is hot enough, but not too hot, to prevent them from burning.
Cultural Context
Ragi Thenkuzhal holds a special place in Tamil Nadu’s culinary heritage, often prepared during festivals like Diwali and Krishna Jayanthi. Its popularity extends beyond South India, with variations found in other regions. This snack is a treat for the taste buds and a symbol of cultural pride and tradition.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serve Ragi Thenkuzhal as a crunchy snack alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. This recipe yields about 20-25 thenkuzhals and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, with 30 minutes of active time.
Other Similar Recipes
If you enjoy Ragi Thenkuzhal, you might also like its counterparts, such as Murukku, Ribbon Pakoda, and Sev. These savoury snacks offer a similar crunch and flavour profile, perfect for snacking or gifting during festive seasons.
Nutrient Benefits
Ragi Thenkuzhal offers nutritional benefits thanks to its main ingredient, ragi flour. Ragi is rich in calcium, iron, and dietary fibre, making it a healthy snack. Additionally, sesame seeds provide essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, adding to the overall nutritional value of this delicious snack.
Ragi Thenkuzhal
Ingredients
- 2 cups Raw Rice Flour
- 2 cups Ragi Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Urad Dal Flour
- 2 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1 1/4 tbsp Red Chilli Powder
- Asafoetida Powder (a pinch)
- Salt (as per taste)
- Oil (as required)
Instructions
- Dry roast the ragi flour and rice flour in a pan.
- Add urad flour, salt, asafoetida, and sesame seeds. Mix well.
- Heat 3 tbsp oil in a separate pan and pour into the flour mixture.
- Add enough water and mix well to a murukku dough consistency.
- Grease a murukku maker and add enough dough.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame.
- Gently press the murukku maker over the hot oil.
- Fry on both sides until light golden brown.
- Remove and drain excess oil.
- Serve as a snack.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I reduce the spice level in Ragi Thenkuzhal?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chilli powder according to your taste preferences. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
How long can I store Ragi Thenkuzhal?
Ragi Thenkuzhal can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks; to maintain its crispiness, it should be completely cooled before storage.
Can I use store-bought rice flour and ragi flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought flour if you need the means to make them at home. However, freshly ground flour will enhance the flavour of the dish.
