Traditional Tilgul Recipe: A Sweet Sesame Delight

Ingredients

1 cup of sesame seeds
1 cup of jaggery
1/2 cup of peanuts
1/2 cup of dried coconut
1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter)
2 tablespoons of water

Steps and instructions

Heat a pan on medium heat and add sesame seeds. Roast them until they become fragrant and start to pop. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a plate and let them cool.
In the same pan, add peanuts and roast them until they become slightly brown and fragrant. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, transfer them to the same plate as sesame seeds and let them cool.
Now, add dried coconut to the pan and roast it until it becomes golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Transfer it to the same plate and let everything cool.
In a grinder, add the roasted sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut along with cardamom powder. Grind everything together to a coarse powder.
In the same pan, add ghee and jaggery. Add water and let the jaggery melt on a low flame. Once the jaggery has completely melted, increase the heat to medium and let the mixture cook until it reaches a hard ball consistency. You can check this by dropping a small amount of the mixture in water. It should form a hard ball.
Once the jaggery reaches the right consistency, turn off the heat and add the ground mixture to it. Mix everything well until the mixture is well combined.
While the mixture is still warm, take small portions of it and shape them into small balls.
Let the Tilgul balls cool completely before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized pan for roasting the sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut.
Grinder - A grinder or food processor for grinding the roasted sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut into a coarse powder.
Heatproof Spatula - A heatproof spatula for stirring and mixing the jaggery mixture.
Plate - A plate for cooling the roasted ingredients before grinding.
Measuring Cups - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Tablespoon - A tablespoon for measuring the ghee.

Recipe variations

Add chopped almonds, cashews or other nuts of your choice for added texture.
Replace jaggery with brown sugar or honey for a different flavor.
Include a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon powder for a hint of warmth and spice.
Experiment with different flavors by adding dried fruits like raisins, dates, or figs to the mixture.
For a healthier version, use coconut sugar or date syrup instead of jaggery.
Make it vegan by substituting ghee with coconut oil or vegetable oil.
Add a teaspoon of roasted poppy seeds (khus khus) for an extra crunch.
Add a tablespoon of roasted flaxseeds or chia seeds for added nutrition.
Try using different types of sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar.

Recipe overview

Tilgul is a traditional Indian sweet treat made from sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and dried coconut. This delicious and nutritious delicacy is often prepared during the Makar Sankranti festival, but it can be enjoyed throughout the year. The recipe involves roasting and grinding the ingredients to a coarse powder, and then mixing them with melted jaggery until they form a hard ball consistency. These are then shaped into small balls and allowed to cool. The end result is delightful little sweets that are crunchy, sweet, and flavorful. This is a simple recipe that doesn't require much time or effort, so it's perfect for beginners. Just follow the steps carefully and you'll have a batch of homemade Tilgul ready in no time. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I substitute jaggery with another sweetener? No, jaggery is a key ingredient in Tilgul and provides its unique flavor. It is not recommended to substitute it with another sweetener as it will alter the taste and texture of the recipe.
Can I use store-bought roasted sesame seeds? Yes, if you have store-bought roasted sesame seeds, you can use them instead of roasting them yourself. However, freshly roasted sesame seeds will add a more aromatic flavor to the Tilgul.
Can I skip the peanuts or dried coconut? Yes, you can omit the peanuts or dried coconut if you have any allergies or personal preferences. However, they contribute to the overall taste and texture of the Tilgul, so it is recommended to include them if possible.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of ghee? While ghee provides a traditional flavor to Tilgul, you can use unsalted butter as a substitute if ghee is not available. However, the taste and aroma may differ slightly.
How long can I store Tilgul? Tilgul can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Pan - A pan to roast the sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut.
Grinder - A grinder to grind the roasted ingredients into a coarse powder.
Spatula - A spatula to stir the jaggery mixture and combine it with the ground ingredients.
Plate - A plate to cool the roasted ingredients before grinding them.
Water - Water to help melt the jaggery and achieve the desired consistency.
Airtight Container - An airtight container to store the Tilgul balls and keep them fresh.

Origin stories

Tilgul, a sweet delicacy made from sesame seeds and jaggery, has a significant place in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, a state in the western peninsular region of India. The confection is traditionally prepared during the festival of Makar Sankranti, which marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. The festival, celebrated in mid-January, is a way for people to greet and wish each other goodwill, with the saying "Tilgul ghya, god god bola," which translates to "Take Tilgul and speak sweetly." This delightful dish, therefore, is a symbol of the sweet beginnings of the harvest season and the desire for pleasant, harmonious relationships.

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.