Winter Delight: Homemade Peanut Chikki To Warm Your Soul
As the winter chill sets in, there's nothing quite like the warmth and sweetness of homemade treats to lift your spirits. One such delightful winter indulgence is Peanut Chikki, a crunchy, nutty delicacy that brings joy with every bite. Originating from Indian cuisine, Peanut Chikki is a traditional sweet snack enjoyed during the colder months.
Making Peanut Chikki at home is a rewarding experience that not only fills your home with a heavenly fragrance but also provides a tasty respite from the winter blues. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the kitchen warmth, and embark on a culinary journey to create your own batch of homemade Peanut Chikki – a sweet symphony of winter flavours.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 1 cup jaggery (gur), grated
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
Begin by dry-roasting raw peanuts in a pan over medium heat. Stir continuously to ensure even roasting and prevent burning. The peanuts are ready when they turn golden brown and emit a rich, nutty aroma. Allow them to cool before proceeding to the next step.
Sweet Alchemy
In a separate pan, melt the grated jaggery over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a tablespoon of ghee to enhance the flavour and prevent the jaggery from sticking. Continue to stir until the jaggery forms a smooth, caramel-like syrup. To test its readiness, drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of water – it should form a hard ball, indicating it's ready for the peanuts.
A Marriage of Flavours
Once the jaggery syrup reaches the desired consistency, add the roasted peanuts to the pan. Mix them thoroughly, ensuring that every peanut is coated with the sweet, sticky goodness. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and incorporate cardamom powder for an aromatic twist. Stir well to blend the flavours evenly.
Shaping the Chikki
Now comes the fun part – shaping the Peanut Chikki. Transfer the mixture onto a greased surface or parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, flatten the mixture to your preferred thickness. You can either shape it into a round disc or cut it into squares for bite-sized delights. Use a knife to score lines, making it easier to break into individual pieces once it cools.
Patience is a Virtue
Let the shaped chikki cool and set for at least an hour. This will ensure a firm texture and prevent it from crumbling when you indulge. The jaggery solidifies as it cools, binding the peanuts together into a delectable treat.
Savouring the Fruits of Your Labour
As the homemade Peanut Chikki sets and the sweet aroma fills your kitchen, you'll appreciate the effort that went into creating this winter delight. Share it with friends and family or keep it all to yourself for those cosy evenings. The crunchy texture, combined with the sweetness of jaggery and the warmth of cardamom, makes this treat a perfect companion for winter.
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