Til Barfi, made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is a traditional Indian sweet that’s both delicious and nutritious. With its rich nutty flavor and chewy texture, Til Barfi is often enjoyed during festivals, especially during Makar Sankranti. In this blog, we’ll explore a few variations of Til Barfi, each bringing its own unique twist to this classic dessert.

1. Classic Til Barfi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sesame seeds (til)
• 1/2 cup jaggery (gur)
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds in a pan on medium heat until they turn light golden. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, add ghee and melt the jaggery on low heat until it forms a smooth syrup. Add a pinch of salt and cardamom powder for flavor.
3. Mix in the roasted sesame seeds and stir until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture onto a greased plate or tray and flatten it using a spatula.
5. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting it into squares or diamonds.
6. Once completely cool, store the Til Barfi in an airtight container.

2. Til and Coconut Barfi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup jaggery
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A handful of chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds and desiccated coconut separately until they are light golden.
2. Prepare the jaggery syrup by melting jaggery with ghee in a pan on low heat.
3. Add cardamom powder to the syrup.
4. Mix in the roasted sesame seeds, coconut, and chopped nuts, if using.
5. Spread the mixture onto a greased tray and flatten it evenly.
6. Let it cool before cutting into pieces.

3. Til and Peanut Barfi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup jaggery
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds and coarsely grind the roasted peanuts.
2. Prepare the jaggery syrup by melting jaggery with ghee in a pan on low heat.
3. Add the cardamom powder to the syrup and mix well.
4. Stir in the sesame seeds and peanuts until the mixture is well combined.
5. Spread the mixture onto a greased tray, flatten it, and allow it to cool.
6. Cut into desired shapes once it’s cooled down.

4. Til Barfi with Dates

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup dates (pitted and chopped)
• 1/2 cup jaggery
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds until golden brown.
2. Blend the dates into a paste.
3. In a pan, melt the jaggery with ghee on low heat and add the date paste.
4. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
5. Stir in the roasted sesame seeds and chopped almonds.
6. Spread the mixture onto a greased tray, flatten it, and allow it to cool.
7. Cut into squares or diamonds once it has cooled down.

Tips for Perfect Til Barfi:

• Always roast sesame seeds on low to medium heat to avoid burning them. This will enhance their nutty flavor.
• Be careful while preparing the jaggery syrup; it should not be overcooked, or the barfi will turn too hard.
• You can add your choice of nuts or dried fruits to make the barfi more nutritious and flavorful.

Health Benefits of Til Barfi:

Til Barfi is not just a tasty treat; it’s also packed with health benefits. Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Jaggery is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, offering essential nutrients and helping in digestion. Combined, they make Til Barfi a great option for a guilt-free sweet indulgence.

Conclusion

Til Barfi is a delightful treat that brings together the richness of sesame seeds and the sweetness of jaggery. Whether you enjoy it in its classic form or with added ingredients like coconut, peanuts, or dates, Til Barfi is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. Try these recipes at home, and let the sweet, nutty aroma fill your kitchen!