Tilkut

{{Short description|Sweet originating in India}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}} {{Infobox prepared food | name = Tilkut | image = File:Tilkut Sweet.jpg | caption = | alternate_name = Tilkatri, palala | country = Bihar(Magadh,India) | region = Bihar and East India | creator = Bihar | course = Dessert | served = | main_ingredient = Til(sesame seeds), jaggery or sugar | variations = Almonds | calories = | other = }} '''Tilkut (Magadhi:''' 𑂞𑂱𑂪𑂍𑂴𑂗''')''' also known as tilkoot, tilkatri, tilkutam, palala, gajak, tilpatti, is a sweet made in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 January 2021|title=Get famous 'tilkut' of Gaya by post anywhere in Bihar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/get-famous-tilkut-of-gaya-by-post-anywhere-in-bihar/articleshow/80075795.cms|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

== History == Tilkut is especially made and eaten during Sakraat or "Makar sankranti" festival. It is made of pounded 'til' or sesame seeds (''Sesamum indicum'') and jaggery or sugar. The best tilkut is said to be from Gaya and is native to Magadh region only.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Qadir|first=Abdul|date=10 January 2020|title=Gaya tilkut may get GI tag soon: Bihar agriculture minister Prem Kumar|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/gaya-tilkut-may-get-gi-tag-soon-agriculture-minister-prem-kumar/articleshow/73183560.cms|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Reference to this dry sweet is found in the Buddhist literature as ''palala''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Deepa|date=2020-01-08|title=How to make winter delicacy 'Tilkut' at home?|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/how-to/make-winter-delicacy-tilkut-home-1502842759.html|access-date=2021-03-25|website=The Statesman|language=en-US}}</ref> It was initially produced in the princely kingdom of Tekari in Ramna, Gaya, and has a 150-year history. The king allegedly cherished tilkut and promoted the craft of creating them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Have You Tried Tilkut: The 150 Years Old Bihari Dessert? |url=https://www.slurrp.com/article/have-you-tried-tilkut-the-bihar-dessert-that-is-150-years-old-1660917022949 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Slurrp |language=en}}</ref>

== Types of Tilkut == Normally, three types of tilkuts are available — the refined sugar tilkut is white in colour, the ''shakkar'' tilkut is made of unrefined sugar and is light brown in colour and the ''gur'' tilkut is made of jaggery and is dark brown in colour. Each of these varieties has its own flavour. The circular shaped savoury is called tilkut and the smaller nut-sized ones are called tillouri.

Winter is the period when sugarcane is harvested. It is also when large quantities of tilkut are made in many towns and even villages. However, as the demand persists throughout the year, smaller quantities are made round the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Have You Tried Tilkut: The 150 Years Old Bihari Dessert? |url=https://www.slurrp.com/article/have-you-tried-tilkut-the-bihar-dessert-that-is-150-years-old-1660917022949 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Slurrp |language=en}}</ref>

== Nutrition and health benefits == Experts say that Tilkut is an excellent vegetarian source of protein. It is high in zinc, magnesium, calcium, and other minerals, and it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. For optimal bone health, nutritionists advise women over 35 to consume Tilkut regularly. It is a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are heart-healthy fats, and oleic acid, which can effectively lower high cholesterol. In the dark afternoons of winter, the combination of seeds and nuts keeps the body warm and energised.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Types of Tilkut |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/what-is-tilkut-and-why-you-should-have-it-in-winter-season-recipe-inside/photostory/88607515.cms?picid=88607655 |access-date=2024-07-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

== Regions == Tilkut is seasonal dessert used in the Indian States of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal. During the time of December and January tilkut is sold widely in these regions and it is loved dessert for all ages. it is also related to ''grah'' and ''nakshatra dos''. Tilkut is a traditional delicacy mainly prepare during Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival in India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tourism |first=Bihar |title=Tilkut |url=https://tourism.bihar.gov.in/en/experiences/food/sweet/tilkut}}</ref>

Category:Indian desserts Category:Bihari cuisine Category:Sesame desserts

== References == {{Reflist}}