Makar Sankranti is the first festival of the year. It is celebrated all over India, and every state has its own name for this festival. In Goa we celebrate Sankranti by calling married women home and give them Haldi Kumkum.

Til ladoos are made on Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra, Goa and the konkan belt. Til means sesame seed in Marathi and kokni. The combination of Til, Jaggery and peanuts is super yum and nutritious.

Sugar can also be used to make these ladoos but they taste best with jaggery.

My recipe below is for making a small batch. (I got 15 small sized one) If you want a larger batch then double the quantities. These can be stored in an airtight container for many days. But trust me they wont last long😉

They are a store house of nutrients and has immunity boosting properties. So make these ladoos and enjoy them guilt free. After all it’s the season for it.

Til gul ghya ani goad goad bola!

Ingredients:

• Sesame seeds ½ cup
• Chiki Jaggery or regular jaggery ½ cup
• Roasted Peanuts 1/3 cup
• Elaichi powder ½ tsp
• Water 2-3 tbsp
• Ghee 1 tsp

Method:

In aa thick bottom pan dry roast the peanuts. Once roasted take it out on a plate and let it cool.

In the same pan dry roast the sesame seeds/ til for 3-4 mins. Stir continuously and roast on a slow flame.

Once the til is roasted take it out on another plate.

Crush / coarsely grind the peanuts.

In the same pan add the jaggery  and water and bring it to a boil. The jaggery should dissolve completely. We need a one string consistency. This should take around 5-6 minutes.

Add the til and crushed peanuts to the jaggery. Keep the flame on low and mix well. Switch the flame off.  Add elaichi powder and mix.

Transfer the til mixture on to a plate and spread using a spoon. Let it cool a little.

Start making the ladoos while the mix is still hot. Wet your hands and make the ladoos. If the mixture cools it will be difficult to shape and bind them so work fast on this step. Allow the ladoos to cool completely and then store into an air tight container.

Size of the ladoos is usually small but you can make them as big or small as you like. This quantity gave me 15 small sized laddoos.