How to Make Chakli Bhajani – Diabetic-Friendly Chakli Recipe

Chakli for Type 2 Diabetes

Chakli is a popular Indian savory snack known for its spiral shape and crisp, spiked texture. It is traditionally prepared using rice flour, Bengal gram (chana dal), and black gram (urad dal). Chakli is especially popular during festivals like Diwali, when homes are filled with the aroma of freshly prepared snacks and sweets.

Food plays a central role in Indian festivals, bringing families together to celebrate with joy and tradition. While sweets often take the spotlight, savory snacks like chakli are equally loved. However, for people with diabetes, enjoying festive foods can be confusing due to concerns about calories, oil, and blood sugar spikes.

The good news is—chakli can be made diabetes-friendly with the right choice of ingredients and cooking method.

Can a Diabetic Eat Chakli?

Yes, a person with diabetes can eat chakli in moderation. Traditional chakli, especially South Indian-style versions, often use refined rice flour and deep frying at high temperatures, making them high in calories and glycemic load.

At Freedom From Diabetes (FFD), we recommend a modified chakli bhajani recipe using brown rice instead of white rice, along with Bengal gram and black gram. These ingredients are rich in fiber, plant protein, and have a better impact on blood sugar control when consumed mindfully.

Why This Chakli Recipe Is Diabetes-Friendly

This recipe uses:

• Brown rice instead of white rice
  
  

• Chana dal and urad dal for protein and fiber
  
  

• Minimal spices for flavor without sugar spikes
  
  

• Controlled oil usage
  
  

When prepared correctly and eaten in small portions, this chakli can be a healthier festive snack option for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Recipe Details

Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 3–4 people

Preparation Time:

• Bhajani preparation: 30 minutes
  
  

• Frying: 15–20 minutes
  
  

Preparing chakli is a two-step process. First, we prepare chakli bhajani (flour). Then, this bhajani is used to make chaklis.

Ingredients for Chakli Bhajani

• 4 cups brown rice
  
  

• 2 cups chana dal (Bengal gram, split)
  
  

• 1 cup urad dal (black gram, split)
  
  

• ½ cup coriander seeds
  
  

• ¼ cup cumin seeds
  
  

Ingredients for Chakli Dough

(Yields approximately 40 chaklis)

• 2 cups chakli bhajani flour
  
  

• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
  
  

• 1 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
  
  

• Red chili powder as required
  
  

• A pinch of turmeric powder (optional)
  
  

• ½ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  
  

• Salt to taste
  
  

• ¼ cup oil
  
  

• About 1 cup boiling water
  
  

Method to Prepare Chakli Bhajani

Start by dry roasting each ingredient separately. Roast brown rice until it turns crisp. Do the same for chana dal and urad dal. Do not use oil while roasting.

Next, dry roast coriander seeds and cumin seeds until aromatic. Allow all roasted ingredients to cool completely.

Once cooled, grind everything together into a fine powder. This powder is known as chakli bhajani.

Store the bhajani flour in an airtight container. If stored properly, it can last for up to one year.

How to Make Chakli

Heat oil in a small pan until it reaches the smoking point. Carefully pour this hot oil over the bhajani flour and mix well.

Add sesame seeds, ajwain, salt, turmeric powder, chili powder, and asafoetida to the flour. Slowly add boiling water and knead the mixture into a soft, pliable dough.

Fill the dough into a chakli press or mold. Press the dough in a circular motion on a clean surface to form spiral-shaped chaklis, usually with three rotations.

Heat enough oil in a pan for frying. Once the oil is hot, reduce the flame to medium-low. Gently slide 2–3 chaklis into the oil at a time. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Fry until the bubbling slows down and the chaklis turn crisp and start sinking in the oil. Remove and drain excess oil.

Allow the chaklis to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Is This Chakli Healthy for Diabetics?

Yes, chakli prepared using this method is a healthier option, especially for people with diabetes. It offers better fiber, protein, and controlled carbohydrate quality compared to regular chakli.

Enjoy it mindfully and in small portions as part of a balanced diet.

Did you try this recipe? Do share your experience with us.
For more diabetes-friendly recipes, visit our website.

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