Crunchy dry fruit chikki with purti vanaspati – a festive treat for diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights, joy, and delicious homemade sweets. This year, bring a touch of tradition to your celebrations with Crunchy Dry Fruit Chikki made using Purti Vanaspati.

This festive favorite combines the natural sweetness of jaggery with the richness of assorted nuts. When prepared with Purti Vanaspati, your chikki turns out smooth, glossy, and delightfully crunchy – just like the ones from your favorite sweet shop!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

– 1 cup mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts – roughly chopped)

– 1 cup jaggery (gur)

– 1 tbsp Purti Vanaspati

– 1 tbsp water

– A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)

– Few drops of Purti Vanaspati – for greasing the tray

Method: How to Make Crunchy Dry Fruit Chikki

Step 1: Prepare the Tray
To begin, grease a tray with Purti Vanaspati. Then, grease a rolling pin and set both aside for later use.

Step 2: Roast the Dry Fruits
Next, dry roast the chopped nuts in a pan on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. This step enhances their flavor and makes the chikki more aromatic. Set the roasted nuts aside.

Step 3: Melt the Jaggery
In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine the jaggery and water. Heat this mixture on medium flame, stirring occasionally. As the jaggery melts and begins to bubble, keep an eye on the consistency.

Step 4: Check the Syrup Consistency
To check if the syrup is ready, drop a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it hardens immediately and snaps when broken, the syrup has reached the right consistency.

Step 5: Add Purti Vanaspati
At this stage, add Purti Vanaspati to the syrup. This will give your chikki a beautiful glossy texture and make it easier to bite into without being too hard.

Step 6: Mix Dry Fruits
Immediately add the roasted dry fruits and a pinch of cardamom powder (if using). Stir the mixture quickly so all the nuts are evenly coated in the syrup.

Step 7: Shape the Chikki
Pour the hot mixture onto the greased tray. Using the rolling pin, flatten the mixture to your desired thickness before it starts to set.

Step 8: Cut and Cool
While the mixture is still warm, cut it into squares or bars with a greased knife. Finally, allow the chikki to cool completely before removing and serving.

Tips for Perfect Chikki

– Use fresh, good-quality jaggery for a rich taste.

– Mix quickly after adding dry fruits – the syrup hardens fast.

– Store in an airtight container to keep the chikki crunchy.

– Using Purti Vanaspati ensures the perfect texture and sweet-shop finish.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve as a post-meal dessert or festive snack.

– Pack in decorative boxes or wrap in butter paper for gifting during Diwali.

– Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a satisfying evening munch.

Why Purti Vanaspati?

Purti Vanaspati gives your chikki a rich aroma, smooth texture, and perfect crunch. It enhances the taste without compromising on the traditional sweetness of this festive favorite.