Traditional Revdi Recipe: A Sweet Indian Delight

Ingredients

1.5 cups of Sesame Seeds
1 cup of Jaggery (Gur)
1/2 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon of Cardamom Powder (Elaichi)
1 tablespoon of Ghee (Clarified Butter)
2 tablespoons of Almonds (sliced for garnishing)

Steps and instructions

Begin by dry roasting the sesame seeds in a pan on medium heat until they become light brown. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Once roasted, transfer the sesame seeds to a plate and let them cool down.
Meanwhile, in the same pan, add jaggery and water. Cook this mixture on medium heat until the jaggery completely dissolves.
Continue cooking until the syrup reaches a hard ball consistency. To test this, drop a small amount of syrup into a bowl of cold water. It should form a hard ball and not disintegrate.
Once the syrup is ready, add the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder to the pan. Mix well to ensure all the seeds are coated with the syrup.
Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Meanwhile, grease a rolling pin and a flat surface with ghee.
Transfer the sesame seed mixture onto the greased surface. Roll it out to about a 1/4-inch thickness using the greased rolling pin.
While the mixture is still warm, cut it into squares or diamonds using a sharp knife. Garnish each piece with a few almond slices.
Allow the Revdi to cool completely. Once cooled, separate the pieces and store them in an airtight container.

Tools for making

Pan - Used for dry roasting the sesame seeds and cooking the jaggery syrup.
Plate - To transfer and cool down the roasted sesame seeds.
Bowl - For testing the consistency of the jaggery syrup.
Knife - To cut the Revdi into squares or diamonds.
Rolling Pin - Greased with ghee to roll out the Revdi mixture.
Flat Surface - Greased with ghee to roll out the Revdi mixture.
Airtight Container - Used for storing the cooled Revdi pieces.

Recipe variations

Instead of sesame seeds, you can use other nuts or seeds like peanuts, almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds.
For a unique twist, you can add a tablespoon of desiccated coconut to the mixture.
To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the syrup.
If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add a pinch of crushed black pepper or red chili powder to the mixture.
For a healthier version, you can substitute jaggery with honey or maple syrup.
If you have dietary restrictions, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of ghee.
To add a tangy flavor, you can sprinkle some lemon zest or dried orange peel on top of the Revdi.
If you like a bit of crunch, you can mix in some crushed roasted peanuts or crushed digestive biscuits into the mixture.
For a festive touch, you can decorate the top of each Revdi piece with edible silver foil (varak).

Recipe overview

Revdi is a traditional Indian sweet, commonly made during the winter season, especially for the festival of Makar Sankranti. This delicious dessert is made from sesame seeds and jaggery, combined to form a hard, crunchy candy-like treat. The addition of cardamom imparts a delightful aroma and flavor, making it a favorite among all age groups. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to easily make Revdi at home. The process involves roasting sesame seeds, preparing a jaggery syrup of the right consistency, and shaping the mixture into bite-sized pieces. The result is a batch of wholesome, homemade Revdi that you can enjoy anytime.

Common questions

Can I use white sesame seeds instead of black sesame seeds? Yes, you can use white sesame seeds instead of black sesame seeds in this recipe. The taste and texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I substitute jaggery with brown sugar? Yes, you can substitute jaggery with brown sugar if you don't have jaggery on hand. However, keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness may vary slightly.
How long does it take for the jaggery syrup to reach a hard ball consistency? The time taken for the jaggery syrup to reach a hard ball consistency can vary depending on the heat and the thickness of the syrup. It typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
Can I add other nuts or dry fruits to the recipe? Absolutely! You can add other nuts like cashews, pistachios, or dry fruits like raisins or chopped dates to enhance the flavor and texture of the Revdi.
How long can I store Revdi? Revdi can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Can I make Revdi without ghee? Ghee adds a traditional flavor and richness to the Revdi. However, if you prefer, you can use any neutral cooking oil as a substitute for ghee.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients for the Revdi.
Pan - A wide and shallow pan for roasting the sesame seeds and cooking the jaggery syrup.
Plate - A flat plate to cool down the roasted sesame seeds.
Rolling Pin - A cylindrical tool used to flatten the Revdi mixture into a desired thickness.
Knife - A sharp knife to cut the Revdi into squares or diamonds.
Bowl of Cold Water - A small bowl filled with cold water to test the consistency of the jaggery syrup.
Grease or Ghee - Used to grease the rolling pin and surface to prevent sticking.
Almond Slices - Sliced almonds for garnishing each piece of Revdi.
Airtight Container - To store the Revdi and keep it fresh.

Origin stories

Revdi, a traditional Indian sweet, is intrinsically linked to the festival of Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated in January, marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn or 'Makara'. It is during this festival that Revdi, made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is prepared and shared. The significance of this sweet treat lies in the ingredients used. Sesame seeds, known for their heat providing properties, are considered ideal for winter months. Jaggery, a natural sweetener, is abundant post-harvest. Therefore, the making and sharing of Revdi is not just a culinary tradition but a celebration of the seasonal bounty. It's a sweet reminder of the sun's warmth on cold winter days, and the sweetness that comes with gratitude for the harvest.

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.