Til Gul Poli also called Gul Poli is a Maharashtrian festive sweet made with jaggery and sesame seeds.
This is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet made during Makar Sankranti.
This is a delicious, easy-to-make, no onion no garlic, beginner-friendly dessert dish.
Also checkout some traditional Maharashtrian festive recipes:
Purnache Dinda, Narliachi Vadi, Gajar Halwa, Lal Bhoplyache Gharge (Sweet Pumpkin Puri), Dudhi Halwa, Kairi Panha, Policha Ladoo
About Tilgul Poli (Gul Poli)
Tilgul Poli (Gul Poli) is a special preparation made during Makar Sankranti.
Soft, sweet flatbread is stuffed with roasted sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gul) and besan (gram flour) that is spiced with cardamon powder.
This traditional Maharashtrian authentic dish is a symbol of celebrating this auspicious festival of Makar Sankranti.
This tilgul poli along with tilgul ladoos are served with love and wished with a popular phrase โ Tilgul ghya ani goad goad bolaโ.
This tilgul poli is not only delicious to taste but is also healthy.
Sesame seeds are packed with nutrients like magnesium, calcium and healthy fats which are known to keep the body warm during cold winters.
Jaggery is a natural sweetener that adds caramel-like sweetness, boosts energy and also aids in digestion.
When these two ingredients come together, they create a dish thatโs both flavourful and nutritious.
Apart from tilgul poli, tilgul laddos and tilgul chikki are also popularly served.
Tilgul poli has been a part of Maharashtrian culture for generations.
During Makar Sankranti, you will find Maharashtrian households filled with the aroma of freshly made tilgul poli, tilgul ladoo and tilgul chikkis.
Sharing this dish with neighbours and guests is a way to spread and strengthen the bonds.
What is Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn, a time for a new beginning.
This festival is celebrated all over India but most prominently in the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Kite flying, bonfires and food is the main attractions of this festival.
This sweet dish of gulpoli perfectly represents the festivalโs intentions of togetherness.
Sharing Tilgul Poli is a way to show kindness, spread love, and strengthen the bonds you have with people close to you.
Recipe Video
ingredients
Whole Wheat Flour โ To make this tilgul poli we will use whole wheat atta (flour). You may also use maida (all-purpose) flour or for a more healthier version, millet flours can be used.
Sesame Seeds (Safed Til) โ We will use roasted white sesame seeds to make this poli.
Jaggery (Gul) โ We will require a cup of jagger (gul). You may adjust the quantity of jaggery as per your preference.
Besan (Gram Flour) โ Adding besan enhances the flavour and texture of this tilgul poli. It also helps bind the filling together and absorbs additional moisture which helps prevent leaking of stuffing when rolling out the poli.
Cardamon Powder โ We will add freshly crushed cardamon or cardamon powder to enhance the flavour of this gulpoli. Cardamon adds a warmth and sweet aroma to this tilgul poli.
Salt to taste
Fats โ We will use oil to roast the poli and ghee while serving the gul poli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tilgul Poli healthy?
Yes, tilgul poli is made with natural ingredients without any preservatives. Ingredients like sesame seeds, jaggery are nutritious and are best consumed during winter.
Can I use sugar instead of jaggery to make tilgul poli?
Jaggery (gul) gives tilgul poli its distinctive & authentic taste and health benefits. However, in case you do not have jaggery you may use sugar but the taste and texture of the poli with differ a lot.
Can I make tilgul poli ahead of time?
Yes, the filling for tilgul poli & dough can be prepared in advance. Store them separately and assemble them just before cooking.
Variations
Adding Coconut โ You may add grated coconut to the sesame-jaggery filling giving it a more distinct taste and flavour.
Adding Dry Fruits โ You may also add very finely chopped dry fruits in the filling to give it a more nutty and richer taste.
Gluten-Free Option โ You may use millet flour instead of wheat for a gluten-free alternative.
Vegan Option โ Skip ghee and use oil instead for a vegan option.
Serving Suggestions
Tilgul poli is best served warm with a drizzle of ghee (clarified butter).
Tilgul poli is served along with meals.
Storage Options
Tilgul poli stays good for about 3 days at room temperature.
Store it in an airtight container.
Before serving, you may warm it slightly on a skillet or in the microwave to regain its softness.
Related Recipes
No Onion No Garlic (Satvik) Recipes
More Traditional Maharashtrian Recipes
Purnache Dinda, Narliachi Vadi, Gajar Halwa, Lal Bhoplyache Gharge (Sweet Pumpkin Puri), Dudhi Halwa, Kairi Panha, Policha Ladoo
How to make Maharashtrian Til Gul Poli Step-By-Step Recipe
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Recipe Card
Til Gul Poli | Gulachi Poli | Maharashtrian Til Gul Poli
Ingredientsย ย
For Stuffing
- 1 cup Sesame Seeds, roasted
- 2 tablespoons Besan (Gram Flour)
- 1 teaspoon Cardemon Powder
- 1 cup Gul / Gud / Jaggery
For Dough
- 3 cups Whole Wheat Flour (Gehu Atta)
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoon Oil
- Water to knead the dough
Instructionsย
Dough Preparation
- In a mixing plate/bowl, add whole wheat flour, salt and oil.
- Mix this mixture first without adding water.
- Once the mixture starts to bind as shown in the picture above, start adding water.
- Add water little by little at a time to knead the dough. The dough should not be too stiff nor too soft.
- Rest the dough for 20 mintues.
For Stuffing
- Dry roast sesame seeds until they get nice golden brown colour. Once done, set aside to cool.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil, add 2 tablespoons besan and roast for 5-7 minutes on low flame and set aside to cool.
- In a mixer grinder, add roasted sesame seeds, besan, cardamon powder and jaggery and blend them to a coarse powder.
- Our sweet tilgul poli stuffing is ready.
Assemble Gul Poli
- Take a golf ball size portion of the wheat dough and make a cavity (dent) in the centre.
- Place a spoonful of tilgul stuffing and seal the edges.
- Roll these balls into medium-sized poli / chapati, and use dry flour while rolling the poli / chapati to avoid it sticking to the rolling board.
- Meanwhile, keep tava / griddle to heat.
- Transfer the poli to the hot tava / griddle.
- Apply ghee and roast the poli on medium flame from both sides.
- Cook the poli till you see brown spots appear.
- Make all the remaining gul poli the same way.
- You can serve it warm or cold. If serving warm drizzle little ghee on top and serve.
