Makar Sankranti is not just a harvest festival; it’s a celebration of community, traditions, and culinary delights. Across India, this vibrant occasion is marked by colourful kites, joyful gatherings, and sweets that warm the heart with their nutty aroma and caramel-like sweetness.
At the centre of these festivities are tilgul — delicacies made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur). Beyond their deliciousness, tilgul sweets hold a deeper meaning, symbolising warmth, positivity, and goodwill for the year ahead.
While the classic tilgul laddoos will always remain a beloved staple, why not embrace the festive spirit by adding a modern twist? Here are 7 creative takes on traditional tilgul that are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Credits: Natural Ice Cream Website
No dessert, even in winter, can surpass the charm of the classic ice cream bar. Blend sesame seeds and jaggery into a creamy vanilla base and freeze them into bars. Once set, de-mould your treats and garnish with roasted til for an indulgent frozen dessert.
If making homemade ice cream is not your thing, then you can also grab a box of tilgul ice cream from your nearby Naturals outlet. The nutty crunch of sesame pairs beautifully with the smooth texture of ice cream. You can also buy it online here.
Quick tip: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for a touch of decadence.
Give your teatime snacks a Makar Sankranti makeover! If you like making whole wheat cookies at home, try adding some toasted sesame and replacing your sugar with jaggery powder to make these buttery, soft delights.
The result? You’ll end up with some crumbly, delicious cookies infused with the festive flavours.
Friendly suggestion: Add a hint of cardamom and cinnamon powder for a spiced flavour profile.
A lesser-known but utterly delicious variation, til bhugga is a flaky, melt-in-the-mouth sweet treat popular in Punjab. Made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and ghee, this traditional delight deserves a spotlight.
Chef Kunal Kapoor recently shared his favourite 3-ingredient recipe for this classic dessert. And the best part about it is the recipe has mawa (khoya) in it, making it incredibly soft with a creamy texture.
Serving idea: Pair it with a hot cup of masala chai for a cosy winter evening.
For those who love classic barfis, the tilgul fudge is a must-try. With its smooth texture and rich flavours, it’s a delightful blend of tradition and innovation.
One of the top recipes online is from Chef Nisha Madhulika, a delectable tilgul barfi that takes only a little while to prepare. This rich and fudgy sesame-jaggery barfi is a must-try especially if you’re having guests over for the festival.
Chef’s hack: Add a layer of crushed pistachios or rose petals for a pop of colour and extra flavour.
A healthy on-the-go snack, these tiny energy bites combine sesame seeds, jaggery, dates, and nuts into a powerhouse of nutrients. Easy to prepare, they are perfect for a quick energy boost or a post-workout treat.
Pick out your favourite nuts, mash a few dates, and mix them together with jaggery powder and sesame seeds until you have a thick paste. Portion them out as per your preference, roll them into tiny balls, and set them aside for some healthy snacking.
Pro tip: Roll them in desiccated coconut for a festive look.
Start your mornings on a nutritious note with a tilgul smoothie. Blend sesame seeds, jaggery, a banana, and some almond milk for a creamy and wholesome drink that captures the essence of Sankranti.
The tilgul smoothie only comes with upsides. It doesn’t take too long to put together, is packed with nutrition, can be adjusted with ingredients as per your preference, and can be the perfect beverage to go along with your breakfast.
Genius trick: Add a pinch of ginger or turmeric to the smoothie for a winter immunity boost.
Elevate your breakfast game with sesame-jaggery pancakes. The subtle nutty flavour of til pairs beautifully with the caramelised sweetness of gur, creating a comforting yet innovative dish.
Simply replace your sugar with jaggery powder, and some toasted white and black sesame seeds to your usual pancake mix. If you want to make it healthier, feel free to add some peanut butter and bananas to the stack.
Serving suggestion: Top with honey, nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Makar Sankranti is a time to honour traditions while embracing creativity. These seven variations of tilgul not only bring a modern twist to a timeless sweet but also allow you to celebrate the festival with a unique flair.
So, why not add a little innovation to your festivities and make this Sankranti extra special?