All About Tilkut Recipe:

Tilkut, a traditional Indian sweet delicacy, is a specialty associated with the Makar Sankranti festival. This delectable treat hails from the northern states of India, especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Tilkut is crafted using just two primary ingredients: sesame seeds and jaggery.

To prepare Tiilkut, sesame seeds are dry-roasted until golden, releasing their aromatic flavor. Subsequently, jaggery is melted to form a syrup, which is then combined with the roasted sesame seeds. The mixture is quickly shaped into small, flat rounds or lumps before it cools and solidifies. The result is a delightful combination of nutty sesame and the rich, earthy sweetness of jaggery.

Tilkut embodies the essence of Makar Sankranti, symbolizing the transition of winter into spring. It carries cultural significance, being exchanged among friends and family as a gesture of goodwill and shared joy during the festive season. With its simple yet tantalizing flavors, Tilkut continues to be a cherished part of Indian culinary heritage, carrying forward the tradition of celebrating festivals with homemade delights.

Ingredient Of Tilkut Recipe:

• 2 cups white sesame seeds
• 1 cup jaggery (gur)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
• Ghee or oil for greasing
• Water

Step By Step Instructions Of Tilkut Recipe:

Step 1: Roasting Sesame Seeds

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium-low heat.
2. Add the sesame seeds to the dry pan and continuously stir them to avoid burning.
3. Roast the sesame seeds until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Once roasted, remove the sesame seeds from the pan and let them cool down.

Step 2: Preparing Jaggery Syrup

1. In the same pan, add the jaggery and a small amount of water.
2. Heat the jaggery on medium heat until it melts completely, stirring occasionally.
3. To check the consistency of the jaggery syrup, drop a small amount into a bowl of water. It should form a soft ball when rolled between your fingers.

Step 3: Combining Sesame and Jaggery

1. Once the jaggery syrup reaches the desired consistency, add the roasted sesame seeds to the pan.
2. Stir well to coat the sesame seeds evenly with the jaggery syrup.
3. If desired, add cardamom powder for additional flavor. Mix well.

Step 4: Shaping the Tilkut

1. Grease a flat surface or a thali with ghee or oil.
2. Transfer the sesame and jaggery mixture onto the greased surface.
3. Flatten the mixture with a greased rolling pin or with the back of a spoon. You can also use your hands to shape it into a rectangular or circular shape with an even thickness.

Step 5: Cutting and Cooling

1. While the mixture is still warm, use a sharp knife to cut it into desired shapes – squares or diamond patterns are common.
2. Allow the cut Tiilkut to cool and harden completely.

Step 6: Storing

1. Once the Tiilkut is completely cool and firm, gently separate the pieces.
2. Store the Tiilkut in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting too sticky.

Tips Of Making Tilkut Recipe:

• Work quickly when shaping and cutting the Tiilkut, as it tends to harden as it cools.
• You can customize the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of jaggery.
• For variation, you can also add chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios to the mixture before shaping.

Enjoy your homemade Tiilkut! This delicious and nutritious treat can be savored during festivals or as a delightful snack anytime.