Cozy Up with Jaggery: Warm and Comforting Winter Sweets

As winter sets in, there’s nothing like the rich, caramel warmth of jaggery to keep the chill at bay. Dive into these irresistible jaggery sweet recipes that blend traditional flavors with a cozy embrace. Known for its rich flavor and natural goodness, jaggery is the perfect ingredient to create desserts that are as comforting as your favorite blanket on a cold day along with some hot chocolate bombs in warm milk.

1. Gur Ki Kheer (Jaggery Rice Pudding)

Ingredients:

• 100 gm Basmati rice
• 1 lt Full-fat milk
• 150 gm Jaggery
• 15 ml Ghee
• 5 gm Cardamom powder
• A pinch of Saffron strands
• 50 gm Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 25 gm Raisins

Method:

• Wash the basmati rice and soak it for 30 minutes.
• In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee and lightly sauté the nuts until golden, then set them aside.
• In the same pan, add milk and bring it to a boil.
• Once boiling, lower the heat and add the soaked rice.
• Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and the milk thickens.
• Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
• Add jaggery (avoid adding to boiling milk to prevent curdling) and stir until fully dissolved.
• Sprinkle cardamom powder and saffron strands.
• Mix in the sautéed nuts and raisins.
• Serve warm and savor the traditional rich, nutty flavors.

2. Til-Gur Ladoo (Sesame and Jaggery Balls)

Ingredients:

• 200 gm White sesame seeds
• 150 gm jaggery
• 15 ml Ghee
• 2 gm Cardamom powder

Method:

• Roast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and popping, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
• Set the roasted seeds aside to cool.
• In the same pan, add ghee and jaggery, cooking on low heat while stirring until the jaggery melts into a smooth syrup.
• To check readiness, drop a little syrup into cold water; if it forms a hard ball, it's done.
• Quickly add roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder to the syrup, mixing well.
• Let the mixture cool slightly until it’s easy to handle.
• Grease your hands with ghee and roll the mixture into small, bite-sized ladoos.
• Enjoy these wholesome ladoos, perfect for a quick energy boost and packed with winter warmth.

3. Gur Ka Halwa (Jaggery Semolina Pudding)

Ingredients:

• 150 gm Semolina (suji)
• 200 gm Jaggery
• 100 gm Ghee
• 500 ml Water
• 5 gm Cardamom powder
• 50 gm Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
• 25 gm Raisins

Method:

• Heat ghee in a pan and add semolina.
• Roast on low heat, stirring constantly, until semolina turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
• Meanwhile, dissolve jaggery in warm water and set it aside.
• Once the semolina is roasted, carefully add the jaggery water mixture (be cautious of spluttering).
• Stir continuously to avoid lumps and cook until the mixture thickens and begins to leave the sides of the pan.
• Add cardamom powder, chopped nuts, and raisins, mixing well.
• Cook for a few more minutes until the halwa becomes glossy and aromatic.
• Serve hot and relish the rich, caramel-like sweetness, perfect for a cold winter’s day.

4. Gur Aur Nariyal Ki Barfi (Jaggery and Coconut Fudge)

Ingredients:

• 250 gm Grated coconut
• 200 gm Jaggery
• 15 ml Ghee
• 5 gm Cardamom powder
• 50 gm Chopped nuts (optional) 

Method:

Want to try a desi version of Chocolate Barfi? In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt jaggery with a little water until it forms a thick syrup.

To check readiness, drop a small amount of syrup i nto cold water; if it forms a soft ball, it's done.

• Add grated coconut to the jaggery syrup and stir continuously to combine.
• Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
• Add ghee, cardamom powder, and optional nuts, mixing well.
• Grease a tray with ghee and pour the mixture, spreading it evenly.
• Let it cool slightly, then cut into squares or diamonds.
• Enjoy this desi chocolate barfi, a perfect winter treat with the rich flavors of jaggery and coconut.