Protein Chikki Recipe

Chikki is a traditional Indian Sweet ( brittle) generally made from jaggery and peanuts. Several varieties of chikkis are made and each variety is named after the ingredients used in it. Here a chikki is made using protein rich nuts and seeds , hence the name. This protein Chikki is a healthy and delicious snack with a quick and easy to follow recipe. High in protein and rich in anti oxidants , this protein chikki can be had as a mid day snack or an ideal on-the-go breakfast or simply to satisfy some sweet cravings .

I have dry roasted all the nuts and seeds before adding them to jaggery syrup. Roasting liberates essential oils from the nuts apart from making them crunchy and imparts a lovely nutty flavor and aroma. The color of the chikki depends on the jaggery used. I have used simple organic jaggery and so the color of my chikki is brown. If you use the jaggery specially meant for making chikki, you will get a gorgeous golden color and glaze on the chikki.

#FilmyFoodies is the #155th week theme on #FoodieMondayBlogHop . This interesting theme is chosen by Mallika Chaudhary who blogs at afoodiehousewife . The basic concept of this theme is to pay tribute to Bollywood. For this theme we had to cook a dish which is inspired by our favourite actor or a dish which became famous because of a particular film. There are many Indian- Food inspired movies and there are food stuffs which became famous because of films or the actors. I have chosen to cook this Protein Chikki ,inspired from Indian film actress , business women , producer and writer Shilpa Shetty Kundra for this theme. Shilpa is a health freak and shares healthy recipes on her you tube channel ,SwasthRahoMastRaho. I have made few changes in the original recipe and added more nuts and seeds to make it filling and wholesome.

In this protein chikki, I have used Almonds which are source of high-quality protein, Vitamin E, Copper, Magnesium , healthy unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants , Pistachio, which are low in calories but high in protein, loaded with nutrients and antioxidants , Peanuts , rich in essential nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants, Sesame Seeds, contain healthy falts like polyunsaturated fatty acids and Omega-6. They also contain fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus that helps boost energy levels , Fax seeds, are rich source of micronutrients, high in Omega-3 fats and rich in dietary fiber, Melon seeds are rich in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, fats and other nutrients. Jaggery acts as a detox, and is loaded with antioxidants and minerals like zinc and selenium.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serves: Makes around 20 small square chikki

Ingredients:

• 200 grams jaggery, crushed or powdered
• 1/2 cup peanuts
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup pistachio
• 3 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds
• 2-3 teaspoon melon seeds
• 2 teaspoon fennel seed powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee

Method:

1. Dry roast all the nuts and seeds one by one in a heated pan on low to medium heat until they get aromatic.

3. Rub the roasted peanuts between palms to de-skin them. Discard the skin. Keep all the roasted             seeds and nuts in a plate until use.

4. In the same pan add the crushed jaggery along with 2 tablespoon water. Heat it on low to medium flame until jaggery melts completely.

5. Add ghee to the jaggery syrup. Stir well. Now add the roasted nuts and seeds and give it a good mix. Next add the fennel seeds powder, cardamom powder and pinch of salt.

6. Mix well and cook the mix for another minute and turn off the flame. Immediately transfer the mix on a greased steel thali and spread the mix evenly with the help of spatula or the back of a greased bowl.

7. With a greased knife mark the chikki in desired shape while it is still hot.

8.  Allow the mix to cool down at room temperature . Once set, serve the delicious protein chikki and enjoy !

Recipe Notes:

• The color of the chikki depends on the jaggery used. I have used simple organic jaggery and so the color of my chikki is brown. If you use the jaggery specially meant for making chikki, you will get a gorgeous golden color and glaze on the chikki.
• Add very little water to the jaggery while making syrup for the chikki.
• Adding ghee is optional, The original recipe does not use it.
• You may use sunflower seeds , pumpkin seeds, chia seeds or any other nuts and seeds of your choice to make this chikki.
• The chikki stays good for about a week at room temperature in an air tight container.
• Chikki should be eaten in moderation as it generates heat in the body.

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For more similar recipes do check out the following recipe links from my blog posts

• Dried Figs and Nuts Roll

                                   

• Dates and Nuts Ladoo

                          

• Peanut Sesame Seed Coconut Ladoo

                           

• Sesame Seed Peanut Fudge