Rewri Mania: Sweet Bites of Winter Bliss!

Namaste Doston! Sat Sri Akal! Kem Chho! Vanakkam!

Chef Curry Do-Pyaza here, back with another recipe to warm your hearts and tantalize your taste buds. As the crisp winter air settles in, and the days grow shorter, there’s one sweet treat that always brings a smile to my face: Rewri! These crunchy, sesame-studded delights are practically synonymous with winter festivals across North India.

Think Lohri bonfires crackling under the starry sky, Makar Sankranti kites dancing in the wind, and the general festive cheer that fills the air. Rewri is the sweet you’ll find being shared amongst loved ones, a tiny but mighty symbol of good luck and prosperity.

A Little Rewri History Lesson

Rewri isn’t just delicious; it’s got a story to tell! Legend has it that Rewri originated in Punjab centuries ago. Some folks believe it was first made by a sweet maker who wanted to create a treat that was both tasty and nourishing, perfect for keeping people warm during the harsh winters. Whether that’s true or not, Rewri has certainly stood the test of time, remaining a beloved sweet across generations.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Ready to make your own batch of these delightful treats? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup Til (Sesame Seeds) – Use the white ones for the best look!
½ cup Shakkar (Jaggery) – The darker the jaggery, the richer the flavor!
1 tbsp Ghee (Clarified Butter) – Adds a lovely aroma and helps bind everything together.
¼ cup Pani (Water) – Just a splash to get the jaggery melting.
½ tsp Elaichi Powder (Cardamom Powder) – Optional, but it adds a wonderful fragrance.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Toast the Til: In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, dry roast the sesame seeds over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly! You want them to turn a light golden brown and release their nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them! Once toasted, remove them from the pan and set aside.
Melt the Shakkar: In the same pan, add the jaggery and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the jaggery melts completely and forms a smooth, syrupy consistency. This will take about 5-8 minutes.
Check the Consistency: To check if the jaggery syrup is ready, drop a tiny bit into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a hard, brittle ball, it’s ready! If it’s still soft and sticky, cook it for a minute or two more.
The Grand Finale: Remove the pan from the heat. Quickly add the toasted sesame seeds, ghee, and cardamom powder (if using) to the jaggery syrup. Mix everything together really well! You need to work fast, as the mixture will start to harden quickly.
Shape the Rewri: While the mixture is still warm, grease your hands with a little ghee. Take a small amount of the mixture (about a teaspoon) and roll it into a small, round ball. Place it on a greased plate or parchment paper. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
Let it Cool: Allow the Rewri to cool completely at room temperature. This will take about 30-45 minutes. Once cooled, they will become hard and crunchy.

Tips for Best Results:

Use good quality jaggery for the best flavor.
Don’t over-roast the sesame seeds, or they will taste bitter.
Work quickly when mixing the sesame seeds and jaggery syrup, as the mixture will harden quickly.
If the mixture becomes too hard to roll, you can gently warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave.

Cooking Variations:

Gas Stove/Induction Stove: The recipe works perfectly on both. Just adjust the heat accordingly.
Microwave: While not ideal for the entire process, you can use the microwave to gently warm up the mixture if it hardens too quickly. Use short bursts of 10-15 seconds.
Oven: You can toast the sesame seeds in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Not recommended for this recipe.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 50-60
Fat: 3-4g
Carbohydrates: 5-6g
Protein: 1-2g

Rewri is a good source of iron, calcium, and fiber.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy Rewri as a standalone sweet treat.
Serve it with a cup of hot chai or coffee.
Include it in a festive sweet platter.
Share it with your friends and family during winter festivals.

So there you have it, my friends! A simple, delicious, and traditional recipe for Rewri that you can easily make at home. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the winter season and share some love with your dear ones.

Now go on, give this recipe a try! Let the sweet, nutty flavors of Rewri fill your home with warmth and happiness. And remember, the best ingredient in any recipe is always love!

Happy Cooking!

Your friend,
Chef Curry Do-Pyaza