Peanut Chikki, also known as Gajak, is a traditional Indian sweet made primarily from jaggery and peanuts. This delectable treat is especially popular during winter months and festivals like Makar Sankranti and Lohri.

Chikki is not only a delicious snack but also packed with health benefits. Peanuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, while jaggery is a natural sweetener that provides iron and other minerals.

The beauty of Peanut Chikki lies in its simplicity, using just a few ingredients that are readily available in Indian households.

The recipe we will explore emphasizes the importance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a wholesome treat you can enjoy any time of the year.

With its crunchy texture and delightful sweetness, Peanut Chikki is sure to satisfy your cravings and provide a quick energy boost.

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Ingredients

For a batch of approximately 15-20 pieces of Peanut Chikki, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• Raw peanuts: 2 cups (about 250 grams)
• Jaggery (gud): 1 cup (about 150 grams, chopped or grated)
• Water: ¼ cup (for dissolving jaggery)
• Ghee (clarified butter): 1 tablespoon (for greasing)
• Cardamom powder: ½ teaspoon (for flavor)

Optional Additions

• Sesame seeds: ¼ cup (for extra nutrition and flavor)
• Chopped nuts: such as almonds or cashews (for added texture)
• Dry fruits: such as raisins or dried apricots (for sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peanuts

Roast the peanuts: In a dry frying pan or skillet, roast the peanuts over medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even roasting, and remove them once they turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes.

Cool and peel: Let the roasted peanuts cool for a few minutes, then rub them between your palms to remove the skins. You can also use a sieve to separate the skins. Set the peeled peanuts aside.

Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

Dissolve the jaggery: In a saucepan, combine the chopped jaggery and water. Heat it over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until the jaggery completely dissolves.

Check for consistency: Once the jaggery has dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes until it reaches a one-string consistency.

To check, drop a small amount of syrup into a bowl of cold water; if it forms a soft ball that holds its shape, it’s ready. This stage is crucial, as overcooking can lead to a hard chikki, while undercooking will result in a chewy texture.

Combine Peanuts with Jaggery

Add roasted peanuts: Once the jaggery syrup reaches the desired consistency, immediately add the roasted peanuts (and sesame seeds, if using) to the syrup. Mix well to coat all the peanuts evenly with the jaggery.

Incorporate cardamom powder: Sprinkle in the cardamom powder and mix it into the peanut-jaggery mixture for an aromatic flavor.

Shape the Chikki

Prepare a greased surface: Grease a flat surface or a baking tray with ghee to prevent sticking.

Spread the mixture: Pour the peanut and jaggery mixture onto the greased surface. Using a spatula or greased hands, spread and flatten the mixture evenly to your desired thickness (about ½ inch thick).

Cool and cut: Allow the mixture to cool slightly but not completely, as it will harden. Once it is cool enough to handle, cut it into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.

Store the Chikki

Cool completely: Let the Peanut Chikki cool completely at room temperature. This helps it to set properly.

Store in an airtight container: Once cooled, store the chikki in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness. It can last for about 2-3 weeks.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor and Nutrition

Opt for fresh peanuts: Choose high-quality raw peanuts for roasting, as they yield better flavor and crunch.

Use organic jaggery: Whenever possible, use organic jaggery for a more authentic taste and higher nutritional value.

Experiment with spices: Besides cardamom, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a unique flavor twist.

Variations and Substitutions

Peanut Chikki can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

Nut-Free Chikki

If you or someone has nut allergies, you can substitute peanuts with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, following the same procedure.

Vegan Option

This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Ensure the ghee is substituted with coconut oil or any vegetable oil for a vegan-friendly version.

Chikki with Added Fiber

Incorporate rolled oats or puffed rice into the jaggery mixture for added fiber and texture. This will enhance the nutritional profile while offering a unique twist.

Sweetener Variations

You can substitute jaggery with brown sugar or coconut sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but these options can also provide a delightful sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Chikki is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving:

As a snack: Enjoy it as a quick energy snack during the day. It’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a pre- or post-workout snack.

During festivals: Serve Peanut Chikki as part of your festival sweets, especially during Makar Sankranti or Diwali. It pairs wonderfully with other traditional sweets.

Gift it: Pack Peanut Chikki in decorative boxes or jars as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family during festivals or special occasions.

Tips for Presentation

Use decorative packaging: When gifting, consider using colorful wrappers or jars tied with ribbons for an appealing presentation.

Create a sweet platter: Serve Peanut Chikki alongside other traditional Indian sweets like Ladoo, Barfi, and Kheer on a decorative platter for a festive touch.

Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or desiccated coconut on top of the chikki before it hardens to enhance its appearance and flavor.

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Conclusion

Peanut Chikki is a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of traditional Indian sweets. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it provides an excellent way to enjoy the health benefits of peanuts and jaggery.

This recipe not only emphasizes the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients but also showcases the versatility and cultural significance of this beloved snack.

By incorporating various variations and substitutions, Peanut Chikki can cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, making it a go-to snack for everyone.

So, gather your ingredients, and indulge in the delightful world of homemade Peanut Chikki—a crunchy, sweet, and utterly satisfying treat that is sure to become a family favorite!

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Gud Para, also known as Gur Para or Shakkar Para, is a beloved Indian snack, traditionally made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with jaggery (gud). This crispy, bite-sized delight is commonly enjoyed during festivals such as Diwali or Holi, and often prepared in households as a nutritious treat for children and adults alike.

Gud Para has a special place in Indian cuisine due to the use of jaggery, a natural sweetener with numerous health benefits, including being rich in minerals such as iron and magnesium, and known for its ability to boost energy and aid digestion.

This recipe aims to make a healthier, more nutritious version of Gud Para by focusing on whole, locally sourced ingredients that are readily available across India.

By using whole wheat flour and jaggery, this snack is not only delicious but also provides a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a perfect treat for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while keeping their nutrition in check.

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Ingredients

For a batch of approximately 40 pieces of Gud Para, you will need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• Whole wheat flour: 2 cups (rich in fiber and nutrients)
• Semolina (suji): ¼ cup (optional, adds crispiness)
• Baking soda: 1 pinch (helps in achieving a light, airy texture)
• Cardamom powder: 1 teaspoon (for aromatic flavor)
• Fennel seeds: 1 teaspoon, coarsely ground (adds a subtle, sweet anise flavor)

Wet Ingredients

• Ghee (clarified butter): 3 tablespoons (for richness and crispy texture)
• Water: ½ cup, or as needed to form the dough

For the Jaggery Syrup

• Jaggery (gud): 1 cup, grated (unrefined and rich in minerals)
• Water: ¼ cup
• Ghee: 1 tablespoon (for glazing)

Oil for frying

• Peanut oil or mustard oil: 2 cups (for deep frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, semolina, baking soda, cardamom powder, and coarsely ground fennel seeds. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Add the ghee: Pour in the ghee and use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for giving the Gud Para its signature crispy texture.

Form the dough: Gradually add water to the flour mixture, a little at a time, while kneading. The dough should be firm but pliable—not too soft. Knead it until smooth, then cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Shape the Para

Roll out the dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into two portions. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out each portion into a thick sheet, about ¼ inch in thickness.

Cut the dough: Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the rolled-out dough into small diamond or square shapes, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Ensure the pieces are of uniform thickness to allow even frying.

Fry the Para

Heat the oil: In a heavy-bottomed kadhai or deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready for frying, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should rise to the surface slowly without browning too quickly.

Fry in batches: Add the shaped dough pieces into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry on medium-low heat, turning occasionally, until the gud paras turn golden brown and crisp. This slow frying ensures the para is cooked evenly inside and out.

Drain excess oil: Once the paras are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

Melt the jaggery: In a small pan, combine grated jaggery with ¼ cup of water and bring it to a simmer over low heat. Stir continuously until the jaggery dissolves completely, forming a smooth syrup. Cook the syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency (when a small drop between your fingers forms a thin string when stretched).

Coat the paras: Once the syrup reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Immediately add the fried paras into the pan and gently toss them to ensure they are evenly coated with the jaggery syrup. The syrup should form a thin, glossy coating over each para.

Cool and glaze: After coating the paras, spread them out on a greased tray or plate to cool. As they cool, the jaggery syrup will harden, giving the paras a sweet, crunchy coating.

Maximizing Flavor and Nutrition

Use whole wheat flour: Opting for whole wheat flour instead of refined flour boosts the fiber content and adds more nutrients to the dish. Whole wheat flour also has a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of jaggery.

Jaggery over sugar: Jaggery is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap. It contains more nutrients than refined sugar, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, and provides a more complex flavor with hints of caramel and earthiness.

Cardamom and fennel: Both cardamom and fennel not only enhance the flavor of the Gud Para but also have digestive properties, making this snack lighter on the stomach.

Variations and Substitutions

Gud Para can be easily customized to accommodate different dietary preferences or ingredient availability:

Vegan Gud Para

Replace ghee with coconut oil or any other plant-based oil to make this recipe vegan. Coconut oil lends a subtle flavor to the paras, making them taste a bit more tropical.

Gluten-Free Gud Para

You can substitute whole wheat flour with gluten-free flours such as a combination of rice flour and gram flour (besan). Adjust the water content slightly, as gluten-free doughs tend to require less liquid to form a firm texture.

Baked Gud Para

For a healthier, oil-free option, bake the paras instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), place the cut dough pieces on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Spiced Gud Para

Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced variation. You can also add sesame seeds to the dough for an extra crunch and nutritional boost.

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Serving Suggestions

Gud Para is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

As a tea-time snack: Gud Para pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai, making it the perfect companion for an afternoon break.

During festivals: Serve it as part of a festive spread during Diwali or Holi, alongside other traditional sweets and savories.

With milk: For a quick and nutritious breakfast or dessert, enjoy a few pieces of Gud Para with a glass of warm milk. The crunchy, sweet paras dipped in milk offer a delightful contrast in textures.

With nuts: Enhance the nutritional profile by serving Gud Para alongside roasted almonds, cashews, or pistachios.

Tips for Presentation

Rustic serving: Present Gud Para in traditional wooden or brass bowls to give the snack a rustic, festive feel. These materials also contrast beautifully with the golden-brown color of the paras.

Garnish with edible flowers: For a modern twist, garnish the paras with edible flowers like rose petals or marigold, which add a pop of color and a subtle floral aroma.

Sprinkle with seeds: For a more visually appealing and nutritious version, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chia seeds on top of the paras while the jaggery syrup is still wet. The seeds will stick to the paras and provide an additional layer of crunch.

Conclusion

Gud Para is a delightful snack that combines tradition with nutrition. The use of locally sourced, fresh ingredients like whole wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery not only makes it a treat for the taste buds but also a healthier option compared to sugar-laden snacks.

By opting for jaggery over refined sugar and incorporating whole grains, you can enjoy this sweet snack without the guilt. Whether fried or baked, Gud Para offers a versatile and wholesome option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

This recipe ensures that Gud Para retains its traditional charm while offering a nutritious twist, perfect for festivals, family gatherings, or a simple tea-time indulgence.

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