Homemade Indian Peanut Chikki: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Peanuts
  • 1 cup of Jaggery (grated or crushed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Cardamom Powder
  • 1 tablespoon of Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • 2 tablespoons of Water

Steps and instructions

  1. Roast the peanuts on a low flame until they become crunchy. Once done, allow them to cool and remove their skins.
  2. Place a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Add ghee to the pan.
  3. Once the ghee is heated, add the crushed or grated jaggery and water to the pan. Stir to mix them well and let the jaggery melt.
  4. Keep stirring the jaggery syrup until it thickens and reaches a hard ball consistency. To test this, add a drop of the syrup into a bowl of water. It should form a hard and brittle ball.
  5. Once the jaggery syrup is ready, add the roasted peanuts and cardamom powder. Mix everything well to ensure all the peanuts are coated with the syrup.
  6. Quickly pour this hot mixture onto a greased tray or a flat stone surface. Flatten the mixture with a greased rolling pin to your preferred thickness.
  7. While the chikki is still warm, cut it into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
  8. Allow the chikki to cool completely before breaking into pieces along the cut lines. Store in an airtight container for later use.

Tools for making

  • Heavy-bottomed Pan - A pan with a thick base to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to flatten the chikki mixture after pouring it onto the tray or stone surface.
  • Knife - A sharp knife to cut the chikki into desired shapes and sizes.
  • Tray or Flat Stone Surface - A greased tray or a flat stone surface to pour and shape the chikki mixture.
  • Grease or Cooking Oil - Used to grease the tray, rolling pin, and knife to prevent sticking.

Recipe variations

  • Replace peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios.
  • Use a combination of different nuts for a mixed nut chikki.
  • Add sesame seeds or desiccated coconut to the mixture for added flavor and texture.
  • Include roasted flaxseeds or chia seeds for a healthier twist.
  • Experiment with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of jaggery.
  • Add a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty flavor profile.
  • Mix in dried fruits like raisins, chopped dates, or cranberries for extra sweetness and chewiness.
  • Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
  • Create a chocolate version by melting dark chocolate and mixing it with the nuts and syrup.
  • For a savory option, replace jaggery with caramelized onions and spices.

Recipe overview

Discover the authentic taste of Indian sweets with this easy-to-follow Chikki recipe. Chikki is a traditional Indian snack made with peanuts and jaggery, loved by both kids and adults alike. It's a crunchy, nutty, and sweet delight that's not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The recipe requires simple ingredients and follows a straightforward process, making it perfect for beginners. Learning to make Chikki at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Enjoy it as a dessert or a snack anytime you need a quick energy boost!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts? Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or a mix of different nuts.
  2. Is it necessary to remove the skin of peanuts? Yes, it is recommended to remove the skin of peanuts before using them in the recipe. It helps in achieving a better texture and taste.
  3. Can I use powdered jaggery instead of grated or crushed? Yes, you can use powdered jaggery instead of grated or crushed. However, adjust the quantity accordingly as powdered jaggery is more compact.
  4. What if I don't have cardamom powder? If you don't have cardamom powder, you can skip it or use a pinch of cinnamon powder as an alternative for flavoring.
  5. What should be the consistency of the jaggery syrup? The jaggery syrup should reach a hard ball consistency, which means it forms a hard and brittle ball when a drop is added to a bowl of water.
  6. Can I add any other flavorings or ingredients? While the traditional chikki recipe uses peanuts and jaggery, you can experiment with adding other ingredients like sesame seeds, coconut, or even chocolate chips for variations.
  7. How long does it take for the chikki to cool and set? It usually takes around 1-2 hours for the chikki to cool and set completely. However, the setting time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity of your surroundings.
  8. How long can I store the chikki? When stored in an airtight container, chikki can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Make sure to store it in a cool and dry place to maintain its freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Chikki, a traditional Indian sweet, is believed to have originated from the Western Indian state of Maharashtra. It's a popular dessert especially consumed during the harvest festival of Makar Sankranti, symbolizing the celebration of the arrival of new harvest and bidding goodbye to the winter season. The simplicity of its ingredients and the ease of its preparation made it a staple in every household during the festival. As the story goes, in ancient times, people would make Chikki at home and distribute it among their neighbors and friends as a token of love and unity. Over time, this humble dessert has gained popularity across the country and is enjoyed in various forms, with peanuts, sesame seeds, puffed rice, and even dry fruits.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.