Today is the harvest festival of Lohri which is celebrated primarily in the state of Punjab.It's the celebration of the end of the Winter season.
A distinct feature of this festival is lighting of the bonfire at sunset around which people dance to the beats of the dhol with traditional sweets comprising of sesame, jaggery, sugar, peanuts and corn.It signifies that the farmers are praying to god of fire(Lord Agni) to shower blessings on their crops .
It was very exciting as kids as our father would ask us to sing the traditional song in return he would give a small token of money.
Til laddu or sesame balls are easy to make .These are soft in texture with a delicate flavor of cardamom.
Till Laddus
300 gms sesame seeds or til plus extra for rolling
500 gms jaggery, grated
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
7-8 almonds roughly chopped -optional
Dry roast the sesame seeds on low heat,till they impart a nutty aroma and start changing their color. Cool the seeds.
Pulse the seeds in a mixer into coarse powder. Add the grated jaggery and cardamom powder and blend till well combined.
Remove the mixture in a plate and add chopped almonds. Mix and make small balls or laddus and roll them in sesame seeds.
Note: you don't need to add any water or liquid as sesame seeds will release oil and moisture from jaggery will be enough to bind the mixture together.
