My mother and aunts were quite proficient at making sweets appropriate for each festival, each season, and each climate. They hunted in stores for the right ingredients as they traveled the world, and always brought Bengali culture into our modernized, westernized lives. Naru means a bright, golden color. These golden yellow balls are perfect for Saraswati Puja.
Here is the recipe for Manashi’s Tiler Naru – Sesame Gobstoppers
Ingredients
White Sesame Seeds 100 gm
Date Palm Jaggery 100 gm
Water 2 T
Ghee 1 Tsp
Method
Step 1: Begin to heat a kadai/wok and dry roast the sesame seeds on medium heat, stirring continuously.
When a nice aroma is emitted, with a slight darkening of the seeds to a golden brown, remove from the kadai into a bowl. This will take 3-4 minutes of stirring.
Step 2: Add the jaggery to the kadai and add some water to allow it to melt, as it heats on medium heat, with continuous stirring to break it down. Do not raise the heat as it may cause the jaggery to burn.
After about 5-6 minutes, the jaggery will turn into a foamy and golden brown paste. If it drips in a long stem from the stirring spoon, or if it dries immediately on the hand, it has fully cooked. Turn off the flame.
Step 3: While the jaggery is still hot, add the sesame seeds and stir completely until it is homogenous.
Step 4: Before the mix cools fully, quickly rub some ghee on the palms and roll 1 tablespoonful into a ball on the palm.
Place naru in a bronze bowl to offer to the divine during Saraswati Puja before eating.
