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With winter around the corner, all of us will crave a bowl full of warm, rich, and decadent dishes. Hot dishes and desserts will fill our hearts as well as stomachs with the onset of winter. But this time we make it special by looking around the kitchen to revisit the ingredients picked up by our grandmothers. By speaking this, the most common winter ingredient that comes to our mind is jaggery or gud.
Gud is one such ingredient that makes up warm and sweet desserts for our winter teeth. Besides, it provides ample amount of health benefits and is loaded with nutrients. Jaggery is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily sucrose, which provides a quick energy boost. It also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and various B vitamins. What sets jaggery apart from refined sugar is its natural and unprocessed nature, retaining many of the nutrients found in the original sugar cane or palm sap. Furthermore, its iron content makes it a valuable choice for individuals with iron deficiencies. Jaggery is often used as a healthier alternative to refined sugar due to its slightly lower glycemic index, which can help regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.
Jaggery adds some zing to your winter menu. Thereby, here are some of the best gud recipes you can try this winter. Take a look:
- Gud Ka Halwa
It is a rich aromatic sweet dish that is primarily made of jaggery, which imparts a distinct, earthy sweetness to the dish. It is made by roasting semolina in ghee and then mixing it with jaggery syrup creating a luscious, caramel-like flavor and a beautiful brown color. Gud ka halwa strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and warmth.
- Gud Ki Kheer
Throughout the year, we have rice kheer on special occassions and festivals. However, with the onset of winter, gud ki kheer rules the dessert plate. It is made in a similar way to the rice kheer only that gud is added to sweeten it instead of sugar. The addition of jaggery lends a unique and earthy sweetness to the kheer.
- Gud Til Laddoo
This is a flavourful and energy-packed treat made of jaggery and sesame seeds. This is made by roasting sesame seeds which are mixed with melted jaggery contributing a blend of sweet and nutty flavour. These are then given the shape of laddoo and are enjoyed in winter as a delectable dessert.
- Gud Ka Chawal
The name simply translates to jaggery rice, and it is exactly what you’re thinking of. This sweetened rice is best when eaten warm. This sweet dish is particularly popular in the northern regions of India. This dish is made by combining cooked rice with melted jaggery which imparts a unique caramel-like sweetness to the dish. Cloves and cardamoms are added for a zing to the dish.
- Peanut Chikki
This beloved snack combines the earthy flavour of roasted peanuts with the natural sweetness of jaggery. This perfect snack is made during winter festivals such as Lohri, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti. This is a source of energy, thanks to the high protein and healthy fats in peanuts.
- Khatti Meethi Phaliyan
If you think that jaggery can be used only in sweet dishes, then you’re wrong. This is a savory dish that features fresh green beans cooked with a harmonious blend of tangy tamarind and sweet jaggery. The tamarind imparts a pleasant sourness, balanced by the sweetness of jaggery, creating a unique sweet and tangy taste that is characteristic of this dish.
- Gud Pancakes
The typical pancakes are enhanced by adding grated or melted jaggery, which infuses the pancakes with a rich, caramel-like sweetness. The pancakes can be further flavored with spices like cardamom or cinnamon, and they are often garnished with chopped nuts or coconut for added texture and richness. They are an excellent breakfast dish as it brings sweetness and warmth.
