Murukku or Chakli as they are also known are a traditional Indian snack made during Diwali - the festival of lights and other celebrations. Typically they are made with a special Murukku press and coiled into spirals. I made mine using a forcer or spritz cookie press.

• Indian Cream Cheese and Cumin Murukku
•  
• 150 grams of cream cheese, softened
• 1 small green chili, minced
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, lightly toasted
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¾ cup of white rice flour
• 2 tablespoons of besan / chickpea flour
• 1 tablespoon of plain flour
• a little water if required
• vegetable oil for deep frying

1. Mix all the ingredients together to form a soft dough.
2. Place the dough into a cookie press or piping bag and press small rings or coils of dough onto a cookie tray.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy based saucepan or wok, not filled more than ½ way.
4. Test to see if the oil is hot enough with a little drop of the dough or when it's reached 180°C (356°F)
5. Carefully slip the rings of mixture into the oil a few at a time and fry the murukku turning once or twice for 1½ minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
6. Drain on absorbent paper and serve immediately.