Shenga Chikki/ Peanut chikki/ Shengdana chikki

              Shenga Chikki/ Peanut chikki/ Shengdana chikki

 Shenga Chikki/ Peanut chikki/ Shengdana chikki is a popular Indian sweet made with peanuts and jaggery. It is a very easy and simple recipe. Anyone can make it. 

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 10 mins

Total time: 20 mins

Servings: 2-3 people

                          

                         

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanuts (shenga/moongphali)

• 1 cup jaggery (gud), grated

• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)

• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

• A pinch of salt(optional)

Instructions:

• 1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the peanuts and dry roast them for about 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure even roasting. Remove the roasted peanuts from the pan and set them aside.Remove the outer cover by just rubbing with hands and throw the skin. 

• 2. In the same pan, add the ghee and let it melt. Then add the grated jaggery to the pan. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and forms a thick syrup( 2 string). Check the consistency by dropping the syrup into a bowl of water, it should form a hard ball and cut with a snap sound. Else boil for another minute. 

• 3. Add the cardamom powder and a pinch of salt(optional) to the jaggery syrup. Mix well to combine. Add a spoon of ghee. 

• 4. Reduce the heat to low and add the roasted peanuts to the jaggery syrup. Mix quickly and thoroughly to coat the peanuts evenly with the syrup.

• 5. Transfer the mixture onto a greased plate or a flat surface lined with parchment paper. Use a greased spatula or the back of a spoon to flatten and spread the mixture evenly.

• 6. While the mixture is still warm, use a greased knife or a pizza cutter to cut it into desired shapes and sizes. Allow it to cool completely and harden.

• 7. Once the Shenga Chikki has cooled and hardened, gently separate the individual pieces and store them in an airtight container.

Your delicious Shenga Chikki is now ready to be enjoyed! It makes for a delightful snack, especially during festivals or as a quick energy booster. The combination of crunchy peanuts and the sweetness of jaggery makes it a favorite among many.