Purn Poli Recipe: A Delectable Maharashtrian Delight

  Makar Sankranti Sweet Recipe: The Joy of Tilgul

Introduction:

Makar Sankranti, a vibrant and widely celebrated Indian festival, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. As with any festive occasion, Makar Sankranti is associated with a delightful array of traditional dishes. One such sweet treat is "Tilgul" – a sweet, nutty, and delicious confection that is synonymous with this festival. In this article, we will explore the delightful recipe for making Tilgul, a beloved Makar Sankranti sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sesame seeds (white or black)
• 1 cup jaggery (grated)
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Dry Roasting Sesame Seeds: Begin by dry roasting the sesame seeds in a pan over low to medium heat. Keep stirring continuously to ensure even roasting. The seeds will turn golden brown and release a delightful nutty aroma. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

2. Prepare Jaggery Syrup: In a separate pan, heat the grated jaggery over low heat. Add just enough water to cover the jaggery. Stir until the jaggery melts and forms a thick, sticky syrup. Remove from heat.

3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sesame seeds, desiccated coconut, crushed peanuts, and cardamom powder. Mix them together thoroughly.

4. Add the Jaggery Syrup: Carefully pour the hot jaggery syrup into the bowl of mixed dry ingredients. Be cautious as the syrup will be extremely hot. Stir quickly and continuously to ensure an even distribution of the syrup.

5. A Touch of Ghee: In a separate small pan, heat the ghee until it melts. Add a pinch of salt to it and then pour this mixture over the Tilgul. The ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor to the Tilgul and helps in binding the ingredients.

6. Shape the Tilgul: While the mixture is still warm, grease your palms with a little ghee and shape the Tilgul into small, bite-sized balls or flat discs. The greased palms will prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

7. Allow Cooling: Place the shaped Tilgul on a tray or plate and let them cool and set. This can take a few hours, so exercise patience.

8. Enjoy the Festive Sweetness: Once the Tilgul has cooled and solidified, it's ready to be enjoyed. Share this delightful Makar Sankranti sweet treat with your family and friends as you celebrate the festival's joy and prosperity.

Conclusion:

Tilgul, a sweet and nutty confection, is a cherished tradition during the festivities of Makar Sankranti. Its rich flavors and delightful crunch make it a perfect treat to mark the occasion. The act of sharing Tilgul during Makar Sankranti symbolizes the sweetening of relationships and the spreading of joy and warmth. So, this Makar Sankranti, gather the ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and relish the homemade goodness of Tilgul as you celebrate the festival's spirit with your loved ones. Happy Makar Sankranti!