Chakli
Chakli (also known as Murukku in South India) is a popular Indian snack, particularly during festive seasons like Diwali. Chakli is not just a snack but also a symbol of celebration in Indian culture. It's a spiral-shaped, crunchy, deep-fried snack made from rice flour, gram flour, or a mixture of various flours, seasoned with spices like cumin seeds, sesame seeds, carom seeds, and sometimes even red chili powder.
Contents
- Rice Flour: Provides a crispy texture.
- Gram Flour (Besan): Adds a rich flavor and protein content.
- Butter or Ghee: Used for making the dough, contributing to a tender yet crisp consistency.
- Sesame Seeds/Cumin Seeds: Enhances flavor and adds nutritional value.
- Spices (like Asafoetida, Carom Seeds): Offer digestive benefits and improve flavor.
Benefits
- Rich in Protein: The use of gram flour makes chakli a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
- Good Source of Energy: Being a carbohydrate-rich snack, chakli provides a quick energy boost, making it ideal as a festive treat or a snack during the day.
- Rich in Fiber: Depending on the ingredients used (especially if whole grain flours are included), chakli can provide a good amount of dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
- Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds used in chakli are a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and healthy fats, contributing to bone health and cardiovascular benefits.
- Improves Digestion: Spices like cumin seeds and carom seeds in chakli have carminative properties, helping to prevent indigestion, bloating, and gas.