Celebrate Makar Sakranti By Preparing Maharashtra’s Loved Tilachi Poli

Name: Celebrate Makar Sakranti By Preparing Maharashtra’s Loved Tilachi Poli
Prep time: 20
Cook time: 40
Total time: 60
Ingredients: 2 cup Whole wheat flour (atta); 2 tsp Oil or ghee; 0 g A pinch of salt; 0 g Water, as needed (to make the dough, soft ); 1.5 cup White sesame seeds (til); 1 cup Grated jaggery (gud); 0.5 tsp Cardamom powder; 0 g A pinch of nutmeg powder (optional); 1 tbsp Ghee (optional); 0 g Dry flour (for dusting); 0 g Ghee or oil (as required)

In Maharashtra, Makar Sakranti is incomplete without the preparation of tilachi poli— a sweet and ghee-laden flat bread prepared using til and jaggery.

Contributed By

OT Staff

January 14, 2026

Tilachi poli is a highlight of Maharashtra's Makar Sakranti celebrations.

In Maharashtra, the festival of Makar Sakranti is incomplete without the aroma of tilachi poli wafting through the house. As the sun begins its northward journey and winter begins to loosen its grip, kitchens come alive with the warmth of jaggery, roasted sesame seeds, and ghee.

Tilachi poli is not just a festive sweet but a symbol of togetherness, nourishment, and the simple joy of sharing. Traditionally prepared to mark the harvest festival, this soft, golden flatbread balances nutty til with molten gud and brings comfort in every bite. Best served warm and accompanied by a generous drizzle of ghee, tilachi poli is a reminder that some traditions are best preserved exactly as they are—slow, soulful, and deeply rooted in home.

Quick Info

Prep Time 20 min

Cook Time 40 min

Total Time 60 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour (atta) - 2 cup
Oil or ghee - 2 tsp
A pinch of salt
Water, as needed (to make the dough, soft )
White sesame seeds (til) - 1.5 cup
Grated jaggery (gud) - 1 cup
Cardamom powder - 0.5 tsp
A pinch of nutmeg powder (optional)
Ghee (optional) - 1 tbsp
Dry flour (for dusting)
Ghee or oil (as required)

Instructions

Step-1

Prepare the dough : Mix wheat flour and salt. Add oil or ghee and knead with water into a soft, pliable dough. Cover and rest for at least 30 minutes.

Step-2

Make the til-gul filling: Dry roast sesame seeds or til on a low flame till they turn lightly golden and aromatic. Cool slightly. Grind the sesame seeds coarsely (do not make a paste). In a bowl, mix ground sesame, jaggery, cardamom, nutmeg, and ghee. Knead lightly with your fingers till it forms a soft mixture. Divide into lemon-sized balls.

Step-3

Assemble the polis: Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll one dough ball into a small disc. Place a filling ball in the centre, seal the edges, and flatten gently. Roll carefully into a thin poli, dusting lightly with flour.

Step-4

Cook: Heat a tawa on medium heat. Cook the poli till light brown spots appear on both sides. Drizzle ghee and cook till evenly done.

Recipe