Pan-Fried Manapparai Murukku with Spiced Groundnut Candy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Tamil Nadu snack featuring crunchy, spiral-shaped rice flour murukku paired with sweet, spiced groundnut candy for an authentic taste experience. This indian-inspired snacks ready in about 40 minutes turns rice flour, urad dal flour, butter into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups rice flour, 1/2 cup urad dal flour, 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1/4 tsp asafoetida, and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add about 3/4 cup water to form a soft, pliable dough that holds shape but is not sticky.
  2. Step 2: Heat peanut oil in a deep pan over medium heat to 350°F for frying. Fill a murukku press with the dough and pipe spirals directly into the hot oil. Fry murukkus in batches for 3-4 minutes each until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: For the groundnut candy, roast 1 cup raw peanuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same pan, add 1 cup granulated sugar and cook over medium heat until it melts and turns a golden amber color, about 5 minutes, stirring gently.
  5. Step 5: Quickly stir in the roasted peanuts and 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, mixing thoroughly to coat the peanuts in the caramelized sugar.
  6. Step 6: Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and spread evenly. Let cool completely and break into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Step 7: Serve the hot, crispy murukku alongside the sweet, spiced groundnut candy for a delightful authentic Tamil Nadu snack pairing.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Manapparai Murukku with Spiced Groundnut Candy take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Manapparai Murukku with Spiced Groundnut Candy?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Manapparai Murukku with Spiced Groundnut Candy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Manapparai Murukku with Spiced Groundnut Candy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Manapparai Murukku with Spiced Groundnut Candy?

Indian snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes