Tilkut facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Tilkatri, palala |
|---|---|
| Course | Dessert |
| Place of origin | (Magadh,India) |
| Region or state | Bihar and East India |
| Created by | Bihar |
| Main ingredients | Tila, jaggery or sugar |
| Variations | Almonds |
Tilkut is a yummy sweet treat from India. It's especially popular in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand. You might also hear it called tilkutam, gajak, or tilpatti.
This special sweet is mostly made and enjoyed during the Sakraat or Makar sankranti festival. It's made from crushed 'til' (which means sesame seeds) mixed with sweet jaggery or sugar. Many people say the very best tilkut comes from Gaya. This area, called Magadh, is where tilkut first came from. Ancient Buddhist writings even mention a similar sweet called palala!
Types of Tilkut
Tilkut comes in a few different kinds, each with its own flavor and look.
- White Tilkut: This one is made with refined sugar. It has a light, sweet taste.
- Light Brown Tilkut: This type is called shakkar tilkut. It's made with unrefined sugar, giving it a slightly darker color.
- Dark Brown Tilkut: Known as gur tilkut, this version uses jaggery. Jaggery is a traditional unrefined sugar, and it gives the tilkut a rich, deep brown color and a unique taste.
Tilkut also comes in different shapes. The bigger, round ones are usually called tilkut. Smaller, nut-sized pieces are known as tillouri.
When is Tilkut Made?
Tilkut is especially popular in winter. This is because sugarcane is harvested during the colder months. Many towns and villages make lots of tilkut at this time. Even though it's a winter favorite, people enjoy tilkut all year round. So, smaller amounts are made throughout the year to meet the demand.
Where is Tilkut Popular?
Tilkut is a seasonal dessert enjoyed in several Indian states. These include Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. During December and January, you'll find tilkut sold everywhere in these regions. It's a beloved sweet for people of all ages.
