Description
Chikki is a traditional Indian sweet prepared with any edible nuts or puffed rice or with mixed nuts like almonds, pistachios, cashewnuts, peanuts and sugar/jaggery. The preparation is simple and low calorie compared to other sweets. Chikkis are all time children favourite. In my childhood, chikkis were the common sweets given to children. There are several different varieties of chikki available in the market in addition to the most common groundnut chikki. One of the most versatile types is mixed nuts chikki. Though Jaggery is the usual sweetener material, sugar is also used as the base in certain types of chikkis. They are good for health as the ingredients are nuts and jaggery. These are easily available in market and can also be prepared at home by simple method of melting jaggery or sugar, roasting nuts and mixing them together, spreading and cutting into pieces.
How to Select
When buying from market, always check for the colour and texture of chikki, that is they should be golden brown and crisp. Also check for expiry dates and packaging details. While making at home, make sure the raw ingredients are clean and devoid of any impurities.
Culinary Uses
• Mixed nuts chikki tastes great themselves and can be served as sweet treats to kids.
• They can also be used in some Indian desserts and puddings in the form of toppings.
• They add extra crunch and flavour in many desserts and mithais.
• They are also used to make some delicious ice-creams.
How to Store
Always store them in an air-tight container, away from humidity as it can turn soggy and sticky in present of moisture.
Health Benefits
• The presence of all kind of nuts makes this chikki rich in carbohydrates, vitamin E and fiber as well.
• Jaggery when used instead of sugar increases the iron content of the chikki.
• They are also good source of protein due to the presence of nuts like almonds and peanuts.
• Mixed nuts also provides good amount of zinc and magnesium.
• Since these are low in sodium, they make a good munching time snack for people with high blood pressure, however, when made from sugar, excess amount of these chikkis should be avoided.