Introduction
Til Bugga, also known as Tilgul or Til Chikki, is a yummy Indian sweet made during the festival of Makar Sankranti when the sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac sign. This tasty treat isn’t just delicious; it also has cultural importance, representing the sharing of sweetness and good wishes.
The main ingredient is sesame seeds (Til), giving the sweet a nutty flavor loved by all ages. This recipe will help you make Til Bugga at home, balancing sweetness and crunch perfectly.
Table of Contents
Til Bugga Recipe Ingredients
2 cups white sesame seeds (Til)
1 cup grated jaggery (Gur)
1/2 cup roasted and crushed peanuts
1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
A pinch of salt
Ghee for greasing the tray
Instructions
Prepare the Workspace
Organize your ingredients and utensils.
Spread some ghee on a tray or plate, and keep it to the side.
Dry Roast Sesame Seeds
Heat a pan over medium heat.
Roast sesame seeds until golden brown, stirring for an even roast to bring out the nutty flavor.
Roast Peanuts
In the same pan, roast peanuts until golden brown. Crush them coarsely after cooling.
Prepare Jaggery Syrup
Melt grated jaggery over low heat in a separate pan, stirring to avoid burning.
Add a pinch of salt and cardamom powder once melted. Mix well.
Combine Sesame Seeds, Peanuts, and Jaggery Syrup
Add roasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts to the jaggery syrup.
Mix to coat evenly.
Add Ghee
Heat ghee until melted in a small pan. Pour melted ghee over the sesame seed and jaggery mixture. Mix well.
Shape and Set
Put the mix on the greased tray or plate.
Press it firmly with a spatula to flatten evenly.
Let it cool for a few minutes but still warm enough to cut easily.
Cut into Pieces
While warm, cut into square or diamond shapes using a greased knife.
Allow to Cool Completely
Let Til-Bugga pieces cool completely for them to set properly.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled and set, gently remove pieces from the tray and store in an airtight container. Share these delightful treats with family and friends during festivals or as a sweet snack.
Variations and Tips
Add Some Crunch: Try adding cashews or almonds for an extra crunch.
Modern Twist: For a contemporary touch, sprinkle edible dried rose petals or finely chopped pistachios on top before it sets.
Softer Texture: If you like it softer, reduce the roasting time for sesame seeds or jaggery syrup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Keep It Fresh: Store Til-Bugga in an airtight container at room temperature.
Prevent Sticking: Don’t stack the pieces on top of each other to avoid sticking.
Lasting Treat: Properly stored, Til-Bugga can last up to two weeks, making it perfect for preparing ahead for festivals or gatherings.
Gift Giving
Homemade Gift: Til-Bugga is a great homemade gift for festivals or special occasions.
Add a Personal Touch: Pack the pieces in decorative boxes or wrap them in colorful paper for a personal touch.
Enjoy with Chai or Coffee
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy the rich flavors of Til Bugga with a hot cup of chai or coffee.
Complementing Flavors: The sweet sesame and nutty undertones complement the warmth of the beverages.
Incorporate Into Desserts
Get Creative: Use Til Bugga as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Unique Texture: Crush it into smaller pieces and sprinkle it over desserts to add a unique texture and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Til Bugga Recipe
Rich in Nutrients: Sesame seeds provide calcium, iron, and magnesium, offering a nutritional boost.
Health Benefits: Jaggery, a natural sweetener, is known for its iron content and other health benefits.
Adjusting Sweetness
Sweeter or Less Sweet: Adjust the sweetness by increasing or reducing the quantity of jaggery according to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Til Bugga Recipe
What is Til Bugga, and when is it traditionally made?
Til Bugga, also known as Tilgul or Til Chikki, is a traditional Indian sweet made during the festival of Makar Sankranti, celebrated to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
Can I use dark sesame seeds instead of light sesame seeds in Til-Bugga Recipe?
While the traditional recipe uses white sesame seeds, you can experiment with black sesame seeds for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that black sesame seeds have a stronger taste and might alter the overall taste of the Til Bugga.
How do I prevent the jaggery from burning while melting it?
Ensure you melt the jaggery over low heat and stir continuously. This helps prevent burning and ensures a smooth, syrup-like consistency.
How do I achieve the perfect crunch in Til Bugga?
Achieve the perfect crunch by dry roasting the sesame seeds until they turn golden brown. Also, ensure that the peanuts are roasted and crushed coarsely for added texture.
Can I add other nuts to the Til Bugga mixture?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding other nuts like cashews or almonds to enhance the crunch and flavor of the Til Bugga.
How do I make Til Bugga softer?
If you prefer a softer texture, consider reducing the roasting time for either the sesame seeds or the jaggery syrup. This adjustment can result in a softer Til Bugga.
Can I adjust the sweetness of Til Bugga to suit my taste?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by either increasing or decreasing the quantity of jaggery according to your taste preferences.
How do I prevent the Til Bugga pieces from sticking together?
Allow the Til Bugga pieces to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Ensure they are not stacked on top of each other to prevent sticking.
Can I incorporate Til Bugga into other desserts?
Certainly! Crush Til-Bugga into smaller pieces and use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt to add a unique texture and flavor.
Is Til-Bugga suitable for gifting?
Yes, Til Bugga makes for an excellent homemade gift. Pack the pieces in decorative boxes or wrap them in colorful paper to add a personal touch.
How can I involve others in making Til-Bugga?
Involve family and friends in the process of making Til Bugga during festive seasons. It can be a fun and engaging activity, creating lasting memories.
Can I make Til Bugga without ghee?
Ghee makes the Til-Bugga richer, but if you want, you can use unsalted butter instead. Just know it might change the taste a bit.
Is Til Bugga suitable for those with nut allergies?
If there are nut allergies, you can omit the peanuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
What if the jaggery syrup becomes too thick or too thin?
If the syrup becomes too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water and stir until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue heating until it thickens slightly.
Can I use store-bought roasted sesame seeds and skip the roasting step?
While traditionally sesame seeds are dry roasted, using store-bought roasted seeds is acceptable. However, dry roasting at home enhances the flavor.
How do I prevent Til-Bugga from becoming too hard?
Be cautious not to overcook the jaggery syrup, as it can lead to a harder texture. Remove it from heat once it reaches a smooth syrup consistency.
Can I make Til Bugga during other festivals or occasions?
While traditionally made during Makar Sankranti, there’s no rule against enjoying Til-Bugga on other festive occasions or as a sweet snack.
What if I don’t have a flat tray for setting the Til- Bugga?
You can use a plate or any flat surface lined with parchment paper to set the Til-Bugga. Ensure it’s greased to prevent sticking.
Can I make Til-Bugga with brown sugar instead of jaggery?
While jaggery provides a unique flavor, you can experiment with brown sugar.
How thin or thick should I press the mixture into the tray?
Press the mixture firmly into the tray to achieve a compact and uniform thickness. However, avoid pressing it too hard, as it can result in a dense texture.
Can I use a microwave to melt the jaggery instead of a stovetop?
While a stovetop is recommended, you can use a microwave to melt the jaggery cautiously in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overheating.
Is Til-Bugga suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Til-Bugga is vegetarian as it primarily consists of sesame seeds, peanuts, jaggery, and ghee.
Til Bugga Recipe
Til Bugga, also known as Tilgul or Til Chikki, is a yummy Indian sweet made during the festival of Makar Sankranti when the sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac sign. This tasty treat isn't just delicious; it also has cultural importance, representing the sharing of sweetness and good wishes.
- Pan
- 2 cups white sesame seeds (Til)
- 1 cup grated jaggery (Gur)
- 1/2 cup roasted and crushed peanuts
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
- Ghee for greasing the tray
Prepare the Workspace
- Organize your ingredients and utensils.
- Spread some ghee on a tray or plate, and keep it to the side.
Dry Roast Sesame Seeds
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Roast sesame seeds until golden brown, stirring for an even roast to bring out the nutty flavor.
Roast Peanuts
- In the same pan, roast peanuts until golden brown. Crush them coarsely after cooling.
Prepare Jaggery Syrup
- Melt grated jaggery over low heat in a separate pan, stirring to avoid burning.
- Add a pinch of salt and cardamom powder once melted. Mix well.
Combine Sesame Seeds, Peanuts, and Jaggery Syrup
- Add roasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts to the jaggery syrup.
- Mix to coat evenly.
Add Ghee
- Heat ghee until melted in a small pan. Pour melted ghee over the sesame seed and jaggery mixture. Mix well.
Shape and Set
- Put the mix on the greased tray or plate.
- Press it firmly with a spatula to flatten evenly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes but still warm enough to cut easily.
Cut into Pieces
- While warm, cut into square or diamond shapes using a greased knife.
- Allow to Cool Completely
- Let Til-Bugga pieces cool completely for them to set properly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooled and set, gently remove pieces from the tray and store in an airtight container. Share these delightful treats with family and friends during festivals or as a sweet snack.
Add Some Crunch: Try adding cashews or almonds for an extra crunch.
Modern Twist: For a contemporary touch, sprinkle edible dried rose petals or finely chopped pistachios on top before it sets.
Softer Texture: If you like it softer, reduce the roasting time for sesame seeds or jaggery syrup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Keep It Fresh: Store Til-Bugga in an airtight container at room temperature.
Prevent Sticking: Don’t stack the pieces on top of each other to avoid sticking.
Lasting Treat: Properly stored, Til-Bugga can last up to two weeks, making it perfect for preparing ahead for festivals or gatherings.
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