Theekuchi
Theekuchi is a small, thin, hard, caramelized biscuit or candy traditionally found in South India, specifically in Tamil Nadu. It is made primarily from jaggery and rice flour. The name likely derives from Tamil words denoting its appearance, being thin and stick-like.
Theekuchi is typically golden-brown to dark brown in color and has a brittle texture. The jaggery provides a characteristic sweet and slightly smoky flavor, while the rice flour contributes to the hardness and crunch. It is often enjoyed as a snack with tea or coffee.
Preparation involves cooking jaggery into a thick syrup, then mixing in rice flour and sometimes other ingredients like cardamom. The mixture is then formed into thin sticks and baked or fried until hardened and caramelized. Recipes may vary slightly across different households and regions.
Theekuchi can be found in local bakeries and sweet shops throughout Tamil Nadu and is sometimes made at home, particularly during festive occasions.