1. Jaggery Peanut Chikki
Let's start with the classic. Known as 'gud dani' or 'kadalai mittai' in different parts of India, peanut chikki is a simple, wholesome confection made by setting roasted peanuts in molten jaggery. This creates a brittle, crunchy bar that delivers a satisfying
snap with every bite. The beauty of chikki lies in its simplicity; at its best, it contains just peanuts and jaggery, with no refined sugar or artificial additives. The deep, caramel-like sweetness of the jaggery perfectly complements the earthy, roasted flavour of the peanuts. It's not just a sweet treat but also a source of protein and minerals like iron from the jaggery, making it a relatively healthy indulgence that has been loved for generations.
2. Murukku
If chikki represents sweet simplicity, murukku is its savoury, complex counterpart. The name, derived from the Tamil word for 'twisted', perfectly describes this spiral-shaped, crunchy snack. Originating in South India, murukku is made from a dough of rice flour, urad dal flour, and spices like cumin or sesame seeds. The dough is pressed through a mould to create its iconic coiled shape and then deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is an irresistibly crispy, light, and flavourful snack. With a buttery texture and a mildly spicy taste, murukku is a staple during festivals like Diwali and a perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea any day of the year.
3. Shankarpali
A beloved festive snack from Maharashtra and Gujarat, shankarpali are diamond-shaped, deep-fried cookies that can be either sweet or savoury. The sweet version, often prepared during Diwali, is made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, ghee, and sometimes semolina for extra crispness. The dough is rolled out and cut into its signature shape before being fried until puffy and golden. The final texture is wonderfully flaky and melt-in-the-mouth, with a mild sweetness that isn't overpowering. With a long shelf life, these delightful bites are perfect for making in large batches to share with family and friends.
4. Bhakarwadi
For those who crave a snack that hits multiple flavour notes at once, Bhakarwadi is the answer. This popular snack from Western India, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, is a marvel of texture and taste. It consists of a gram flour dough that is rolled out, filled with a spicy, sweet, and tangy mixture of coconut, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and spices, then rolled into a tight log. This log is sliced into small, pinwheel_like discs and deep_fried until crunchy. Each bite offers a complex explosion of flavours—the warmth of spices, the sweetness of coconut, and a distinct tang, all wrapped in a crispy shell.
Hailing from Bihar and Jharkhand, thekua is a rustic, cookie_like sweet with ancient roots. Made from whole wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and aromatic fennel seeds, this snack is a sacred offering during the Chhath Puja festival. The stiff dough is traditionally pressed into beautifully carved wooden moulds, called 'saancha', before being deep_fried. The result is a snack that is incredibly crispy on the outside and dense on the inside, with a deep,
caramel_like flavour from the jaggery and a fragrant aroma of fennel. Unlike many other sweets,
thekua is not overly sweet and has a long shelf life,
making it a perfect travel companion or a satisfying homemade treat.
