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When the winter chill sets in, our craving for something warm and sweet grows stronger. Traditional jaggery-based desserts not only satisfy these cravings but also offer a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Known as “gur” in Hindi, jaggery is a staple ingredient in Indian households, especially during the colder months. It’s packed with iron, magnesium, and potassium, making it a nutritious addition to desserts. Moreover, jaggery is known for its warming properties, which help keep the body cosy in winter.
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From the northern plains to the southern coasts, every region in India has its own unique jaggery delicacies. These desserts are a testament to the country’s rich culinary diversity and its reliance on natural sweeteners. Here are some of the most loved jaggery-based desserts you can enjoy this winter season.
Gur Ka Halwa
Gur Ka Halwa is a classic dessert that’s synonymous with winter. This rich and aromatic halwa is made by roasting wheat flour or semolina in ghee until golden brown and then sweetening it with jaggery syrup. Infused with cardamom and garnished with nuts, Gur Ka Halwa is a treat that’s both hearty and wholesome. Serve it hot to experience the perfect blend of flavours and warmth.
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Til Gud Ladoo
A quintessential winter sweet, Til Gud Ladoo is made with sesame seeds and jaggery. The combination of nutty sesame seeds and the sweetness of jaggery creates a delightful taste. Sesame seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients like calcium and iron, while jaggery adds to the health benefits. These ladoos are not only delicious but also provide much-needed energy during the cold months.
Pithey
A traditional Bengali delicacy, Pithey is a dessert prepared during the winter harvest festival of Poush Sankranti. Made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery, these dumplings are steamed or fried and served with a drizzle of jaggery syrup. The soft texture of the Pithey paired with the rich sweetness of jaggery makes it an irresistible treat.
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Gur Ke Chawal
Gur Ke Chawal, or jaggery rice, is a simple yet flavourful dessert often prepared in northern India. Cooked with basmati rice, jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom and cloves, this dish is both sweet and fragrant. A handful of nuts and raisins add a touch of crunch and richness, making it perfect for festive occasions or a cosy family meal.
Chikki
Chikki is a beloved Indian brittle made with jaggery and nuts or seeds. Popular varieties include peanut chikki, sesame chikki, and coconut chikki. The process involves melting jaggery and mixing it with roasted nuts or seeds before allowing it to set. Chikki is a crunchy, energy-packed snack that’s perfect for winter evenings.
Anarsa
Anarsa is a traditional Maharashtrian dessert made with rice flour, jaggery, and poppy seeds. The dough is prepared by soaking rice, grinding it into flour, and mixing it with jaggery. Small discs are shaped and coated with poppy seeds before being fried to perfection. Anarsa has a unique texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it a delightful winter treat.
Gur Ki Kheer
Gur Ki Kheer is a creamy rice pudding that replaces sugar with jaggery. Made by simmering rice in milk and adding jaggery towards the end, this dessert is flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts. The earthy sweetness of jaggery takes this kheer to another level, making it a favourite during winter festivals and celebrations.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Gur Panjiri
Panjiri is a traditional North Indian dish made with whole wheat flour, ghee, nuts, and spices. Adding jaggery to Panjiri enhances its taste and nutritional value. It is often consumed during winter for its warming properties and ability to boost immunity. Gur Panjiri is also a popular postpartum food due to its energy-boosting qualities.
Patishapta
Another Bengali winter speciality, Patishapta are thin rice flour pancakes filled with a mixture of jaggery and coconut or khoya. These crepes are cooked on a hot griddle and served warm, making them a comforting dessert for cold evenings. The combination of the soft pancake and the sweet filling is pure bliss.
