I’m thrilled to be reviving this blog post after six years. Being a Gujarati, this was one of the first pieces I ever published, and I’m excited to add more tips and a perfect recipe for you. Til ki chikki is a yummy Indian sweet treat also known as sesame seed chikki, gajak, or tilachi chikki. Think of it like sesame brittle, but instead of using sugar. Til chikki is made with jaggery, a natural sweetener, and sesame seeds. It is popularly made in India to celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti (kite festival). This makes til chikki a guilt-free snack that’s perfect for energy bars, healthy candies, or even as a treat for the kids. I have a healthy date roll and granola recipe with dates, on my blog do give it a try!
Benefits
Here are a few benefits of sesame seeds to encourage you to make these very easy and simple delights at home.
helps frequent urination when eaten with jaggery. can prevent cancer helps digestion and prevents constipation can prevent diabetes helps reduce cardiovascular disease and hypertension Anti-aging, great for muscle, skin, and hair helps oral health
However, consumption in moderation is necessary. In winter, when fresh jaggery is available, I make these along with other winter recipes on my to-do bucket list.
Ingredients
This snack is so easy to make, you only need 2 ingredients! Or 3, if you count the oil. It’s that simple!
Sesame seeds: White sesame seeds are the classic choice for til chikki, and I love the subtle nutty flavor they bring. Just make sure they’re fresh and not stale for the best taste. Jaggery: Jaggery is the main ingredient in this sweet treat. Opt for soft and fresh jaggery, which you can easily find in Indian and Pakistani grocery stores. It’ll make all the difference in the taste and color of your til chikki. Darker jaggery is considered more pure and less refined. You can also use jaggery powder so you do not have to grate jaggery. Oil: While oil is handy, you can also use ghee to give your til chikki a richer flavor and aroma.
How to make this recipe?
Follow these simple steps and you’ll be making chikki like a pro. Use jaggery powder or grate a jaggery block before starting. Looking for more hearty and comforting winter recipes? Try these.
To prevent a bitter chikki, don’t over-roast your sesame seeds. Once they start changing color and release a pleasant roasting aroma, turn off the heat immediately. That’s your cue for perfectly roasted sesame seeds. The sesame chikki can stick to the base tightly and won’t come out without breaking. Heavy greasing makes sure they don’t stick and also gives a nice glaze. Watch your step with the jaggery caramelization! Don’t let it cook past the hard ball stage, or your til chikki will turn into rock-hard candy. Keep the heat low and stir continuously to avoid this situation. Alternatively, you can use a tray lined with parchment paper. Consider taping the parchment paper to a tray or counter so it doesn’t slide while rolling. Make sure you have everything prepped beforehand, such as greasing your trays, rolling pin, and keeping a knife handy. It’s not necessary to make deep cuts while cooling the chikki; light impressions are sufficient. The chikki will break easily along these marks. Storing: To store the chikki, place the squares in an airtight container and they will stay fresh for up to four to five months on the counter. That is, if they last that long! Avoid keeping them in the fridge as they can absorb moisture and turn sticky and chewy. Variation: If you’re looking for an extra health boost, you can also mix in some black and brown sesame seeds. These darker seeds add a deeper flavor and are packed with antioxidants. You can add spices and dry fruits to til chikki. Spices like cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, and ginger can add warmth and complexity to the flavor, while nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts can add more crunch and texture.
If you try this til chikki recipe, I’d LOVE to hear your feedback in the comments. Your 5-ratings motivate me to do my best. Stay connected for more recipes and videos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
📖 Recipe
