Ram Ram, Kem Chho, Kem Che, Kemme Nanney, Enti Sangatulu Food Lovers! Chef Curry Do’pyaza is Back!

Namaste and a warm welcome to my virtual kitchen, my beloved foodies! How are you all doing? I hope this blog post finds you well and eager to embark on another delicious culinary adventure. Today, we’re diving deep into a traditional Maharashtrian delicacy that’s close to my heart: Sesame Vadi!

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a memory wrapped in sesame seeds, and a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

Occasions to Celebrate with Sesame Vadi

Sesame Vadi is a star during the winter months, especially around the festival of Makar Sankranti. This festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, and it’s celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and of course, lots of delicious food! Sesame Vadi, with its warming sesame seeds and jaggery, is perfect for keeping you cozy during the chilly weather. It’s also a common treat to share with family and friends, spreading joy and sweetness. Many families also make it as a healthy snack for kids and adults alike throughout the year.

A Glimpse into the Past

Sesame Vadi has been around for generations, passed down through families like a treasured heirloom. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors, who knew how to make the most of simple, locally available ingredients. The recipe is simple and delicious, a perfect way to celebrate the harvest season.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Til (Sesame Seeds): 1 cup – Use the white ones for a classic look.
Gud (Jaggery): ¾ cup – This adds the sweetness and holds everything together.
Elaichi Powder (Cardamom Powder): ¼ teaspoon – For that fragrant, aromatic touch.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): 1 teaspoon – To grease the plate and add a subtle richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Roast the Sesame Seeds: In a heavy-bottomed kadai (wok) or pan, dry roast the til 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; burnt sesame seeds taste bitter. Remove from heat and set aside.
Melt the Jaggery: In the same kadai, add the gud. Melt it over low heat, stirring constantly. The gud will melt and become a thick, sticky syrup. Make sure it doesn’t burn!
The Water Test: This is crucial! To check if the gud syrup is ready, drop a tiny bit of it into a bowl of cold water. If it forms a hard, brittle ball, it’s ready. If it dissolves or remains soft, cook it for a little longer and test again.
Combine and Mix: Once the gud syrup is ready, immediately add the roasted til and elaichi powder to the kadai. Mix everything together quickly and thoroughly. The til should be evenly coated with the gud syrup.
Set and Cut: Grease a plate or tray with ghee. Pour the mixture onto the greased plate and spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. While the mixture is still warm (but cool enough to handle), use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or diamond shapes.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the vadi cool completely and harden before breaking them apart. Store in an airtight container.

Chef Curry’s Top Tips:

Quality of Ingredients: Use good quality til and gud for the best flavor.
Roasting is Key: Don’t skip the roasting step! It enhances the flavor and crunch of the sesame seeds.
The Water Test is Your Friend: This ensures the perfect texture of the vadi.
Work Quickly: Once the gud syrup is ready, work quickly to combine and spread the mixture before it hardens.

Cooking it Your Way:

Gas Stove: The traditional method, perfect for controlling the heat.
Induction Stove: Works just as well, offering precise temperature control.
Microwave: While not ideal for the entire process, you can melt the gud in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Be very careful not to burn it.
Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Not recommended for this recipe, as it requires quick heating and cooling.
Oven: Not suitable for making Sesame Vadi.
Air Fryer: Not suitable for making Sesame Vadi.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

Calories: 150-200
Protein: 3-4g
Fat: 8-10g
Carbohydrates: 20-25g

Sesame seeds are a great source of calcium, iron, and healthy fats. Jaggery is a natural sweetener that provides minerals and antioxidants.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy it as a sweet treat after meals.
Pack it as a snack for kids.
Share it with friends and family during festivals.
Pair it with a cup of hot chai (tea) for a cozy winter evening.

A Humble Request:

I urge you to try this simple yet delightful recipe at home. It’s a wonderful way to connect with your roots, enjoy a healthy treat, and share the love with your near and dear ones.