Gur or jaggery, is an integral part of Indian culinary traditions, especially when it comes to preparing healthy desserts. Since people have turned quite health conscious these days, desserts with jaggery have become a more reliable option. Made from concentrated sugarcane juice or palm sap, jaggery retains all the essential vitamins and minerals that are stripped away in the production of refined sugar.
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The deep, earthy sweetness of jaggery is a staple in many Indian households, particularly during the colder months when its warming properties are most appreciated. From laddoos to halwa, jaggery finds its way into delicious desserts, making each bite a wholesome and delightful experience. This natural sweetener enhances the taste of traditional sweets while adding a caramel-like flavour.
Apart from flavourful benefits, jaggery is a healthier alternative to white sugar. It is ample in antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and iron, all enhancing immunity, digestion, and overall health. The transition from refined sugar to jaggery is becoming increasingly common.
In the sections that follow, here are some of the most beloved Indian desserts that you can easily prepare using jaggery at home.
Importance Of Jaggery In Indian Desserts
1. Til Jaggery Laddoo
Til Jaggery Laddoo is a popular sweet dish enjoyed during winter. These laddoos are made with sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and cardamom powder. The combination of sesame seeds and jaggery not only makes these laddoos delicious but also rich in iron and calcium. To prepare, dry roast sesame seeds and peanuts separately, grind them with jaggery and cardamom, and then shape the mixture into small laddoos. When you are counting the calorie intake, this sweet treat is perfect for satiating post-meal cravings.
2. Gur Halwa
Gur Halwa is a comforting dessert you can have throughout the year. Made with semolina (sooji), ghee, jaggery, and nuts, this halwa is a healthier alternative to the sugar-laden version. Start by boiling water and dissolving jaggery in it. In a separate pan, roast semolina in ghee until light brown, add cardamom powder and then mix in the jaggery syrup. Cook until the halwa thickens, garnish with chopped nuts, and serve hot.
3. Jaggery Malpua
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Jaggery Malpua is a traditional dessert from Rajasthan. These deep-fried pancakes are made with wheat flour, jaggery, and spices like cardamom and saffron. The jaggery syrup adds a rich sweetness, while the spices enhance the flavour. To make Malpua, prepare a batter with wheat flour and warm jaggery syrup, let it rest, and then fry spoonfuls of the batter until golden brown. Serve these soft and syrupy pancakes warm, garnished with nuts.
4. Badam Gur Phirni
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Badam Gur Phirni is a creamy rice pudding flavoured with almonds and jaggery. This dessert is not only delicious but also nutritious, following the mix of almond flour and jaggery. Begin by soaking rice, then grind it into a coarse paste. Boil milk, add the rice paste, almond flour, and cardamom powder, and cook until thickened. Stir in jaggery and chopped almonds, let it cool slightly, and serve in bowls.
5. Moong Dal Payasam
Moong Dal Payasam is a traditional South Indian dessert made with moong dal, jaggery, and coconut milk. It is often prepared during festivals and religious ceremonies. Dry roast moong dal, cook it until soft, and then sweeten with jaggery syrup. Add coconut milk, cardamom, and other spices for flavour. This payasam is typically served warm and is a comforting end to any festive meal.
6. Gur Sondesh
Gur Sondesh is a beloved Bengali sweet made with fresh cottage cheese (chana) and jaggery. To prepare, curdle milk to make chana, mix it with melted jaggery, and cook until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan. Once cooled, the mixture is kneaded until smooth and shaped into small pieces or moulded into decorative shapes. Though you can make it anytime at home, with specifically nolen gur, a type of date palm jaggery, in winter this sondesh tastes more delicious.
7. Gulgule
Gulgule are sweet pumpkin fritters made with jaggery and flavoured with cardamom. These mini donuts are spongy and crispy, making them a delightful snack. Prepare a batter with boiled pumpkin, jaggery, whole wheat flour, and spices. Deep fry small portions of the batter until golden brown. Serve these fritters hot for the best flavour and texture.
With its rich flavour and nutritional benefits, jaggery is versatile in Indian desserts. It tastes better and is healthier than refined sugar. Be it laddoos or halwa, jaggery desserts have a distinct taste and tradition. Simple to make, these recipes are perfect for winter.