Til Pitha-A Sesame Pancake

Alike other Indian regions, North-eastern part of our country also has its own culinary heritage. The cuisines which are available in this virgin domain of India reflects its own culture.


Heralded as “the land of seven sisters and one brother”, north-eastern part of India comprises of eight wonderful states. Assam being the political epicentre of the region, is the most popular state. Famed as “the gateway to north-east India”, Assam is a land of vast tea estates, bamboo forests and one-horned rhino.

Apart from its natural treasures, Assam also has its own list of unique cuisines which includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Along with these veg and non-veg recipes, the state also has no dearth of Pithas, a special kind of pancakes, prepared mostly during the Bihu festival.

There are several varieties of Pithas which are very common in every Assamese household. These are mostly prepared of Bora chawl (a special kind of sticky rice). One such Pitha (Pancake) is Til Pitha or Sesame Pancake.



Ingredients require:

* Sticky rice -1 kg
* Black Sesame Seed - 400gm
* Jaggery (grated) – 750 gm
* Orange rind – as per taste

Method of preparation:

* Soak the rice beforehand for at least 3 to 4 hours. Drain the water.
* Powdered the sticky rice and sieve it at least twice with a very fine sieve.
* Keep it aside in a airtight container.
* Clean,wash and dry the sesame seed beforehand.
* Fry the sesame seeds in a Karahi without oil. When the sesame seeds starts   to crackle,remove take out them from the Karahi and powdered them coarsely.
* Mix the powdered seeds with grated jaggery and orange rind.
* Heat frying pan or griddle. Take handful of rice powder, spread thinly in round shape.
* Sprinkle the sesame and jaggery mixture on the pitha and fold it half.
* Keep it aside for some time, so that the pancake become crisp. Turn once.
* Serve the Til Pitha hot.