As the vibrant harvest festival of Makar Sankranti approaches in January 2026, households across India are preparing to celebrate with traditional foods. Known by various names like Maghi, Poush Sankranti, or simply Sankranti, this festival holds special significance in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. A central and auspicious part of the celebrations is the making and sharing of Til ke Laddoo – delicious sesame seed balls. If you're looking to create this festive treat in your own kitchen, here is a detailed, easy-to-follow guide.
The Significance of Til ke Laddoo on Makar Sankranti
Consuming sesame-based sweets during Makar Sankranti is a deep-rooted tradition. Sesame seeds, or 'til', are believed to provide warmth to the body during the winter months, which aligns perfectly with the seasonal transition the festival marks. Offering and eating Til ke Laddoo is considered to bring good fortune and prosperity for the coming year, making it an essential culinary ritual for the occasion.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary components ready. For this authentic recipe, you will need:
- 1 cup of white sesame seeds
- ¾ cup of jaggery (gur)
- 2 tablespoons of ghee
- 2 tablespoons of raw peanuts
- 1 teaspoon of freshly grated or crushed ginger
- ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder
Step-by-Step Recipe for Perfect Til ke Laddoo
Step 1: Roasting the Sesame Seeds
Place a kadhai or a heavy-bottomed pan on the stove over low heat. Add the white sesame seeds and dry roast them, stirring continuously. The goal is to achieve a light golden colour and wait for the seeds to start making a gentle popping sound. Once they are fragrant and roasted, immediately transfer them to a plate to prevent burning. Setting them aside allows them to cool slightly.
Step 2: Preparing the Peanuts
In the same kadhai, dry roast the peanuts. Keep stirring them until they become crunchy and release a nutty aroma. After roasting, let the peanuts cool down. Once they are cool enough to handle, rub them between your palms or fingers to easily remove the skins. You can use the peanuts whole or crush them lightly, as per your preference.
Step 3: Melting the Jaggery with Ghee
This is a crucial step for binding the laddoos. In the kadhai, heat the 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add the jaggery to the melted ghee. Cook this mixture on low heat, stirring constantly, until the jaggery melts completely. It should form a sticky syrup that, when tested between your fingers, forms a soft ball. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become too hard.
Step 4: Combining All the Elements
Once the jaggery syrup is ready, quickly add the roasted sesame seeds, cardamom powder, and the prepared peanuts to the kadhai. Also, add the teaspoon of ginger at this stage. Mix everything thoroughly and swiftly so that all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the jaggery-ghee syrup. The mixture will be hot, so handle with care.
Step 5: Shaping the Laddoos
Allow the mixture to cool just enough so that you can handle it without burning your hands, but it should still be warm for easy shaping. Grease your palms lightly with a little ghee. Take a small portion of the mixture and press and roll it firmly between your palms to form a round, compact ball. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture.
Step 6: Storing Your Homemade Sweets
Place the shaped laddoos on a plate and let them cool down completely at room temperature. This allows them to set and harden properly. Once cooled, store these festive delights in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and delicious for several days, ready to be shared with family and friends.
Celebrate the Festival with Homemade Tradition
Making Til ke Laddoo at home for Makar Sankranti is more than just following a recipe; it's about embracing a cultural tradition. This simple process allows you to create an auspicious and heartfelt offering for the harvest festival. The combination of nutty sesame, rich jaggery, and aromatic spices encapsulates the essence of this joyous time. So, this Makar Sankranti 2026, bring good luck and sweetness into your home by preparing these traditional laddoos with your own hands.
