There’s something timeless about peanut chikki – that glossy slab of jaggery and roasted peanuts that cracks with a snap and melts with warmth. It’s more than just a sweet treat. It’s a memory. Of school snack boxes, railway journeys, winter markets, and old tin boxes hidden in kitchen cabinets.
At its heart, chikki is simple: just roasted peanuts and molten jaggery. But in the version we make at home – and the one that truly feels complete – we always add a touch of cardamom powder and dry ginger powder (chukku podi). The jaggery brings depth and sweetness, but it’s those spices that give the chikki a soft, aromatic lift – a kind of warmth that makes each bite feel cozy and just right.
The dry ginger adds a hint of sharpness that balances the sweet, and the cardamom gives that faint perfume that lingers after the crunch is gone. Together, they take this humble snack to another level – still rustic, still simple, but layered in flavor.
Peanut chikki isn’t just for festivals like Makara Sankranti – though it’s a staple then. It’s perfect any time you want a sweet that’s satisfying but not overdone. It travels well, stores beautifully, and brings energy without the crash.
Just break off a piece, take a bite, and enjoy that moment when the jaggery starts to melt, the spices bloom, and the peanuts crunch between your teeth. It’s sweet, it’s spiced, and it’s exactly the kind of treat that reminds you – some of the best things in life come from the simplest recipes.
Peanut Chikki
Ingredients
Instructions
-
First, remove the thin skin from the roasted peanuts. Make sure the peanuts are split and clean.
-
Next, melt jaggery in a pan with a tablespoon of water.
-
Once melted, add cardamom powder and dry ginger powder, and mix well.
-
To check the correct consistency of the jaggery syrup, drop a little syrup into cold water. If it forms a ball without sticking to your fingers, it’s ready.
-
Now add the roasted peanuts and stir continuously to coat them evenly.
-
Transfer the mixture to a ghee-greased tray and flatten it evenly.
-
If you want to cut into pieces, do so before it cools completely. Or, you can shape into gooseberry-sized balls.
-
Sprinkle with a little rice powder to prevent sticking, and store in an airtight container.
-
Peanut Chikki is ready to enjoy as a crunchy and healthy snack!