तिळगुळ घ्या गोड बोला

In Maharashtra on the Makar Sankranti day people exchange multi-colored tilguls made from til (sesame seeds) and sugar and til-laddus made from til and jaggery. Gul-polis(jaggery stuffed flat bread) are offered for lunch. While exchanging tilguls as tokens of goodwill people greet each other saying – ‘til-gul ghya, god god bola’ meaning ‘accept these tilguls and speak sweet words’. The under-lying thought in the exchange of tilguls is to forget the past ill-feelings and hostilities and resolve to speak sweetly and remain friends. So lets get started with the recipe:-

1 cup Dark Jaggery (Chikkicha Gul)...I didnt have any so I used the normal jaggery instead; it works but you cannot get the desired colour.

3/4 cup Sesame seeds ( Roasted)

1/4 cup Roasted crushed peanuts

Pinch of Cardamom powder and Nutmeg powder each

1 tsp Water

2 tsp. Ghee

1. In a microwave safe bowl add tsp.of ghee, jaggery and microwave for 2 minutes stirring after every one minute. (Microwave setting for each microwave differs, so try to cook it accordingly.)

2. Remove it and add cardamom powder, nutmeg powder and a teaspoon of water in melted jaggery, stir well. Add crushed peanuts, roasted sesame seeds and mix well.

3. Now grease the tray or a plate with the remaining ghee and spread this mixture evenly by using any bowl, spatula. Make sure if you are using a bowl; grease the bowl as well to avoid sticking the mixture to the bowl.

4. Make marking using knife and let it to rest for 30 minutes.

5. Now separate tilgul vadis and serve.