Peanut Chikki is a popular and beloved Indian sweet treat made with roasted peanuts and jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar).
It is a traditional snack that is enjoyed across the country and is particularly popular during festivals and celebrations.
Chikki refers to a type of candy made by combining nuts or seeds with a sweet syrup.
In the case of Peanut Chikki, whole peanuts are roasted to enhance their flavor and then mixed with melted jaggery syrup.
Key Takeaways:
- Peanut Chikki is a beloved Indian sweet made with roasted peanuts and jaggery, enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.
- Chikki refers to a candy made by combining nuts or seeds with a sweet syrup, and Peanut Chikki specifically uses whole peanuts and melted jaggery syrup.
- Peanut Chikki offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with a satisfying crunch from the peanuts and a rich, caramel-like sweetness from the jaggery.
- It can be enjoyed as a quick energy boost, paired with tea or coffee, and is often given as a gift during festive seasons to symbolize sweetness and good wishes.
- Peanut Chikki is versatile and can be served with complementary items like milk, ice cream, or incorporated into trail mixes, offering various taste experiences.
The Ingredients:
- Roasted Peanut – 300 grams
- Jaggery – 200 grams
- Ghee – 50 grams
How to Make Peanut Chikki (Step by Step Images)?
1. Melt the jaggery in a pan over low-to-medium heat.
2. When the jaggery becomes melted and hot, add ghee and mix well. The ghee will give the chikki a golden shine.
3. Check the jaggery consistency from time to time.
4. Brush ghee (fortified butter) on a granite surface.
5. Check the jaggery consistency from time to time.
6. Once you see jaggery become solid by dropping very small quantity in water. Add roasted peanuts to the jaggery and mix well. Reduce the flame to low.
7. Pour the mixture onto the granite surface.
8. Use a rolled or atta belan to spread out the mixture so that it takes the shape of the surface.
9. Cut peanut chikki into square pieces. Do not remove the pieces immediately. Let it come to room temperature. Break the chikki into pieces. You can store them in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Chikki
Here are some pro tips to help you make delicious Peanut Chikki:
Choose high-quality ingredients: Select fresh and good-quality peanuts and jaggery for the best results. Fresh peanuts have a better flavor and texture, while high-quality jaggery will provide a rich sweetness to the chikki.
Roast the peanuts: Before making the chikki, roast the peanuts to enhance their flavor. You can do this by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roasting in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Stir them occasionally to ensure even roasting.
You can also buy roasted peanut to make this chikki.
Use the right ratio of peanuts and jaggery: For a balanced chikki, maintain the right proportion of peanuts to jaggery. A common ratio is around 3 parts peanuts to 1 part jaggery, but you can adjust it according to your taste preference.
Melt the jaggery carefully: When melting the jaggery to make the syrup, use low to medium heat to prevent it from burning. Stir constantly until the jaggery melts completely and forms a smooth syrup. Be cautious, as jaggery can get extremely hot and cause burns.
Test the syrup consistency: To ensure the chikki sets properly, it’s important to achieve the right consistency of the jaggery syrup. Drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of water. If it forms a hard ball that can be easily picked up and holds its shape, the syrup is ready. If it dissolves or forms a soft ball, continue cooking for a little longer.
Work quickly: Once the jaggery syrup is ready, add the roasted peanuts immediately and mix them well to coat evenly. The mixture will start to harden quickly, so work efficiently to spread it out and shape it before it cools completely.
Use a greased surface: Grease a rolling pin or a flat surface with ghee or oil to prevent the chikki from sticking while rolling it out. It will make the shaping process easier and ensure the chikki doesn’t break.
Press firmly and evenly: When spreading and shaping the chikki, use a greased rolling pin or a flat-bottomed greased bowl to press it firmly and evenly. This will help create a uniform thickness and prevent the chikki from crumbling when you break it into pieces.
Let it cool completely: Allow the chikki to cool completely and harden before breaking it into smaller pieces. This will ensure that the chikki maintains its shape and texture.
Store properly: Store the Peanut Chikki in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage will help maintain its freshness and crispness for a longer period.
By following these pro tips, you can achieve a perfect balance of flavors and textures in your homemade Peanut Chikki, making it a delightful treat for yourself or to share with others. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Peanut Chikki?
Peanut Chikki is a delicious and sweet treat that can be enjoyed on its own, but if you want to serve it with complementary items, here are some suggestions:
Tea or Coffee: Peanut Chikki pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The sweetness of the chikki complements the bold flavors of the beverages, creating a delightful combination.
Milk: Enjoy your Peanut Chikki with a glass of cold or warm milk. The crunchy texture of the chikki goes well with the smoothness of milk, providing a nice contrast of flavors and textures.
Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve Peanut Chikki alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination of the crunchy chikki and creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Fruit: Add a fresh and healthy element to your Peanut Chikki by serving it with some sliced fruits, such as bananas, apples, or oranges. The natural sweetness of the fruits complements the sweet and nutty flavors of the chikki.
Trail Mix: Mix crumbled Peanut Chikki with other nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create a delicious and energizing trail mix. It’s a great snack option for hiking, picnics, or on-the-go snacking.
Remember, Peanut Chikki is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations based on your personal preferences and taste.
How Does Peanut Chikki Taste?
Peanut Chikki has a delightful taste that combines sweetness with nuttiness. Here’s a description of its taste:
Sweetness: Peanut Chikki is known for its sweet flavor. The primary sweetness comes from jaggery or sugar, which is melted and mixed with peanuts to form the chikki. The sweetness level can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference, but it typically provides a pleasant and satisfying sweetness.
Nuttiness: Peanuts are the star ingredient in Peanut Chikki, and they contribute a distinct nutty flavor to the treat. The roasted peanuts used in the chikki add a rich and earthy taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Caramelization: During the cooking process, the jaggery or sugar used in making Peanut Chikki caramelizes, creating a deep, toasty flavor. This caramelization adds complexity to the sweetness and contributes to the overall taste experience.
Crunchiness: Peanut Chikki is characterized by its crunchy texture. The peanuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the chewy sweetness of the melted jaggery or sugar. This combination of textures adds an enjoyable element to the taste.
Hint of Salt: Some variations of Peanut Chikki may include a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors. The salt adds a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness and elevates the taste.
Overall, Peanut Chikki offers a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty flavors with a satisfying crunch. It’s a treat that appeals to those who enjoy the combination of sweetness and the natural taste of roasted peanuts.
The taste can vary slightly based on the specific recipe and the quality of ingredients used.
Peanut Chikki Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to Peanut Chikki, a traditional Indian sweet made with almonds and jaggery, here are a few options:
Kaju Chikki (Cashew Chikki): Similar to Badam Chikki, Kaju Chikki is made with cashew nuts and jaggery. It offers a rich and creamy taste with the unique flavor of cashews.
Til Chikki (Sesame Seed Chikki): Til Chikki is made with sesame seeds and jaggery. It has a nutty and slightly earthy flavor with a delightful crunch. The combination of toasted sesame seeds and sweet jaggery creates a delicious treat.
Gur Chikki (Jaggery Chikki): Gur Chikki is a versatile chikki made solely with jaggery. It can be enjoyed as is or combined with various nuts like peanuts, almonds, or cashews for added texture and flavor.
Coconut Chikki: Coconut Chikki is made with desiccated coconut and jaggery. It offers a tropical and sweet taste with a chewy texture. The combination of coconut and jaggery creates a delightful flavor reminiscent of coconut macaroons.
Mixed Nut Chikki: For a variety of flavors and textures, you can make a mixed nut chikki using a combination of almonds, cashews, peanuts, and any other nuts of your choice. Mix them with melted jaggery to create a delicious and diverse nutty chikki.
These alternatives provide similar sweetness and nuttiness to Peanut Chikki, allowing you to explore different flavors and textures.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Recipe Card:
Peanut Chikki (Peanut Jaggery Chikki)
Ingredients
- 300 grams Roasted Peanut
- 200 grams Jaggery
- 50 grams Ghee
Instructions
- In a pan, melt the jaggery over low-to-medium heat, stirring continuously until it becomes a smooth and hot syrup.
- Once the jaggery is melted, add ghee to the pan and mix well. The ghee will add a golden shine to the chikki.
- Occasionally check the consistency of the jaggery syrup while cooking.
- Grease a granite surface with ghee or fortified butter.
- Continuously monitor the consistency of the jaggery syrup.
- To check if the jaggery syrup has reached the desired consistency, drop a small amount of the syrup into a bowl of water. If it solidifies and forms a hard ball, it is ready.
- Add the roasted peanuts to the jaggery syrup and mix thoroughly. Reduce the heat to low.
- Pour the mixture onto the greased granite surface.
- Using a roller or atta belan, flatten and spread out the mixture evenly, conforming to the shape of the surface.
- Cut the peanut chikki into square pieces, but do not remove them immediately. Allow the chikki to come to room temperature.
- Once cooled, break the chikki into smaller pieces. You can store them in an airtight container for later consumption.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Info (Estimation Only)
Conclusion
Peanut Chikki is a popular Indian sweet made with roasted peanuts and jaggery. It offers a delightful combination of crunchy peanuts and sweet caramel-like jaggery.
The chikki is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. It is enjoyed as a snack or dessert and is loved for its nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
Whether you have it on its own or paired with a cup of tea, Peanut Chikki is a delicious treat that is loved by people of all ages.
