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    Home » Snacks

    Authentic Bhajani Chakli

    Published: Oct 19, 2019 · Modified: Oct 17, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 12 Comments

    488 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Chakli is a delightfully scrumptious snack that is often made in India during the Diwali festival. Also known as Chakri, these spiral-shaped crunchy snacks are made using the perfect blend of lentils and spices. Deep-fried to golden brown perfection, chaklis are lightly spiced with turmeric and chili packing in an explosion of flavors in every bite. 

    Bhajanichi Chakli with other diwali faral
    Jump to:
    • What is Bhajani?
    • How to make homemade bhajani (Chakli flour)
    • Where to buy a Chakli Press?
    • Pro Tips For Perfect Chakli
    • How to make Chakli, Step-by-Step Recipe
    • More Diwali Recipes
    • Recipe

    I have vivid memories of walking home from school only to be greeted by the exhilarating aroma wafting from my kitchen, as my mother patiently prepared her authentic bhajanichi Chakli. Diwali faral recipes are a legacy that gets passed down from generation to generation in Indian families. My mom follows my grandma's Chakli recipe and the result is always an out-of-the-world snack with a perfect balance of crunch and spice!

    Different parts of India have variations of this recipe. For example, in South India, Murukku(Chakli) is made using rice flour and a mild seasoning of salt and asafoetida. In Gujarat, Chakri is made with whole wheat flour or rice flour. In Maharashtra, it is made with Bhajani, a special homemade flour. Chakli is easily one of the most popular Indian Diwali snack AKA faral and is best enjoyed with a piping hot cup of tea.

    chakli made with traditional bhajani and instant bhajani mix

    What is Bhajani?

    Traditional Maharashtrian Chakli is made with a special homemade flour of rice and lentils called Bhajani. Rice and lentils are washed, air-dried, and then dry-roasted over slow heat along with cumin and coriander seeds. They are then cooled down and ground to fine flour. Every time I visit India, I make it a point to bring a few pounds of homemade bhajani. I have also seen local Indian grocery stores carry K Pra Brand Ready Chakli Mix which works for this recipe.

    This Bhajani flour is seasoned with spices, sesame seeds, and carom seeds and kneaded into dough. The dough is then placed in a special press called Chakli Maker and Chakli is made by pressing the dough out into spiral shapes. The pressed spirals are then carefully deep-fried in hot oil till they turn golden brown in color adding the perfect crispness. The resulting snack is so full of goodness and flavor, I bet you won’t be able to stop at one! 

    Ingredients for chakli
    Ingredients for chakli - flour, chili, carom seeds, turmeric, sesame seeds, salt and oil

    Since everyone in my house loves Chakli, I usually stock up on bhajani flour when I visit India. However, sometimes just when I plan to make some fresh crispy chakli, I find I have run out of it. So, this summer when my mom was visiting me, we tried a few different ways to make chaklis without the pre-made bhajani flour and I am thrilled to share two of our family-approved methods with you. Not to mention that my boys gave these recipes a five-star rating too!

    How to make homemade bhajani (Chakli flour)

    Method 1: Mom's traditional recipe using rice and lentils 

    This recipe requires a good flour mill or a powerful blender to grind the rice and lentils. In India, mom sends it to a professional mill that gets her finely ground flour.

    Ingredients for homemade Bhajani with Rice and Lentils:

    1. 1 cup rice
    2. ½ cup chana daal 
    3. ¼ cup urad daal
    4. 2 tablespoons moong daal 
    5. 2 teaspoons coriander
    6. 1 teaspoon cumin 

    How to make homemade Bhajani flour:

    Step 1 - Rinse the rice and lentils individually and drain well. Spread on separate paper towels for about 10 mins to air dry. Individually dry roast the rice and lentils for 5 to 6 minutes on medium heat until they start to turn light brown, stirring all the time. Take the roasted rice or lentil out in a tray and repeat for the remaining. Roast cumin and coriander seeds for a minute. Allow all the roasted ingredients to completely cool (photos 1 - 4).

    rice and lentils washed and roasted

    Step 2 - Grind rice and lentils in the flour mill, blender, or a small spice grinder to make fine flour. I was able to grind them in 2 to 3 batches using my small spice grinder. Sift the flour and separate the coarse flour. If the coarse flour is more than ¼ cup, grind it again to minimize the waste otherwise discard it. This is it! This is your homemade bhajani that can be used to make authentic bhajani chakli (photos 5 - 6).

    ground and sifted bhajani flour

    Notes: 

    1. Makes 2.5 cups of flour that should make around 25 chaklis 
    2. Since homemade flour made without a professional mill can be a bit coarse, it needs a lot more water to make a soft dough. I used almost 2 cups of water to make the dough with flour ground in my blender.

    Method 2: Instant chakli flour

    Here is an Instant Chakli flour recipe that can be made by simply mixing a few flours from your pantry. 

    Ingredients for Instant chakli flour :

    1. 1 cup rice flour, sifted
    2. ½ cup besan or gram flour sifted
    3. ¼ cup urad flour sifted
    4. 2 teaspoons ground coriander
    5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin 

    How to make Instant chakli flour:

    1. Add rice flour, besan, and urad flour to a medium pan. Roast for 5 to 7 minutes stirring frequently.
    2. Allow the flour to cool completely. Mix in ground coriander and cumin. 

    Notes: 

    1. Makes slightly less than 2 cups of flour and makes 20 - 24 chaklis
    2. For this method and quantity, I used 1 cup of water to make the chakli dough

    Where to buy a Chakli Press?

    I like the Anjali chakli press that I purchased in India. It is available on Amazon in the US. Here is a brass chakli press that looks good too.

    anjali chakli press
    Chakli Press

    Pro Tips For Perfect Chakli

    • Sift the flour, especially if using homemade flour. This will remove any larger pieces of rice or lentils that have not been ground finely. 
    • Add water a little bit at a time. Remember different flours will need different amounts of liquids to make a soft dough. We found that home-milled flour needed a lot more water than the instant chakli flour or mom's flour from India. 
    • Taste the dough to make sure the salt and spice are to your taste. Add more red chili powder for a spicier chakli. 
    • After pressing 3 to 4 spirals, make sure to secure the end to the outermost circle so the chakli will stay together. 
    • Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chakli. This will prevent the chaklis from dissolving or breaking in the oil. 
    • Make sure each batch takes about 5 to 6 minutes, and fry them slowly so they stay crispy for weeks. 
    • Adding room temperature chakli to hot oil makes the oil cooler. So make sure you have high heat when adding chakli. Wait for a minute as the chakli starts to harden and then turn over. Then remember to lower the heat and continue frying at medium-low heat. 
    • Use a slotted spatula which will drain out most of the oil. Place fried chakli on a paper towel-lined tray. Allow them to completely cool down before storing them in an airtight container. 

    How to make Chakli, Step-by-Step Recipe

    Step 1 - Add the flour to a mixing bowl. Add ¼ cup of hot oil and ¼ cup of hot water. Add red chili powder, carom seeds, turmeric, salt, and sesame seeds. Mix everything with a spatula. Gradually add cold water and knead the flour to make a soft dough. Cover the dough with a moist paper towel so it does not dry out (photos 1 - 4).

    making dough for chakli

    Step 2 - Start heating the oil in a frying pan or kadhai on medium heat. Insert the chakli disc with a star shape in the middle into the chakli press. Next, take some dough and make it into a cylindrical shape to fit in the chakli press. Insert just enough dough to almost fill the tube. Tightly secure the top lid/handle on the tube (photos 5 - 6).

    filling press with dough

    Step 3 - Start pumping out the chakli in a circular motion on small pieces of parchment paper or paper towels. I usually do 3 to 4 spiral rounds, close to each other to make one chakli. Secure the end to the outermost circle so the chakli will stay together.  Continue pressing the remaining chaklis. The tube usually holds enough dough to press out 6 to 8 chaklis (photos 7 - 8).

    photos showing how to make chakli with a press

    Step 4 - Test the oil for optimum temperature by adding a small piece of dough to the oil, which should rise up gradually in 5 to 10 seconds. If it rises up too fast, lower the heat and if it does not rise up in 10 seconds allow the oil to heat up further. 

    Step 5 - Carefully add chakli one at a time into the hot oil, taking care not to crowd the frying pan. You can add 3 to 6 chaklis at a time depending on the size of your pan. Keep on high heat when adding the chakli to the hot oil. After about 1 minute, lower the heat to medium. After 2-3 minutes, turn them over, one at a time, and continue to fry on medium to low heat or until they are golden brown in color for another 1 to 2 minutes. It usually takes a total of about 5-6 minutes to perfectly fry a batch of chaklis. Lower the heat when you are ready to take out the chakli. Take them out in a paper towel-lined tray and then allow to cool down in a single layer (photos 9 - 10).

    Photos showing how to fry chakli

    Step 6 - Repeat pressing out the chakli and frying process for the remaining dough, steps 3 and 5. Remember to increase the heat for the oil to high before adding the next batch of chakli.

    Chakli in a black plate

    Allow the chakli to completely cool down and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay good for weeks or even months as long as you keep them away from moisture.

    More Diwali Recipes

    1. Easy Shankarpali/Shakar Pare with basic pantry ingredients
    2. Namak Pare, savory Indian crackers
    3. No-fail Rava ladoo with fresh coconut and semolina
    4. Layered Karanji or Gujia with aromatic rose coconut filling 
    5. Saranachi Puri or Satori, a unique dessert with delicious coconut and jaggery filling

    Want to know more about Diwali and how it is celebrated in my family? Check out this post I wrote on How I celebrate the 5 days of Diwali, my Rituals, and Traditions!!

    Do you enjoy Indian food? Here are some of our go-to Easy Indian recipes for celebrations and gatherings:

    Here is an EASY vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian menu idea:

    Indian Vegetarian Menu 

    • Chana Saag – spicy chickpeas with spinach
    • Aloo Gobi – curried cauliflower and potatoes
    • Whole wheat Parathas – homemade parathas or store-bought Naan 
    • Paneer Biryani – quick and easy Instant Pot recipe 
    • Kheer – aromatic rice pudding with a simple recipe
    • Sprouted bean salad – Moong bean salad with crunchy vegetables

    Indian Non-Vegetarian Menu 

    • Shahi Chicken Korma - Royal Mughlai Curry
    • Shrimp Curry  – Quick and flavorful recipe
    • Parathas – whole wheat parathas
    • Chicken Biriyani – Easy one-pot recipe
    • Rose Faluda – Ice cream sundae float
    • Beetroot raita – a cooling yogurt side dish

    ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    Bhajni Chakri Chakli Murruku
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    4.77 from 13 votes

    Traditional Maharashtrian Bhajani Chakli Recipe

    Chakli is a delightfully scrumptious snack with a blend of lentils and spices often made in India during Diwali festival.
    Prep Time40 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Total Time1 hr 10 mins
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 120kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Equipment

    • Chakli Press

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups Bhajani flour sifted, fine flour (see notes)
    • 2 tablespoons oil   hot AKA mohan
    • ¼ cup water hot
    • 2 tablespoons brown sesame seeds
    • 1½ teaspoons ajwain/carom seeds ajwain
    • 1 tablespoon mild Kashmiri red chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • ½ cup water room temperature
    • Oil for frying

    Instructions

    • Add the flour to a mixing bowl. Add ¼ cup of hot oil and ¼ cup of hot water. Add red chili powder, carom seeds, turmeric, salt and sesame seeds. Mix everything with a spatula. Gradually add cold water and knead the flour to make soft dough. Cover the dough with a moist paper towel so it does not dry out. 
    • Start heating the oil in a frying pan or kadhai on medium heat. Insert the chakli disc with a star shape in the middle into the chakli press. Next, take some dough and make it into cylindrical shape to fit in the chakli press. Insert just enough dough to almost fill the tube. Tightly secure the top lid/handle on the tube. 
    • Start pumping out the chakli in a circular motion on small pieces of parchment paper or paper towels. I usually do 3 to 4 spiral rounds, close to each other to make one chakli. Secure the end to the outermost circle so the chakli will stay together.  Continue pressing remaining chaklis. The tube usually holds enough dough to press out 6 to 8 chaklis. 
    • Test the oil for optimum temperature by adding a small piece of dough to the oil, which should rise up gradually in 5 to 10 seconds. If it rises up too fast, lower the heat and if it does not rise up in 10 seconds allow the oil to heat up further.
    • Carefully add chakli one at a time into the hot oil, taking care not to crowd the frying pan. You can add 3 to 6 chaklis at a time depending on the size of your pan. Keep on high heat when adding the chakli in the hot oil. After about 1 minute, lower the heat to medium. After 2-3 minutes, turn them over, one at a time and continue to fry on medium to low heat or until they are golden brown in color another 1 to 2 minutes . It usually takes a total of about 5-6 minutes to perfectly fry a batch of chaklis. Lower the heat when you are ready to take out the chakli. Take them out in a paper towel lined tray and allow to cool down in a single layer. 
    • Repeat pressing out the chakli and frying process for the remaining dough, steps 3 and 5. Remember to increase the heat for the oil to high before adding the next batch of chakli.  
      Allow the chakli's to completely cool down and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay good for weeks or even months as long as you keep them away from moisture. 

    Notes:

    • This recipe and mesurements are with my mom's super fine Bhajani flour from India.
      Read my post above to see how to make the flours at home especially in the US.
      1. The homemade flour made without a professional mill can be a bit coarse and needs upto 2 cups of cold water to make soft dough.
      2. The Instant chakli flour with mixed flours, needs up to 1 cup of cold water to make soft dough.

    Pro Tips

    • Sift the flour especially if making homemade flour. This will remove any larger pieces of rice or lentils that have not been ground finely. 
    • Add water little bit at a time. Remember different flours will need different amounts of liquids to make soft dough. We found that home milled flour needed a lot more water than the instant chakli flour or mom’s flour from India.
    • Taste the dough to make sure the salt and spice are to your taste. Add more red chili powder for spicier chakli. 
    • After pressing 3 to 4 spirals, make sure to secure the end to the outermost circle so the chakli will stay together. 
    • Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chakli. This will prevent the chaklis from dissolving or breaking in the oil. 
    • Make sure each batch takes about 5 to 6 minutes, fry them slowly so they stay crispy for weeks. 
    • Adding room temperature chakli to hot oil makes the oil cooler. So make sure you have high heat when adding chakli. Wait for a minute as the chakli starts to harden and then turn over. Then remember to lower the heat and continue frying at medium low heat. 
    • Use a slotted spatula which will drain out most of the oil. Place fried chakli on a paper towel lined tray. Allow them to completely cool down before storing in an airtight container. 

    Video

    Notes

    • Local Indian grocery stores also sell K-Pra Brand Chakli Ready Mix which is good for this recipe.
    • Please check the full post for details on how mom makes homemade bhajani. 
    Instant chakli flour
    Here is an Instant Chakli flour recipe that can be made by simply mixing a few flours from your pantry. 
    • 1 cup rice flour, sifted
    • ½ cup besan or gram flour sifted
    • ¼ cup urad flour sifted
    • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin 
    Add rice flour, besan, and urad flour to a medium pan. Roast for 5 to 7 minutes stirring frequently. Allow the flour to cool completely. Mix in ground coriander and cumin. 
    Note: For this method and quantity, I used 1 cup of water to make the chakli dough. Makes slightly less than 2 cups of flour and makes 20 - 24 chaklis 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 399mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Rupal says

      October 19, 2019 at 1:14 pm

      Hi, can this be made as baked snack?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        October 19, 2019 at 2:58 pm

        Yes bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, turning half way thru

        Reply
    2. Jyoti says

      October 21, 2019 at 7:00 pm

      Can we use only wheat flour for making chakli ?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        October 21, 2019 at 10:09 pm

        I have not tried with wheat but should work. Let me knwo if you try them 🙂

        Reply
    3. Shilpa says

      October 27, 2019 at 12:19 am

      Made chakli with instant flour...came out absolutely crunchy. Thank you so much.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        October 29, 2019 at 12:32 pm

        You are most welcome. Thank you for the feedback.

        Reply
    4. Bee says

      October 24, 2020 at 9:13 am

      Can we use the readymade flours of besan,Urad flour and rice flour and mix them ?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        October 28, 2020 at 11:40 am

        Yes! You can

        Reply
    5. Usha says

      November 12, 2020 at 10:21 pm

      Flavor is spot on but I had trouble with the dough - it was a little crumbly as I was pressing the spirals. Maybe I didn’t add enough water? Also I tried baking these at 350 for 12 mins but they weren’t crunchy. I’m giving them a lot more time and hopefully they’ll crisp up. Nonetheless, I’m going to try again! I used the “instant” flour recipe!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 13, 2020 at 4:49 pm

        Kudos to know for trying and willing to try again!
        So depending is the flour is not fine you will need more water! See my notes. I would not recommend baking these. I would add more water if its crumbly. The flour should be smooth as shown in the video!

        Reply
        • Usha says

          November 15, 2020 at 12:56 pm

          Thank you! Yes I think it was a water issue - needed to add more. The flour was fine and I sifted it for good measure. I’ll definitely try again, as chakli is one of my absolute favorites. I ended up baking them for about 40 minutes total, and they were crunchy.

          Reply
    6. Barkha says

      November 22, 2020 at 9:54 pm

      I followed the recipe with exact measurements and was very happy with the result. The chaklis tasted just like store bought. Thanks Archana for sharing the recipe. 5 stars

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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