Jaggery, a natural sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap, has been cherished in Indian kitchens for centuries. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery retains essential nutrients like iron and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice. Its deep, caramel-like flavor not only enhances the taste of sweets but also offers digestive and immunity-boosting benefits. In this article, we talk about traditional jaggery sweet recipes that are enjoyed by all.
1. Gur Ki Roti (Jaggery Flatbread)
Let’s start with something as simple as it is delicious. Gur Ki Roti is a rustic delight that’s perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. If you have tried Chocolate Pizza, try this for a sweet change.
Ingredients:
- 200 gm Whole wheat flour
- 100 gm Jaggery (grated)
- 100 ml Water
- 30 ml Ghee
Instructions:
- Begin by dissolving the grated jaggery in warm water. Stir until it forms a syrupy consistency.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour and jaggery syrup. Knead it into a soft dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into rotis (flatbreads).
- Heat a tawa (griddle) and cook the rotis on both sides, applying ghee generously until they’re golden brown.
- Serve hot with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of ghee. Enjoy the earthy sweetness with every bite!
2. Jaggery Rice (Gur Ke Chawal)
Next up is Gur Ke Chawal, a sweet dish that turns ordinary rice into an extraordinary treat. The perfect balance of sweetness and warmth will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients:
- 200 gm Basmati rice
- 150 gm Jaggery (grated)
- 500 ml Water
- 30 ml Ghee
- 2 gm Cardamom powder
- 10 gm Cashews
- 10 gm Raisins
Instructions:
- Cook the basmati rice until it’s just done, firm but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
- In a pan, heat ghee and add cashews and raisins. Sauté until golden, then set aside.
- In the same pan, add water and grated jaggery. Stir until the jaggery completely dissolves and starts to bubble.
- Add the cooked rice to the jaggery syrup, mixing gently to coat each grain.
- Sprinkle in the cardamom powder and stir in the fried cashews and raisins.
- Cover and let it cook on low heat for five to seven minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Serve warm, and savor the sweet and nutty goodness!
3. Tilgul Ladoo (Sesame and Jaggery Balls)
Tilgul Ladoo is the quintessential winter treat that’s packed with the goodness of sesame seeds and the caramel-like sweetness of jaggery. It’s healthy, delicious, and super easy to make and can be quite similar to its counterpart, Chocolate Bomb.
Ingredients:
- 100 gm White sesame seeds
- 150 gm Jaggery (grated)
- 15 ml Ghee
- 2 gm Cardamom powder
Instructions:
- Dry roast the sesame seeds in a pan until they turn light golden and start to crackle. Set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the ghee and add the grated jaggery. Stir on low heat until the jaggery melts into a thick syrup.
- Add the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder to the melted jaggery. Mix well to coat all the seeds.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, just enough so you can handle it, and then start shaping the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
- Let the ladoos cool completely and harden before serving. These can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks!
4. Gur Para (Sweet Jaggery Crackers)
For those who enjoy a crunchy snack with a sweet twist, Gur Para is the perfect treat. These golden-brown bites are dangerously addictive! This is one of those jaggery sweet recipes that will be quite similar to a decadent Chocolate Tart.
Ingredients:
- 200 gm Whole wheat flour
- 100 gm Jaggery (grated)
- 50 ml Water
- 30 ml Ghee
- 2 gm Fennel seeds
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, fennel seeds, and ghee. Rub the mixture between your palms until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Dissolve the jaggery in warm water and add it to the flour mixture. Knead into a firm dough.
- Roll out the dough into a thick sheet and cut into small diamond or square shapes.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the para pieces until they’re golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container and enjoy them as a sweet, crunchy snack with your tea!