Til Pitha
A classic Assamese sweet, these rolled rice pancakes are made from sticky rice flour and stuffed with a delicious filling of roasted black sesame seeds and jaggery. A festive treat enjoyed during Bihu, it's wonderfully chewy, nutty, and sweet.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sesame-Jaggery Filling
- b.Place a heavy-bottomed pan over low-medium heat. Add the black sesame seeds and dry roast for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously until they become aromatic and start to pop. Do not let them burn.
- c.Remove the roasted seeds from the pan and let them cool down completely for about 10 minutes.
- d.Once cooled, transfer the seeds to a grinder or food processor. Pulse a few times to get a coarse powder. Avoid over-grinding, which would turn it into an oily paste.
- e.In a mixing bowl, combine the coarsely ground sesame seeds with the grated jaggery. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Set this filling aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Rice Flour Batter
- b.In a separate large bowl, add the glutinous rice flour and salt.
- c.Gradually pour in the warm water while whisking constantly with your other hand to prevent lumps from forming.
- d.Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth, thick, yet pourable batter, similar in consistency to pancake batter. The batter should coat the back of a spoon.
- e.Cover the bowl and let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flour to hydrate properly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook and Assemble the Til Pithas
- b.Heat a non-stick tawa or a cast-iron griddle over medium heat. Once hot, lightly grease the surface with a little ghee.
- c.Pour a ladleful (about 1/4 cup) of the rested batter onto the center of the tawa. Using the back of the ladle, quickly spread it in a circular motion to form a thin pancake of about 5-6 inches in diameter.
- d.Cook for 1-2 minutes. You will see the top surface change color and the edges begin to lift slightly. Do not flip the pitha.
- e.Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the sesame-jaggery filling in a straight line down the center of the pancake.
- f.Carefully fold one side of the pancake over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a cigar.
- g.Gently press the rolled pitha with a spatula and cook for another 30-60 seconds, turning it over to ensure it's cooked evenly and the jaggery inside has melted.
- h.Remove the finished pitha from the tawa and place it on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and filling, greasing the pan as needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Til Pitha warm. They are best enjoyed fresh as a festive snack or a delightful dessert.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic taste and texture, use 'Bora Saul' (Assamese glutinous rice) flour. Regular rice flour will make the pithas crispy and brittle, not chewy.
- 2The consistency of the batter is crucial. If it's too thick, the pithas will be dense; if too thin, they will be difficult to roll. Adjust with a little water or flour if needed.
- 3Roast the sesame seeds on low heat to prevent them from turning bitter. They are done when they release a nutty aroma and begin to pop.
- 4Cook the pithas on medium heat. High heat will brown the outside too quickly before the inside is properly cooked.
- 5Don't overfill the pithas, as the jaggery will melt and may ooze out, making a mess on the pan.
- 6If the batter sticks to the pan, ensure the pan is hot enough and lightly greased before pouring the batter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling Variation
Add 1/4 cup of freshly grated coconut to the sesame and jaggery filling for extra moisture and a richer flavor.
Aromatic TwistAromatic Twist
Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of ground green cardamom powder or a pinch of nutmeg powder into the filling for a warm, fragrant aroma.
Nutty AdditionNutty Addition
For added crunch, mix in 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped nuts like almonds or cashews into the filling.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Minerals
Black sesame seeds are an excellent source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are vital for bone health, muscle function, and preventing anemia.
Provides Natural Energy
The combination of complex carbohydrates from rice flour and simple sugars from jaggery provides a quick and sustained energy boost, making it a great festive snack.
Source of Healthy Fats
Sesame seeds contain beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are important for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Til Pitha is a traditional Assamese sweet pancake, especially popular during the Bihu festival. It's made with a glutinous rice flour batter and filled with a mixture of roasted black sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur).