chikki

Chikki is a traditional Indian sweet brittle made from nuts and jaggery. It is a popular snack enjoyed across India, especially during festivals like Makar Sankranti. The primary ingredients are usually peanuts, but other nuts such as cashews, almonds, and pistachios are also used. Jaggery, an unrefined cane sugar, is the sweetener that gives chikki its characteristic rich, molasses-like flavor and sticky texture.

The preparation of chikki involves melting jaggery until it reaches a caramel-like consistency, then adding the chosen nuts. The mixture is quickly spread onto a greased surface or parchment paper and pressed flat. Once cooled, it hardens and is broken into pieces. Variations exist with added ingredients like sesame seeds, desiccated coconut, or even spices like cardamom.

Chikki is valued not only for its taste but also for its nutritional content, as it provides protein and energy from the nuts and minerals from the jaggery. Its long shelf life makes it a convenient and portable snack. Different regions in India have their own local specialties and variations of chikki, reflecting diverse culinary traditions.