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Chigali
Serves 2
50 mins
127 Kcal
Chigali, the star of Southern Indian cuisine, is a dish that brings together the goodness of rice and the deep, earthy flavors of jaggery in one irresistible bowl. A true comfort food, this chigali recipe combines rice with jaggery syrup, creating a sweet, sticky delight that's perfect for any occasion. What makes chigali special is how the jaggery adds a deep, natural sweetness, while the rice forms a soft, fluffy base. A dash of cardamom or a handful of nuts creates the perfect flavor mix. Cooking chigali is like bringing a little piece of comfort in your home . It's not just the taste but the aromas that make it special—rich, sweet, and inviting, with hints of caramelized sugar and spices filling the air. Whether served as a dessert, a sweet snack, or even for breakfast, chigali brings a sense of joy that's hard to beat.
Ingredients required for Chigali
- 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 1 1/2 tbsp jaggery
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 2 tsps ghee
Cooking steps for Chigali
- 1Chigali, that little powerhouse of nutty sweetness, is the OG festive snack that slays at Garuda Panchami and Gowri Habba. It's simple, it's delicious, and it's one of those traditional recipes that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
- 2Start by soaking sesame seeds in water for a chill 20–30 minutes. After their spa session, drain the water like a pro (a tea strainer works great for this).
- 3Next, heat up a pan and dry roast those sesame seeds until they do their happy dance—spluttering and popping. The moment they start showing off, turn off the heat and let them cool completely.
- 4Now comes the fun part! Grab your mixer jar or coffee grinder and toss in the roasted sesame seeds along with jaggery and a pinch of ground cardamom for that aromatic vibe.
- 5Grind this magic mix to your texture preference—go smooth if you're feeling fancy, or keep it coarse for a rustic twist.
- 6Once you've got your perfect blend, shape small portions into laddus if you're serving them as a snack or offering for Garuda Panchami. These little golden bites are a sweet bomb of flavor and nostalgia.
- 7But wait—Chigali is a multitasker! For Gowri Habba, skip the shaping and serve it as is, paired with soft, warm dosas.
- 8Feeling experimental? Use the mix as a filling for sesame kozhukattai—it's next-level delish, and a recipe for that is definitely in the works.
- 9Whether it's perfectly round laddus or a freestyle crumble, this chigali recipe is your go-to for adding a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Traditional, versatile, and ridiculously tasty, Chigali is here to remind you why the classics never go out of style.
FAQs
What makes the recipe of chigali so special?
Chigali is a traditional Indian sweet made with roasted sesame seeds, jaggery, and cardamom. What makes it special is its simple yet magical combination of crunchy sesame seeds, wealthy jaggery sweetness, and a touch of warmth cardamom. This snack is a perfect balance of texture and flavor—warm, comforting, and full of nostalgia. It's a bite-sized snack that delivers comfort and nostalgia, and is perfect for any occasion, especially festivals like Garuda Panchami and Gowri Habba.
Can I make Chigali without a mixer or grinder?
Yes, you can! If you don't have a mixer or grinder, just crush the roasted sesame seeds lightly with a rolling pin or a mortar and pestle. For the jaggery, chop it into small pieces or melt it gently before mixing it with the sesame seeds. The texture might be a bit more rustic, the end result will still be tangy. The key is to make sure the jaggery and cardamom coat the sesame seeds evenly
Can I adapt Chigali for different festivals ?
Absolutely yes, Chigali is super adaptable. For Garuda Panchami, you can roll the mixture into small laddus, while for Gowri Habba, you can leave it unshaped or use it as a filling for kozhukattai. You can also adjust the sweetness or spice level depending on your taste. Whether you're serving it as a casual snack or a festive treat, Chigali is easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser.