Mixed Nut Chikki/Brittle recipe especially for Winters, Makar Sankranti and Lohri
Nutritious Chikki recipe with jaggery and a mixed nuts like Almonds, Cashew Nuts, Pistachios with spices like fennel seeds.
Winters in some parts of Northern India are quite harsh and people try to keep themselves warm by having food that increases the immunity towards cold and infections, also increases the body heat and keep them warm.
Winter Food
Ghee, Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts), Til (Sesame seeds) and Gur (Jaggery), vegetables like spinach, carrots, sarson(mustard greens), muli(radish) that are rich in minerals like iron, magnesium,copper, zinc that increase the immunity of body against cold and infections and keep the body warm are consumed a lot, which are usually avoided during summers.
Sweet Shops and homes are stocked with winter treats like Gajar Halwa, Pinnis, Panjiris like Makhane ki Panjiri, Goond Ladoos, Revri, Gajak, Mawa Til Ladoo, Til Patti/Tilkut, Chikkis(Peanut Chikki, Dry fruit Chikki), made with lots of Ghee, til, gur and nuts/dry fruits.
One of the favourite winter snacks are Chikkis/ladoos made either with nuts, puffed rice(Murmura Ladoo/lai ka Ladoo), til(sesame seeds), coconut and gur or sugar are hugely popular. The crunchy peanut brittle is a treat for all the age groups. My Nana( maternal grandfather) was quite fond of chikkis and I remember him having a piece of it daily after his dinner. He used to say that it's good for digestion as this has gur, saunf (fennel seeds) in it and took care of his sweet tooth and sugar carvings 🙂 !!!
Jaggery/Gur benefits
Gur/Jaggery is an important ingredient in Chikkis and is one of the cheapest form of superfood available to masses in India. It has a lot of significance in Ayurveda.
Jaggery has high iron content, it is very good for digestion especially in winters, beneficial for females during menstrual cramps, a great detox food and effective remedy for cold and cough. There are numerous health benefits of gur that need a whole post to list. Will soon post an update on the health benefits of Gur/ Jaggery.
One of my favourite recipe with Jaggery is Gur Makhana(Puffed Lotus Seeds in Jaggery), which tasted just like caramel popcorns.
How to make Mixed Nut Gur Chikki
You can use any combination of nuts, super seeds(like chia, sesame, sunflower, melon seeds and also add dry coconut) can be used along with jaggery and honey. Quick and easy to make this is a very good power-packed snacking option for kids and teens who have to sit for long study hours and also. So good for nagging kids who make their moms run after them with a handful of nuts.
Recipe Card for Mixed Nut Chikki for Winters
Mixed Nut Gur Chikki
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Badam (Almonds)
- ½ Cup Kaju (Cashew nuts)
- ¼ Cup Pista (Pistachios)
- ½-¾ Cup Gur (Jaggery)
- 1 tbsp Ghee (Clarified Indian Butter)
- 1-2 tsp Saunf (Fennel Seeds)
- ¼ tsp Eliachi Powder(Green Cardamon Powder) optional
- 1 tbsp Honey
Instructions
- Dry roast the nuts(almonds and cashews) separately, no need to roast pistachios. Don't wait for the light brown colour just for few minutes. Keep aside and let them cool.
- Chop nuts into small pieces or coarsely crush them.Add ghee to the pan and when it starts melting add chopped gur in it.
- Mix it thoroughly, when the gur starts melting add a tbsp of honey to it and mix nicely. This will gives bubbles. Keep mixing taking care not to burn the mixture.
- Add in the nuts, saunf (fennel seeds) and eliachi powder and mix.Take off the flame and transfer to a greased container. I used mini tart pans, you can use any, circular, rectangular or square shaped container.
- Spread the mixture evenly with help of a spoon, be careful not to burn your fingers.
- Cut into desired shaped pieces, when the mixture is slightly warm and about to set, not fully set as it will be difficult to cut with the knife.
- Spread nuts in the container.
- Store in an airtight container. This remains good for as long as 3 months!!
Stepwise Pics
Since Lohri is here and if you haven't got chikkis yet, the ingredients are right there in your kitchen, make it quickly and enjoy it with your loved ones.
Other Makar Sankranti and Lohri recipes from the blog.. Chilka Urad Dal Khichdi, Aloo Matar Ki Tehri/Tahri, Kadhi Pakodi
Happy Lohri and Makar Sankranti to all you there!!
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Mayuri Patel
This chikki is full of nuts and adding fennel seeds, wow must be so flavorful. Ideal snack not only for festivals but any day.