Boost Your Winter Immunity with Homemade Peanut Jaggery Chikki!
In the chilly winter months, our immune systems often need a little extra care to fend off common ailments like colds and fevers. To navigate this season successfully, many of us turn to wholesome ingredients like dry fruits, leafy greens, jaggery, and the comforting kadha. Traditional winter delights such as til laddu, bajre ki roti, pinni, and panjiri are cherished, but there’s a special place for chikki, a favorite made from peanuts, jaggery, sesame, and dry fruits. This crunchy treat not only warms you up but also plays a role in fortifying your immunity.
Is Chikki Good for Your Health?
Chikki, born from the marriage of peanuts and jaggery, is a delightful winter snack that captures the hearts of many across India. Also known as Gajak, Peanut Jaggery Chikki strikes a perfect balance of essential vitamins and minerals. Jaggery, with its iron, phosphorus, zinc, and antioxidants, becomes a shield for your immune system. The comforting warmth of jaggery can also alleviate common winter discomforts like colds and coughs, making it a popular post-meal indulgence.
Making Chikki at Home: Tips to Remember
While you can easily find chikki in stores, the joy of making it at home is unparalleled. Here are some handy tips for first-timers:
- No Water in Jaggery Syrup: When making the jaggery syrup, avoid using water as it can impact the syrup’s quality.
- Roast Dry Fruits and Sesame Seeds: Lightly roast the dry fruits and sesame seeds with ghee to enhance their flavors in the chikki.
- Baking Soda Magic: To achieve a delightful crunchiness, mix baking soda with jaggery syrup and beat it well.
- Peanuts or Dry Fruits? Your Choice: Tailor your chikki to your taste by choosing between peanuts or dry fruits.
How to Make Jaggery Chikki:
Here’s a quick guide to crafting this winter delight:
- Roast and Crush Peanuts: Begin by roasting the peanuts and crushing them coarsely.
- Prepare Jaggery Syrup: Heat ghee in a pan, add jaggery, and cook until it thickens. Test its thickness by dropping a bit in cold water.
- Combine Peanuts and Syrup: Add the crushed peanuts to the thickened jaggery syrup and mix thoroughly.
- Spread and Cool: Apply ghee to a tray and spread the mixture to a thickness of about an inch. Allow it to cool completely.
- Cut and Store: Once cooled, cut the chikki into square pieces and store them in an airtight container.
Conclusion: With these simple steps, you can not only enjoy a delightful homemade treat but also give your immune system the winter boost it deserves. Peanut Jaggery Chikki is more than just a snack; it’s a tradition that warms both your heart and your health during the cold months.