Preparing Sesame Seeds
Begin your Til Gajak journey by preparing the sesame seeds. The first step involves dry roasting 1 cup of white sesame seeds. It's crucial to toast them
until they achieve a beautiful golden hue. Once they've reached this stage, remove them from the heat and set them aside. The dry roasting process enhances the sesame seeds' flavor, bringing out a nutty taste that is essential for the gajak. This step is fundamental, as it significantly impacts the overall taste and texture of the final product. So, ensure you monitor the seeds closely during the roasting to prevent burning.
Creating Jaggery Syrup
Next, the recipe shifts focus to the creation of the jaggery syrup, which is the heart of the gajak. Begin by melting ¾ cup of grated gud (jaggery) in 1 tablespoon of ghee. The key to a good syrup is continuous stirring until a smooth, flowing consistency is achieved. Patience is vital here, as it takes time for the jaggery to melt and transform into a syrup. Once the jaggery has fully melted, it should have a smooth texture without any lumps. This syrup will serve as the binder, holding all the ingredients together, and providing the characteristic sweetness and chewy texture of Til Gajak. The success of this step is vital for the outcome.
Combining Ingredients
This step brings together the toasted sesame seeds and the jaggery syrup. While the syrup mixture is still warm, gently incorporate the cardamom powder and the roasted sesame seeds into it. Mix everything well to ensure that the sesame seeds are evenly coated with the jaggery syrup. This ensures that every bite of gajak has a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The even distribution of ingredients will greatly improve the consistency and taste. Mixing efficiently will bring a homogenous mixture, guaranteeing that all the components blend well to produce the ideal gajak.
Shaping the Gajak
Now, it's time to shape the gajak. The warm mixture needs to be promptly transferred onto a greased tray. Once on the tray, top it with a greased sheet, and begin rolling it out. This rolling process helps flatten the mixture into an even layer, ensuring a consistent thickness. When the mixture is spread in a thin layer, it can be easily cut into squares. Be quick and act fast as the mixture can harden quickly, making it difficult to shape it properly. This step is about speed and precision.
Cooling and Cutting
After rolling the mixture, the gajak needs to cool down to become crispy. Allow the gajak to sit and cool completely until it hardens. This cooling process is crucial for achieving the desired crispness. Once cooled, the gajak can then be cut into perfect squares while the mixture is still warm. This will allow for easier cutting without breaking the gajak. The squares are then ready for serving. This step completes the transformation, from a warm mixture to a delightful, crispy treat.
Serving and Enjoying
With the gajak cut into squares and completely cooled, the final step is to serve and enjoy this homemade delight! The combination of the crispy sesame seeds and the sweet jaggery makes Til Gajak a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion, especially Makar Sankranti. This simple recipe creates a sweet that can be enjoyed by everyone. The satisfaction of making gajak at home is doubled when you enjoy it with family and friends. So, savor the homemade Til Gajak and celebrate the joy it brings.
