Gajak

Gajak is a popular North Indian sweet confection. It is traditionally made from sesame seeds and jaggery. The mixture is then often pressed into flat, circular shapes and sometimes studded with nuts like almonds or pistachios. Gajak is a seasonal sweet, most commonly enjoyed during the winter months. Its preparation typically involves roasting the sesame seeds and then cooking them with melted jaggery. The resulting mixture is kneaded and flattened before being cut into pieces.

There are various regional variations of gajak. Some popular types include 'til gajak', which is the most basic form, 'chikki', which can incorporate other ingredients like peanuts or puffed rice, and 'rewari', which are smaller, cone-shaped sweets. The texture of gajak can range from brittle and crunchy to slightly chewy depending on the preparation method and ingredients used. It is a common snack and gift item during festivals like Makar Sankranti. The sweetness of jaggery combined with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds makes it a distinctive treat.