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There are some food traditions that we have never questioned, they have become an intrinsic part of our lives by sheer virtue of mimicking. You saw your parents do it, and you imbibed the same. But I do remember asking my parents about their obsession with jaggery after I was denied my favourite ice cream. It was right after dinner, when I made the outrageous demand and was told off. After about five minutes, my mother took pity and offered me a piece of jaggery. I shrugged her hand off with force obviously. In which world can jaggery be considered a valid substitute for chocolate ice cream, what was she even thinking? Little did I know then that years later, I would crave for desserts with jaggery instead of sugar, not because it is ‘healthier’, but also so much more flavourful. That years later, jaggery would also emerge as a global superfood, taking the baking industry by storm.
Jaggery, also known as ‘gud’ or 'gur' is more than just an after-dinner staple in India. I have seen people eat it with bare chapatis with some ghee on the side, this sweet comfort meal is fairly common in North India. Jaggery is also consumed widely during winters as it is known to keep the bodies warm and fight infections. To increase its intake, people would also mix some jaggery in ladoos and halwas, for who can say not to either of the confections, right? Jaggery is made by evaporating water from sugarcane juice, another very popular type of jaggery called ‘Nolen Gur’ is retrieved from palm sap, and is only available for select months. This particular type of jaggery is used to make number of Bengali delicacies like patishapta and narkel naru that are again, very exclusive and made only during a set period of time like Makar Sankranti.
Making Gudwali Chai
This is what is problematic about jaggery being viewed as a nothing but only a healthy sugar substitute. It has all it takes to be the hero ingredient and shine. It has so in India, since time immemorial. Take this gud ki chai for instance. Tea sweetened with caramel-like tones of jaggery is a delight to wake up to. It also lends a deep richness to the beverage that is truly inimitable. The zingy punch of ginger balances out the sweetness of jaggery and bitterness of tea leaves. He nip in the air appears to be a perfect excuse for us to brew some right now. Here’s the recipe, perhaps you should give it a try too.
