Cooking With Gur: Include Jaggery in Winter Food Preparation

Jaggery


If you are craving something sweet but don’t want to consume sugar as such, then don’t forget to use jaggery in the preparation of dessert. Cooking with Gur is the best idea to avoid sugar in the desert item because Jaggery is more superior than sugar in terms of nutrient element. 

During the winter in India, it gets really cold and our hands and feet can feel very cold. What we eat during this time can help us stay warm. It's important to eat healthy all year round, but especially in winter, we need  to use some ingredients that make you warm and healthy such as  nuts, jaggery, and seeds. 

In this blog, we’ll share a few recipes that you can cook in the winter season. We suggest that you add jaggery and try a delicious dessert in the winter season. 

Cooking With Gur(Jaggery): Easy Recipes to Try in Kitchen

1. Til ladoo with Gur

  • Seedless dates- 100 gms/17 
  • Almonds-200 gms/20 pieces 
  • Sesame Seeds-15 gms/2 tsp
  • Cardamom powder-2 pinch 
  • Ghee-1 tsp 
  • 4 tsp jaggery Powder
  • Saffron (Optional)
  • 1 tsp - Rice Flour
  • Salt as per taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Take about 100 grams or 17 pieces of seedless dates and put them in a cup of water to make a smooth syrup. Blend them well until it becomes like a paste.

Step 2: Heat a pan and add 2 teaspoons of ghee, 1 teaspoon of rice flour, and a teaspoon of sesame seeds. Cook them slowly on low heat until they're roasted nicely.

Step 3: Once the ingredients are cooked, add the dates paste and 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder. Let it cook slowly for another 5 minutes.

Step 4: Now, add jaggery syrup to it. [how to make jaggery syrup?- dissolve jaggery in hot water until it forms a thick, smooth liquid consistency. Strain to remove impurities, if desired]. When you start smelling a nice aroma, turn off the heat and transfer the mixture onto a plate. Let it cool down for about half an hour until it's firm enough to shape into small round laddoos.

Step 5: Once cooled, shape the mixture into small round laddoos. You can store these laddoos in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Sure, here's a recipe for preparing payesh (a traditional Indian rice pudding) with jaggery:

2. Govind Bhog Payesh with Jaggery

  • 1/2 cup Govind bhog rice
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup jaggery cube
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
  • Saffron strands (optional)
  • Raisins (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped nuts and sauté until golden brown. Remove the nuts and set aside. In the same pan, add the rinsed basmati rice and sauté for a couple of minutes until it becomes fragrant.

Step 2: Pour in the whole milk and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and creamy. This will take about 30-35 minutes.

Step 3: Once the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened, add the grated or powdered jaggery. Stir well until the jaggery is completely dissolved.

Add the cardamom powder, saffron strands (if using), and the sautéed nuts (and raisins if using). Stir to combine.

Step 4: Cook the Payesh for another 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Turn off the heat and let the payesh cool down to room temperature.

Serve the Payesh warm or chilled, garnished with additional nuts and saffron strands if desired. Enjoy your delicious jaggery Govind bhog Payesh!

Along with these you can prepared many more dishes such as:

1. Peanut Chikki

If you're looking for a delicious winter snack, look no further. We suggest trying your hand at making the perfect peanut Chikki, sweetened with plenty of jaggery. This traditional treat is often enjoyed during winter festivals like Lohri, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti, and is sure to bring warmth and contentment to your festivities.

2.Gud Ka Halwa

Another classic winter treat you shouldn't miss is gud ka halwa. This delightful jaggery-based dish is easy to prepare and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for everyone, regardless of age.

3.Jaggery ki Roti

Now, you can enhance your simple roti by incorporating Gur into it. This delightful dish, aptly named, consists of whole wheat flour soaked in a blend of milk and Gur. The sweet rotis are typically drizzled with ghee, adding to the indulgent experience of the meal.

Final Words

Cooking with gur (jaggery) offers a delightful way to infuse sweetness and richness into various dishes. Whether it's adding it to traditional recipes like roti or incorporating it into modern creations, gur lends a unique flavor profile and depth to culinary creations. 

Its natural sweetness not only enhances the taste but also provides nutritional benefits. From sweet treats to savory delights, exploring the versatility of gur in cooking opens up a world of delicious possibilities for both traditional and innovative cuisines.