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India celebrates Makar Sankranti, a colourful celebration that honors the sun's entry into the Capricorn sign. This occasion is an opportunity to fly kites as well as enjoy homemade Indian sweets, especially chikki. A famous Indian treat composed mostly of nuts and jaggery, chikki is a festival favourite since it comes in a variety of flavours and textures. Introducing jaggery instead of sugar with nuts makes it a delicious and healthy, crispy snack. To get the ideal crack and shine, the technique of chikki-making requires exact time and temperature control. Families frequently make various types of chikki to share with friends and family during Makar Sankranti. Each area has its own approach to this classic dessert because it incorporates each region's flavours and ingredients. Discover seven must-try Chikki variations to brighten up your Makar Sankranti festivities.
Til Chikki
Till Chikki is one of the most traditional varieties of chikki made for the occasion of Makar Sankranti. dry-roast sesame seeds in a pan till golden brown. Melt the jaggery in a separate pan with a small amount of water until it forms a soft ball. Mix thoroughly after adding the melted jaggery and roasted sesame seeds. Pour the mixture onto a lightly oiled surface, pat to desired thickness and then shape it into squares. Not only is this chikki tasty but also healthy, which makes it a great snack during winter.
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Badam Chikki
Almonds are thinly sliced and wrapped in a crunchy jaggery base in this protein-dense variant. To provide flavour and a delightful crunch, lightly toast the almonds. Melt the jaggery in a pan until it becomes a soft ball. For extra richness, stir in the ghee and almonds. After spreading the mixture onto a tray that has been oiled, allow it to cool before slicing it into pieces. This chikki is a perfect festive dessert because of both the sweetness of jaggery and the crispy almonds, which make it delicious.
Rajgira Chikki
Rajgira Chikki is acceptable for people with dietary requirements because it is produced from amaranth flour and is gluten-free. Roast rajgira flour in ghee till it becomes aromatic. At the same time, melt the jaggery in a separate pan until it reaches the consistency you want. After completely mixing the melted jaggery and toasted flour, pour the mixture onto a lightly oiled surface to solidify. This chikki is quite special because the taste of the nuts balances the jaggery’s sweeter taste.
Coconut Peanut Chikki
Peanuts and coconut, two popular components, are combined in this Chikki. To begin, roast the peanuts and combine them in a bowl with freshly grated coconut. In a pan, melt the jaggery until it becomes a soft ball. Over the peanut-coconut mixture, pour the melted jaggery and mix thoroughly. Before slicing, move to a lightly oiled surface to chill. This chikki is crispy as well as sticky
Image Credit: Freepik
Makhana Dry Fruit Chikki
A creative version, Makhana Dryfruit Chikki adds texture and flavour by combining fox nuts with various dry fruits. Makhana should first be softly roasted in ghee until it crisps up. Melt the jaggery in a separate pan until it reaches the proper consistency. Mix the dried fruits and roasted makhana with the melted jaggery, then spread it on an oiled surface to solidify. For those who are concerned about their health and want something sweet but healthy, this chikki is ideal.
Image Credit: Freepik
Rose Dry Fruit Chikki
A great option for people who like floral flavours is the Rose Dry Fruit Chikki. First, prepare your dry fruits by slicing them into small pieces. In a pan, melt the jaggery and add the rose syrup for sweetness and scent. When the jaggery has melted fully, stir in the chopped dry fruits. Transfer to a lightly oiled tray to cool, then cut into pieces.
Chocolate Orange Chikki
Chocolate Orange Chikki is a new and trendy version that combines citrus flavour with chocolate. First, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or double boiler until it's smooth. Add the orange zest and chopped nuts. Before slicing into squares or bars, pour this mixture onto a lightly oiled surface to set. For those who are into fusion cuisines and still would like to make something traditional for the festival, this creative chikki is perfect.
