Til ke Papad – A Crispy Delight for Winter and Festive Celebrations
Every bite of Til ke Papad carries a piece of tradition, warmth, and memories that stretch back to childhood. This Sankranti special treat is not just a snack—it’s a celebration of seasonal change, nourishment, and heritage. Made with white sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gud), it is both delicious and packed with nutrients. Light, crispy, and slightly sweet, Til ke Papad is a festive must-have and a winter superfood wrapped in a crunchy treat.
This traditional snack is often prepared during Makar Sankranti, a festival that celebrates harvest and the shift of the sun into a new zodiac. In many Indian homes, the making of til papad is a family event, passed down from grandmothers to mothers to daughters. Today, let’s bring this simple yet flavourful recipe back to our kitchens—with a closer look at its health benefits and step-by-step preparation.
Health Benefits of Til ke Papad
What makes Til ke Papad special is not just its taste but its nutritional value. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and healthy fats, which help in strengthening bones and boosting immunity. They are also known to generate warmth in the body—ideal for cold winters. Combined with jaggery, a natural sweetener packed with iron and antioxidants, this snack becomes a perfect winter immunity booster.
Unlike refined sugar-based sweets, jaggery balances your digestion and energizes without causing sugar crashes. Ghee, though used sparingly here, enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and lends a rich flavor that complements the nuttiness of til.
A Nostalgic Recipe With A Crisp Finish
To make Til ke Papad, begin by dry roasting 200 grams of white sesame seeds on medium heat for about 7–8 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent burning and to ensure they puff slightly and release a nutty aroma. Once roasted, transfer them into a bowl and set aside.
In the same pan, add 1.5 teaspoons of ghee and 200 grams of jaggery (gud). Cook on medium flame, stirring constantly, until the jaggery melts and forms a thick syrup. To check if it has reached the right consistency, drop a bit of the melted jaggery into cold water. If it hardens like candy, it’s ready.
Turn off the flame and immediately mix the roasted sesame seeds into the melted jaggery. Stir quickly and thoroughly to coat the seeds evenly. This mixture will begin to harden as it cools, so it must be shaped while still warm.
To make papads, place a portion of the warm mixture on a ghee-greased plastic sheet. Flatten it with the help of a ghee-greased glass base, and then roll it thinner using a rolling pin. You can sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before rolling if desired. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to cool and crisp up.
If you prefer chikki instead, take a portion of the mixture and flatten it into a thicker layer using the same method. Use a greased knife to cut it into squares or any shape you like. Let it cool and harden completely before storing.
Whether you make papad or chikki, both variations will stay fresh in an airtight container for weeks, making them perfect for seasonal gifting or daily snacking.
A Celebration in Every Bite
Til ke Papad isn’t just a treat, it’s a symbol of love, warmth, and seasonal wisdom. Its thin, crispy texture combined with the earthy sweetness of jaggery creates a harmony of taste and health. It’s light on the stomach, rich in tradition, and just right for chilly evenings with a cup of tea or during festive gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Bringing back recipes like Til ke Papad is more than reviving tradition—it’s a way of reclaiming wholesome, meaningful eating. In an age of processed snacks and packaged treats, these age-old sweets stand out for their simplicity, nutrition, and nostalgic value. Try making a batch of this Sankranti and share it with your family—it’s sure to spark smiles and stories around the table.
