Sesame Chikki Granola borrows its crunch from traditional til chikki, using jaggery syrup cooked to the correct stage to bind roasted sesame, oats, and peanuts without baking. The method focuses on heat control, quick mixing, and natural cooling so the granola sets into crisp clusters instead of sticky clumps, staying aromatic, balanced, and shelf-stable.
Heat a heavy pan on low and add sesame seeds. Stir continuously until they turn pale golden and smell nutty, then remove immediately to avoid bitterness. In the same pan, dry-roast the oats until crisp and lightly coloured. Transfer both to a bowl and let them cool slightly before mixing.
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Step 2: Cook jaggery
Add grated jaggery and water to a clean, thick-bottomed pan. Heat on low, stirring until fully dissolved. Continue cooking without rushing until the syrup reaches the hard-ball stage. Test by dropping a little syrup into cold water—it should form a firm ball that doesn’t flatten when pressed.
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Step 3: Finish the syrup
Lower the heat and add ghee and cardamom powder to the syrup. Stir quickly and evenly. Ghee stabilises the syrup and prevents grainy crystallisation, while cardamom rounds off the jaggery’s sharp sweetness without overpowering the sesame aroma.
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Step 4: Coat quickly
Immediately add roasted sesame seeds, oats, and crushed peanuts into the hot syrup. Mix briskly using a sturdy spatula, scraping the bottom to coat everything evenly. Speed matters here; once the syrup cools slightly, it becomes difficult to spread and may set unevenly.
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Step 5: Set clusters
Transfer the mixture onto a lightly greased plate or parchment-lined tray. Spread gently into an even layer without pressing down. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. As the jaggery sets, the mixture firms into crisp sheets that snap cleanly.
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Step 6: Break and store
Once fully cooled, break the set mixture into irregular granola clusters using your hands. Store in an airtight container away from moisture. Properly cooked jaggery ensures the granola stays crisp for up to two weeks without refrigeration.