Rajeshree Gandhi's Kitchen blog

Til Chikki

White til (white sesame seeds) are small in size but packed with nutrients and health benefits.
1. Rich in Nutrients
High in calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron—great for bones and immunity.
Contains healthy fats (omega-6 fatty acids) and plant-based protein.

2. Boosts Bone Health
High calcium content supports strong bones and teeth.
Beneficial for women, especially post-menopause, to maintain bone density.

3. Improves Skin and Hair
Contains vitamin E, zinc, and antioxidants that help improve skin texture and hair growth.
The til oil is traditionally used to massage babies and adults to strengthen muscles and improve skin tone.

4. Supports Digestion
High fiber content promotes smooth bowel movements and gut health.
Helps relieve constipation naturally.

5. Balances Hormones
Lignans in sesame seeds  helps to balance hormones.

6. Regulates Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Magnesium and healthy fats help reduce high blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

7. Good for Vata Disorders
In Ayurveda, white til is considered warm and nourishing—ideal for pacifying Vata and Vata-related issues like joint pain, dryness, and weakness.

8. Boosts Energy and Stamina
Traditional winter food in India—often used in til laddoos or chikkis to provide warmth and strength.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Til( white sesame seeds)
• ¾ cup Sugar
• ½ tsp Ghee to grease plate, wooden press, rolling pin and knife.

Method

1. Dry roast til in a nonstick pan on a slow flame.
2. When it turns aromatic, switch off the flame and keep aside.
3. Grease plate, rolling pin and knife. Keep aside.
4. In a same nonstick pan add sugar . Melt it on a slow flame. Stir continuously . It will take approximately 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
5. As soon as sugar melts, switch off the flame and add roasted til in it. Mix vigorously and transfer the content on a greased plate.
6. Quickly spread it with wooden press and roll it into thin roti or papad like shape and quickly cut this til papdi  in to square or diamond shape.
7. When it cool down, lift it with knife and store in air tight container.
8. Serve with love and smile.

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Gajar Halwa (Carrot Halwa) is not just a delicious dessert—it also offers several health benefits, especially when made with minimal sugar and healthy fats. Here are some of its key benefits:
1. Rich in Vitamin A
Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A. This supports good vision, skin health, and immune function.
2. Good Source of Antioxidants
Carrots contain antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Energy-Boosting

Gajar halwa provides instant energy due to its combination of natural sugars, ghee, and milk.
4. Supports Bone Health
When made with milk or khoya, it’s a good source of calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth.
5. Aids Digestion (in moderation)
Ghee used in halwa can help lubricate the digestive tract and enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
6. Iron Content
Carrots and nuts (like almonds) used in halwa contain iron, supporting hemoglobin levels and reducing fatigue.
7. Mood Enhancer
The comforting taste, warm spices, and mild sweetness make it a great mood-lifting dessert, especially in winter.

Ingredients

• 1 kg. Carrot
• 1  cup + 2 tbsp. Sugar ( approx.300 gms.).
• 1½ lit. Full fat Milk
• 1 tbsp. Cow ghee. (Optional)
• 2 tbsp. Chopped Almonds (optional)

Method

1. Wash, peel and again wash all Carrots.
2. Grate all Carrots with the help of medium size grater.
3. Wash thick bottom pan with water and add 2 tbsp. of potable water and then pour milk in it. So that milk won’t stick to the bottom of the pan while heating. Switch on the flame.
4. Heat ghee in  another nonstick pan and add grated carrot in it. I don’t like ghee in Gajar Halva and I am using full fat milk. So I used to cook grated carrot without ghee .
5. Stir continuously both the pan, milk as well as carrot pan.
6. After 2 minutes of roasting, carrot becomes tender.
7. At this moment add half of the grated carrot in the milk pan and half of the milk in carrot pan.
8. Stir continuously both the pan. When water content of the milk reduces and you feel difficult to stir with both the hands, at this moment mix  both the content in the one pan.
9. Stir continuously till all the water content in the milk  evaporates. At this moment add Sugar and stir continuously. When the water content of the melted sugar evaporates and the halwa leaves the pan switch off the flame. Gajar halwa is ready. Garnish with finely chopped Almonds (optional)
10. Serve hot or chilled as you wish but serve with love and smile.

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