Bundelkhand Til Ki Barfi Sesame Jaggery Sweet UP

Method

1. 1

   Dry roast the sesame seeds: Place 2 cups white sesame seeds in a wide dry pan on medium-low heat. Roast stirring continuously for 4 to 5 minutes until the seeds turn very lightly golden and some begin to pop. Do not over-roast — they will continue toasting from residual heat. Remove immediately.

2. 2

   Grease a flat surface and tools: Grease a flat tray, the back of a large spoon or spatula and your hands (for the testing step). All must be done before starting the syrup.

3. 3

   Make jaggery syrup: In a heavy pan combine grated jaggery and 1/4 cup water. Heat on medium stirring until the jaggery dissolves. Bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Cook to hard crack: Cook the boiling syrup without stirring for 5 to 6 minutes. Test by dropping a tiny amount into cold water — it should immediately form a hard, brittle thread that snaps cleanly. If it forms a soft thread, cook 1 to 2 more minutes.

5. 5

   Add cardamom: Remove from heat. Add cardamom powder. Stir briefly.

6. 6

   Add sesame seeds: Add all the roasted sesame seeds at once. Stir rapidly with a spoon for 20 seconds to coat every seed.

7. 7

   Pour onto greased tray immediately: Pour the sesame-jaggery mixture onto the greased tray at once. Work fast — it sets in less than 2 minutes.

8. 8

   Spread and press flat: Using the greased back of a spoon, quickly spread and press the mixture to an even 1 to 1.5 cm thickness.

9. 9

   Score before setting: After 1 minute, while still slightly warm and pliable, score diamond or square shapes with a sharp knife.

10. 10

    Cool and break: Cool 10 minutes until completely firm. Break along the scored lines. The barfi should snap cleanly with a sharp sound.

11. 11

    Note: Til ki Barfi is the Makar Sankranti sweet of the Bundelkhand region — the historically drought-prone, semi-arid plateau of western UP and northern MP. Both sesame and jaggery are considered warming in traditional practice, making this specifically a winter sweet. Made in large quantities for Sankranti and distributed among neighbours and family as the traditional festival gift. The snap when the barfi breaks is the sound of a correctly made preparation.