This Makar Sankranti, traditional til-gud takes a creative turn with five innovative recipes that go beyond the usual ladoos and sweets. These dishes blend nutrition with festive warmth, offering a modern twist on age-old ingredients like sesame seeds and jaggery, perfect for winter nourishment and celebration.
As Makar Sankranti 2026 approaches, kitchens across India are buzzing with the aroma of sesame (til) and jaggery (gud). While til-gud ladoos remain a staple, this year’s culinary spotlight is on inventive recipes that elevate these ingredients into new forms of comfort food. These dishes not only honor tradition but also embrace health and creativity.
Til-Gud Porridge
A warm, hearty breakfast option made by simmering roasted sesame seeds and crushed jaggery with milk and oats or millets. This porridge is rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats—ideal for winter mornings.
Sesame-Jaggery Granola Bars
A modern snack twist, these bars combine roasted sesame, puffed rice, dry fruits, and jaggery syrup. Once set, they offer a crunchy, energy-packed bite that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Til-Gud Chikki With Nuts
An upgrade to the classic chikki, this version includes almonds, pistachios, and cashews for added texture and nutrition. The jaggery syrup binds everything into a brittle that’s both festive and wholesome.
Til-Gud Stuffed Paratha
This savory-sweet flatbread is filled with a mixture of ground sesame and jaggery, lightly spiced with cardamom. Served hot with ghee or yogurt, it makes for a satisfying winter meal.
Sesame-Jaggery Smoothie
Blending sesame paste (tahini), jaggery syrup, banana, and milk or plant-based alternatives, this smoothie is a nutrient-rich drink that’s both refreshing and rooted in tradition.
Key highlights from this culinary trend:
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These recipes reflect a growing interest in functional, seasonal eating that aligns with Ayurvedic principles
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Sesame seeds are valued for their warming properties and are rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats
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Jaggery is a natural sweetener that supports digestion and provides sustained energy, especially during colder months
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These dishes cater to modern palates while preserving the essence of Makar Sankranti’s harvest celebration
Sources: Hindustan Times, Girveda, Slurrp, FoodiesOnly.in, Sankranti.net