Crispy Ribbon Pakoda Recipe – South Indian Diwali Snack | Easy Ribbon Murukku Recipe
Ribbon Pakoda (also known as Ribbon Murukku) is a crunchy and savory South Indian snack that holds a special place in festive traditions, particularly during Diwali. With its crisp texture and spicy flavor, it makes an ideal treat for tea time or any special occasion. The recipe combines simple ingredients such as rice flour, gram flour (besan), butter, and a few spices, then deep-fried to a perfect golden crunch. The distinct ribbon-like shape is achieved using a murukku maker or ribbon press, adding to the fun of making and serving this delicious snack.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 2 cups |
| Rice flour | 2 cups |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons, to taste |
| Red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Butter (salted) | 3 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/4 cup, as needed |
| Oil | For deep frying |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal (per serving, 1 piece) |
| Protein | 2.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 22.3g |
| Fat | 7.8g |
| Fiber | 1.4g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Yield
- Serves: 4-6 people
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour (besan), rice flour, asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder, salt, and red chili powder. Mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Add the butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingers, creating a coarse crumb-like texture.
- Gradually add water a little at a time, kneading it into the dough until it is stiff, smooth, and pliable. The dough should not be too soft, as this can cause the pakoda to break while frying.
Step 2: Set Up the Murukku Maker
- Grease the Sev press or Murukku maker with a bit of oil to prevent the dough from sticking. Select the plate that has many thin, ribbon-like strips (the standard one for ribbon pakoda).
- Fill the press with the prepared dough and secure it in place.
Step 3: Fry the Ribbon Pakoda
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. If the oil is too hot, the pakoda will brown quickly and remain soft inside, so it’s important to fry on medium heat for a crisp texture.
- Press the dough into the hot oil in thin strips, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You only need enough dough to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the ribbon pakodas to fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they begin to turn golden brown. Gently flip them over using a slotted spoon to ensure even frying.
- Once the pakodas are crisp and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Cool and Store
- Allow the ribbon pakodas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough, frying in batches.
Serving Suggestions
- Ribbon Pakoda makes for a perfect evening snack when paired with a steaming cup of Masala Chai.
- You can also serve them as part of a Diwali snack platter alongside other traditional Indian treats like Murukku, Mathri, or Chivda.
Tips for Perfect Ribbon Pakoda
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature on medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the pakodas may burn on the outside but stay soft inside.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be stiff but pliable. If the dough is too loose, the pakodas will break in the oil.
- Storage: Store the fried pakodas in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crispy for up to a week.
Variations
- Spicy Version: For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of black pepper or garam masala to the dough.
- Herbed Pakoda: Add finely chopped curry leaves or fresh coriander to the dough for a fragrant twist.
- Baked Ribbon Pakoda: For a healthier version, you can bake the pakodas at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Conclusion
This Crispy Ribbon Pakoda recipe brings the authentic taste of South Indian festivals like Diwali right to your kitchen. Its delightful crunch, combined with aromatic spices and a hint of butter, makes it an irresistible snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a festival or as an everyday treat, these crunchy ribbons will surely be a hit at your next gathering!
