Peanut Chikki Recipe – Easy Jaggery Peanut Brittle – Indian Sweet Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Peanut Chikki Recipe – Easy Jaggery Peanut Brittle – Indian Sweet Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a quick, satisfyingly crunchy, and utterly delicious Indian sweet, you have to try this Peanut Chikki recipe. It’s a classic for a reason – it’s so easy to make, and the combination of roasted peanuts and sweet jaggery is just heavenly. I remember making this with my grandmother as a kid, and the smell of the jaggery melting still brings back such warm memories! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Chikki (or Jaggery Peanut Brittle) is more than just a sweet treat. It’s a delightful snack that’s packed with energy, thanks to the peanuts. It’s perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, a festive treat, or even a homemade gift. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes – seriously! It’s a fantastic recipe for beginner cooks, and the results are always impressive.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delicious chikki:

• 2 cup peanuts (about 250g)
• 1.5 cup jaggery (about 300g)
• 2 tbsp water (about 30ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because choosing the right ones makes all the difference!

Peanuts: Choosing the Right Variety

I prefer using bold, flavorful peanuts for this recipe. You can use any variety you like – Spanish peanuts, Virginia peanuts, or even roasted peanuts if you’re short on time. Just make sure they’re fresh!

Jaggery: Understanding Different Types & Their Impact on Flavor

Jaggery is unrefined sugar, and it comes in different forms. You can find it as a dark, solid block, or as a powdered version. I usually use the block jaggery, as I find it gives the chikki a richer, more complex flavor. If using block jaggery, make sure it’s good quality and doesn’t have any grit.

Water: The Importance of Precise Measurement

Don’t skip on the water! It helps dissolve the jaggery and creates the perfect syrup consistency. Measuring accurately is key here, so use a proper tablespoon.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s roast the peanuts. In a thick-bottomed pan, dry roast the peanuts on low flame. Keep stirring constantly to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins start to separate – this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once roasted, let the peanuts cool slightly, then gently rub them between your palms to remove the skins. Don’t worry if you don’t get all the skins off, a few are perfectly fine!
3. Now for the jaggery. In a kadai (or a deep pan), melt the jaggery with the water on low heat. Stir continuously to prevent it from sticking and burning.
4. Keep boiling the jaggery syrup for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a glossy texture and a “hard ball” consistency. To test this, drop a tiny bit of the syrup into a glass of cold water – it should form a hard, brittle ball.
5. Quickly add the roasted peanuts to the jaggery syrup and mix well until they’re evenly coated. Work quickly here, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.
6. Grease a tray with a little butter or ghee and line it with butter paper. Immediately pour the peanut mixture onto the tray and spread it out evenly.
7. While the mixture is still warm, press it down firmly with a cup or a flat-bottomed utensil. This will help create a nice, even chikki.
8. Let the chikki cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
9. Store in an airtight container and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to make your chikki absolutely perfect? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Jaggery Consistency

The hard ball consistency is crucial. Under-boiled jaggery will result in soft, sticky chikki, while over-boiled jaggery will be too brittle.

Preventing Crystallization of Jaggery

To prevent the jaggery from crystallizing, avoid stirring the syrup once it starts boiling (unless absolutely necessary). You can also add a tiny splash of lemon juice to the syrup.

Ensuring Even Coating of Peanuts

Make sure to mix the peanuts and jaggery syrup really well. You want every single peanut to be coated in that delicious sweetness!

Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few ways to spice things up:

Vegan Peanut Chikki

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your jaggery is processed without bone char (most are, but it’s always good to check).

Gluten-Free Peanut Chikki

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level: Adding a Pinch of Spice (e.g., Chili Flakes)

For a little kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the jaggery syrup while it’s boiling. My friend loves this version – it’s a delightful sweet and spicy treat!

Festival Adaptations: Gifting Chikki During Makar Sankranti/Lohri

Chikki is a popular treat during Makar Sankranti and Lohri. Package it up in pretty boxes or cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this chikki is perfect just as it is! But if you’re feeling fancy, you can crumble it over yogurt, ice cream, or even oatmeal.

Storage Instructions

Store your Peanut Chikki in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to a week, but trust me, it won’t last that long!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best type of jaggery to use for chikki?

I recommend using a good quality block jaggery for the richest flavor.

How do I know when the jaggery syrup has reached the correct consistency?

The “hard ball” test is the best way to check. Drop a tiny bit of syrup into cold water – it should form a hard, brittle ball.

Can I use sugar instead of jaggery in this recipe?

You can, but the flavor will be different. Jaggery adds a unique, caramel-like flavor that sugar doesn’t have.

My chikki turned out too hard, what went wrong?

You likely boiled the jaggery syrup for too long.

How long does peanut chikki stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, it should stay fresh for up to a week.