Home made Jantukalu (Murukulu)

**Jantukalu** is a popular traditional savory snack from Andhra Pradesh, known for its crunchy texture and spicy flavor. Made primarily from rice flour and seasoned with various spices, it’s a great snack for tea time or special occasions.

Here’s a simple recipe to make homemade Jantukalu:

### Ingredients:
– **1 cup rice flour**
– **1/4 cup besan (chickpea flour)**
– **2 tablespoons hot oil (for mixing with the flour)**
– **1 tablespoon sesame seeds**
– **1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)**
– **1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds**
– **1/2 teaspoon chili powder** (adjust to taste)
– **1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder**
– **1/2 teaspoon salt** (or to taste)
– **1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)** (optional)
– **Oil for deep frying**

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, besan, sesame seeds, ajwain, cumin seeds, chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and hing (if using).
– Heat 2 tablespoons of oil until it’s hot, then carefully pour it into the flour mixture. This helps in making the Jantukalu crispy.
– Mix the ingredients well until they form a crumbly texture.
– Gradually add water, a little at a time, to form a soft but manageable dough. The dough should be smooth and not too sticky.

2. **Shape the Jantukalu:**
– Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into thin strips or shape it into small rounds. You can use a sev maker with a thin hole disc to create thin, noodle-like strands if you prefer.

3. **Prepare for Frying:**
– Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat.
– Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the shaped dough pieces into the hot oil.

4. **Fry the Jantukalu:**
– Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the Jantukalu turns golden brown and crispy.
– Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

5. **Cool and Store:**
– Allow the Jantukalu to cool completely before storing.
– Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp.

### Tips:
– **Adjust Spices:** Feel free to adjust the level of chili powder based on your spice preference.
– **Test Oil Temperature:** To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it rises to the surface and bubbles, the oil is ready.

Enjoy your homemade Jantukalu as a crunchy, flavorful snack with your favorite beverage or as a delicious addition to any meal!