Winter has its charm, sweaters, steaming cups of tea, and the need for warm, comforting, hearty food. Gud, or jaggery, is one of the most seasonally available ingredients appearing in a plethora of recipes throughout the winter months in India. It is traditionally used as a sweetener in most homes for its rich, earthy flavour and warming quality. Since the time of our great grandfathers, gud has been there for nutrition because it keeps the body warm with energy during colder days. Let's dive into why gud forms an essential part of our winter diet and check how a variety of tasty, gud-based Indian food makes the season more pleasant and nutritious.
Why Have Gud During Winters?
Gud is more than just a natural sweetener; it's packed with essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, which enhance energy and immunity. Gud is known to enhance digestion and really help during winter when the body's metabolism gets slow. It is a warming agent, which proves to be beneficial in the season as it warms the body and acts as a natural antibiotic against cold and cough. Moreover, gud aids in purifying the blood and is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help fight winter fatigue. Given so many advantages, adding gud to your winter menu can provide warm, nutritious, and flavourful food.
Gud Ki Roti
Gud ki roti is a popular North Indian winter delight that is sweet, yet filling. Since jaggery is kneaded into the whole wheat flour, the dough is rolled and roasted on a griddle with a little ghee. This soft, sweet flatbread is usually devoured with a smear of butter or ghee on top, making for a hearty breakfast or snack. The roti's slight caramel flavour from the melted jaggery is irresistibly delicious and because of its wholesome ingredients, it provides a nutritious start to a chilly morning .
Til-Gud Ladoo or Sesame and Jaggery Ladoo
Til-gud ladoo is a must-have winter treat, especially during Makar Sankranti. Prepared with sesame seeds and jaggery, these ladoos are not only sweet and crunchy but high nutritious too. Sesame is highly calcium and iron content along with high amounts of jaggery iron, therefore these ladoos make a very good source of warmth and energy. They are really easy to prepare and only contain a few ingredients. These ladoos will be perfect healthy snacks at any time in the season.
Gud Ka Halwa
Gud ka halwa is a warm and rich dessert, perfect for cold winter nights. It's prepared by slow cooking semolina or whole wheat flour in ghee mixed with the melted jaggery, and it tastes wonderful and has that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The flavour becomes significantly enhanced by chopped nuts such as almonds and cashews along with some additional crunch. Gud ka halwa is both soothing and healthy; the jaggery provides natural sweetness that is much healthier than refined sugar. It's a winter staple specialty in many Indian homes and enjoyed hot right out of the stove.
Pinni
Pinni is a traditional Punjabi sweet made with wheat flour, ghee, jaggery, and dry fruits. Prepared during winter, pinni is quick to prepare and gives warmth and energy for an extended time. As both wheat flour and ghee make it filling, and jaggery and nuts adds sweetness, it is high in protein, iron, and healthy fats. Therefore, it is enjoyed post meals or even as a hurried snack to warm you up against the cold days. Its longevity also means it is very convenient to store and enjoy through the winter.
Gud Ki Chai
For those who love a warm drink in winter, gud ka chai is a savoury way of making traditional Indian tea. Instead of sugar, jaggery is added to the tea that gives it an earthy sweetness and enhances the warming effect of this hot winter brew. Milk and spices such as ginger, cardamom, and black pepper can be added to make this drink. The added spices along with jaggery help reduce the effect of cold. The jaggery, paired with the spices, provides a comforting drink that soothes the throat and boosts immunity. It’s a healthier, flavour-packed alternative to regular tea during the colder months.