Talakala

Talakala is a Sinhala word (තලකලා) that roughly translates to "sesame mixture" or "sesame paste" in English. It refers to a traditional Sri Lankan confection or sweet treat made primarily from sesame seeds. The sesame seeds are typically roasted and then ground into a paste. This paste is then often mixed with jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar made from palm sap) or honey to create a sweet and sticky mixture. Other ingredients like cardamom or cloves may be added for flavour.

Talakala is often eaten as a snack or dessert. It's considered a relatively healthy sweet due to the nutritional benefits of sesame seeds. It is also sometimes used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The texture can vary, ranging from a soft, spreadable paste to a firmer, more solid sweet, depending on the preparation and proportion of ingredients. The process for making Talakala can vary slightly from region to region and family to family within Sri Lanka, resulting in minor variations in taste and texture.