Til Chikki (Sesame Chikki)

Name: Til Chikki (Sesame Chikki)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1⅛ cup sesame seed (til); 1 tbs oil (or ghee, more for greasing); 3/4 cup jaggery (gur)

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5 from 2 votes

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Munch on this crispy and crunchy til chikki loaded with health goodness guilt-free. Make it with only 3 ingredients in just 25 minutes.

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.

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Benefits
Why try this recipe?
Ingredients
How to make this recipe?
Expert Tips
FAQS
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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.

Why try this recipe?

The most important thing about chikki making is that it should be brittle, which is attained by heating jaggery to a level that it starts caramelizing. So if you don't heat the jaggery/gud to that point, your chikki will be soft and crumbly.
For that, we test the jaggery in water. So do not skip the test and hopefully, your chikki will turn out good in the the first time.
Store-bought sesame seed chikkis are made with sugar. In comparison, homemade til chikki are made with quality sesame and quality jaggery. Homemade is also less sweet and so they are also low in calories.

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.

Dry roast sesame seeds in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium-low flame for 3-4 minutes with constant stirring until lightly toasted. (Avoid over-toasting.) Remove toasted seeds to a plate and set aside.
Grease heavily the back of a pizza pan or thali and roll pin with oil. (If using parchment paper, tape it on the counter so it doesn't move.)
Melt grated jaggery in a heavy-bottomed wok on medium flame, while stirring constantly. (Keep a bowl of water ready for testing jaggery caramelization.)
Now increase the heat to medium-high so the jaggery starts bubbling and caramelizing, stir well so the jaggery is uniformly caramelized. (If using a candy thermometer heat to 300 F.)

To test the jaggery caramelization, drop some melted jaggery in water and press it. If it forms a soft and chewy ball (like toffee), continue to cook. If it becomes hard immediately (and breaks with a crunch like candy), the jaggery is ready.
Once the jaggery syrup is caramelized, add the roasted sesame seeds and mix thoroughly. (Act quickly.)
Pour all the mixture on a greased flat sheet prepared earlier. With a greased rolling pin make ⅛ inch flat sheet.
While the sesame chikki is still warm, cut using a sharp knife.
Let it cool completely, allowing the jaggery to solidify. Then, separate the squares and savor the delightful crunch of your homemade til chikki.

Expert Tips

Note for beginners about til chikki recipe. Making chikki is satisfying and fun. If you are new to chikki making start with til chikki that's a lot easier less hassle, and even healthier than other nut chikki.

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.

FAQS

How to double this recipe?

You can make a double or triple of this recipe easily, just stir quickly so everything is cooked uniformly. If making more than that consider working in batch.

Can I use sugar to make til chikki?

Yes, you can use sugar to make til chikki. It will result in a sweeter and more intense flavor, a harder and more brittle texture, and a lighter color compared to using jaggery.

Does using jaggery make chikki healthier?

While jaggery is a natural sweetener derived from sugarcane, it's important to note that it's still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Can I lose weight eating sesame chikki?

While sesame seeds are a good source of protein and fiber, which can aid in weight management; jaggery is the primary sweetener in til chikki, is high in calories and sugar. It can be part of a weight loss plan if consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Looking for more hearty and comforting winter recipes? Try these.

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.

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