Jentikalu, also known as Murukku, is a popular savory snack from South India, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It is a crunchy and flavorful snack enjoyed on its own or with tea or coffee. Jentikalu are typically made from a mixture of rice flour, besan (chickpea flour), cumin seeds, sesame seeds, salt, and sometimes chili powder or other spices for added flavor. The ingredients are combined into a dough with water and kneaded until smooth. To shape Jentikalu, the dough is extruded through a special tool called a "murukku press" or "chakli maker," which has a disc with tiny holes of various shapes. The dough is pressed through the holes to form long, spiral-shaped strands, which are then carefully deep-fried in oil until golden brown and crispy. Once fried, Jentikalu are drained of excess oil and allowed to cool before serving. They are known for their distinctive shape and crunchy texture, with a savory and mildly spiced flavor profile.
