Tilachi Vadi Recipe

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about making Tilachi Vadi, a sweet treat that wraps the nutty warmth of sesame with the rich sweetness of jaggery, finished with a hint of cardamom that’s like the perfect kiss goodnight. As the mixture cools and sets, the excitement to break it into diamond-shaped pieces feels like the culmination of a small yet satisfying culinary journey.

I adore the wonderful crunch of Tilachi Vadi, a time-honored traditional sweet that is equally nutritious and satisfying. With sesame seeds as a primary ingredient, this snack is a powerhouse of calcium and healthy fats.

Combined with grated jaggery and perfumed with cardamom, it serves as a sweet, crunchy burst of energy.

Tilachi Vadi Recipe Ingredients

• Sesame Seeds: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, they add a nutty flavor.
• Jaggery: Natural sweetener high in iron, enhances the dish’s sweetness.
• Ghee: Provides richness and texture, beneficial for digestion.
• Cardamom Powder: Aromatic spice that aids digestion and adds warmth.

Tilachi Vadi Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup jaggery, grated
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Tilachi Vadi Recipe

1. In a pan over medium heat, lightly toast the sesame seeds until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

2. In a pan, warm together ghee and water over a medium flame. Put in the grated jaggery and stir with purpose until it has completely melted and formed a smooth syrup.

3. To check the consistency of the jaggery syrup, take a small amount and drop it into a bowl of cold water. It should form a hard ball. If it’s not quite there yet, and the ball is still droopy, cook it a little longer.

4. After the syrup has obtained the correct thickness, lower the heat to low and rapidly mix in the sesame seeds that have been toasted and the cardamom powder.

5. Combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring that the sesame seeds receive a complete covering of the jaggery syrup.

6. Spread the mixture over a flat, greased surface or a plate that has been greased.

7. Use a greased rolling pin to flatten the mixture or press it down evenly with the back of a spoon.

8. Using a sharp knife, cut the mixture into square or diamond shapes while it is still warm.

9. Let it cool completely so it can set and become firm.

10. If desired, top with chopped pistachios or almonds, and keep in an airtight container. Enjoy your Tilachi Vadi!

Tilachi Vadi Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized pan
2. Spatula or wooden spoon
3. Small bowl (for cold water test)
4. Flat, greased surface or plate
5. Greased rolling pin or spoon
6. Sharp knife

FAQ

• What is Tilachi Vadi?A sweet that is a personal favorite of mine, especially because it is so often found around the Atai. It is not just a delicious treat; rather, it is a nutritional powerhouse, especially when made with good-quality sesame seeds and jaggery that are free of impurities and chemicals.

  Tilachi Vadi is simple to prepare. First, the sesame seeds are toasted. Then, the toasted seeds, along with fresh grated coconut, nuts, and spices, are ground together.

• Can I use white or black sesame seeds for the recipe?Certainly! You can use either white or black sesame seeds, though white is more common and provides a lighter appearance to the vadi.
• What is jaggery, and can it be substituted?Unrefined sugar, made from either cane sugar or sap from the palm, is jaggery. Brown sugar and palm sugar can be used in its place, but the result will unavoidably have a different taste—quite close, but different.

  Substitutes
  – Brown sugar
  – Palm sugar

• Do I need to toast the sesame seeds before using?Indeed, toasting the sesame seeds very lightly boosts their flavor and improves the texture of the vadi.
• How do I know the jaggery syrup is ready?Simmer the jaggery with water until the solution thickens and can no longer be easily stirred, then pour it into the prepared mixture.
• Can I add other flavors or nuts?Of course, you can incorporate chopped pistachios or almonds for additional texture and flavor, and if you like, you can play around with spices, using nutmeg, for instance.
• How should I store Tilachi Vadi?Keep the vadi in an airtight container at room temperature. They can usually be stored for about a week or longer in cooler conditions.

Tilachi Vadi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Sesame seeds:
substitute sesame seeds with sunflower seeds or use chopped nuts like peanuts.
Jaggery:
substitute jaggery for brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Ghee:
replace ghee with unsalted butter or coconut oil.
Water:
substitute water with milk for a creamier texture.
Cardamom powder:
Use cinnamon or nutmeg powder instead if you prefer a different flavor.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor and texture of the sesame seeds, consider dry roasting them on low heat. This ensures even toasting without burning, which gives a deeper, nuttier taste.

2. When making the jaggery syrup, use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution. This helps prevent the jaggery from burning and allows for better control over the syrup consistency.

3. If you enjoy a hint of spice, add a small pinch of ground ginger or a few strands of saffron to the syrup for additional warmth and flavor complexity.

4. Grease your hands lightly with ghee before mixing the sesame seeds into the jaggery syrup. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and allows for a quicker, more even blend.

5. For a crispier texture, spread the mixture slightly thinner when flattening it on the greased surface. This reduces the risk of the pieces being too chewy and adds a satisfying crunch.