Peanut Brittle | Palli Chikki | Palli Unda

Peanut Brittle, known as Palli Chikki or Palli Unda in Telugu, is a traditional South Indian sweet made from roasted peanuts and jaggery. This delightful treat is a healthier alternative to chocolates and is loved by both children and adults alike. The combination of crunchy peanuts and the caramelized sweetness of jaggery creates a crispy and glossy confection that's perfect as a snack or dessert. It's an excellent option for kids' lunch boxes or for picnics. In this recipe, Mrs. Jhansi shares her step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this simple yet delicious sweet at home.

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Yield: 1 kg
Course: Snack
Main ingredient: Peanuts

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Grease the Plate
• Step 2: Roast the Peanuts
• Step 3: Remove Peanut Skins
• Step 4: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup
• Step 5: Check the Jaggery Syrup Consistency
• Step 6: Mix Peanuts with Jaggery Syrup
• Step 7: Transfer and Flatten the Mixture
• Step 8: Cut into Pieces
• Optional: Make Peanut Laddus (Palli Unda)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

Shelled unsalted peanuts: 500 grams

Mashed jaggery: 400 grams

Water: 50 ml

Clarified butter (ghee): 1 tablespoon for greasing

Procedure

Step 1: Grease the Plate

Grease a flat plate or tray with 1 tablespoon of ghee and set it aside. This will prevent the peanut brittle from sticking to the plate when you pour the mixture later.

Step 2: Roast the Peanuts

Preheat a heavy-bottomed pan or a thick-based frying pan over medium flame. Add the shelled unsalted peanuts and roast them by stirring continuously. Roast until brown spots appear on the peanuts and they turn crisp. Turn off the flame once they are roasted.

Step 3: Remove Peanut Skins

Allow the roasted peanuts to cool down to room temperature. Once they are slightly warm, rub them between your palms to remove the skins. The skins should come off easily. Discard the skins and keep the peeled peanuts aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

In the same thick-based pan, add the mashed jaggery and 50 ml of water. Cook over low flame until the jaggery dissolves completely in the water. Once it starts bubbling, continue cooking the syrup by stirring it continuously to prevent it from burning.

Use a small flat plate with some water to check the consistency of the jaggery syrup.

Step 5: Check the Jaggery Syrup Consistency

To test the syrup, drop a few drops of the jaggery syrup into the water on the plate. The syrup should harden immediately and make a sound when dropped onto the plate. This indicates that the syrup has reached the hard-ball stage. Once this consistency is achieved, turn off the flame.

Step 6: Mix Peanuts with Jaggery Syrup

Add the roasted and peeled peanuts into the hot jaggery syrup. Mix well until all the peanuts are thoroughly coated with the syrup.

Step 7: Transfer and Flatten the Mixture

Quickly transfer the peanut-jaggery mixture onto the greased plate. Using a flat spatula or the back of a greased bowl, pat and spread the mixture evenly to your desired thickness.

Step 8: Cut into Pieces

Allow the mixture to cool completely. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the peanut brittle into your desired shapes—squares, rectangles, or diamonds.

Optional: Make Peanut Laddus (Palli Unda)

For a variation, you can make peanut balls or Palli Unda. While the mixture is still mildly warm (not completely cooled), apply a little ghee to your palms and shape small portions of the mixture into round balls.

Your sweet and crispy Peanut Brittle (Palli Chikki) is now ready to enjoy! Store the pieces in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Conclusion

Peanut Brittle, or Palli Chikki, is a timeless snack that brings back childhood memories for many. It's a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. The combination of peanuts and jaggery not only tastes delicious but also provides nutritional benefits, as peanuts are rich in protein and jaggery is a natural sweetener with minerals. Whether you're making it for a festive occasion, as a healthy snack for your kids, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Peanut Brittle recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful crunch of homemade Palli Chikki!