Til Pitha (20pcs)

### Til Pitha with Coconut & Gur: A Traditional Assamese Delicacy

Til Pitha is a beloved traditional Assamese sweet, commonly prepared during **Magh Bihu** (also known as Bhogali Bihu), a festival that marks the end of the harvest season. This cylindrical rice pancake is filled with a delicious mixture of **black sesame seeds (til), grated coconut, and jaggery (gur)**, giving it a rich, nutty, and naturally sweet flavor.

#### **Ingredients & Preparation**
– **Rice Flour:** The outer layer of Til Pitha is made from finely ground rice flour, preferably from bora saul (a glutinous rice variety of Assam), which gives the pitha its characteristic soft and chewy texture.
– **Black Sesame Seeds (Til):** The filling consists of roasted black sesame seeds, which provide a deep, earthy taste and a crunchy texture.
– **Grated Coconut:** Fresh coconut enhances the flavor, adding natural sweetness and a subtle tropical aroma.
– **Jaggery (Gur):** The key sweetener in Til Pitha, jaggery, melts into the sesame and coconut mixture, creating a caramelized, sticky filling.

#### **Method of Preparation**
1. **Prepare the filling**: Dry roast the black sesame seeds until aromatic, then grind them coarsely. Mix them with grated coconut and jaggery to create a moist and flavorful stuffing.
2. **Make the rice flour batter**: The finely ground rice flour is mixed with a little water to form a soft dough.
3. **Rolling & Filling**: The dough is flattened into thin sheets or poured over a heated tawa, and the sesame-jaggery filling is spread over it.
4. **Rolling & Cooking**: The pitha is then gently rolled and cooked on a greased pan or tawa until it turns slightly crispy on the outside while retaining softness inside.

#### **Taste & Cultural Significance**
Til Pitha has a **nutty, slightly smoky, and naturally sweet taste**, with a satisfying crunch from the sesame filling. It is a must-have delicacy during **Magh Bihu feasts**, symbolizing warmth, togetherness, and abundance in Assamese households. The combination of sesame and jaggery is also known for its health benefits, including providing warmth during winters and boosting immunity.

This traditional sweet continues to be an integral part of Assamese culinary heritage, loved by people of all ages, and a cherished reminder of home and festivities.