Gud Dishes: From Cookies to Chikkis – Tasty Winter Treats Made with Jaggery

As the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to warm up than by indulging in sweet treats made from gud (jaggery). Known for its natural sweetness and health benefits, jaggery has been a traditional ingredient in many Indian recipes for centuries. It is packed with essential minerals, antioxidants, and iron, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar. This winter, why not try your hand at some delicious and wholesome dishes made with jaggery? From crispy chikkis to melt-in-the-mouth cookies, here are some must-try jaggery-based recipes that will keep you cozy and satisfied all season long.

1. Ginger Jaggery Cookies

These warm and aromatic cookies are perfect for a winter snack, combining the rich taste of jaggery with the zing of ginger. The jaggery not only sweetens the cookies but also imparts a deep, molasses-like flavor that is irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter or ghee
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ginger powder (or fresh grated ginger)
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
• 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter or ghee on low heat and add the grated jaggery. Stir until the jaggery melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Let it cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ginger powder, salt, and cinnamon powder. Mix well.
4. Add the jaggery-butter mixture to the dry ingredients and knead to form a dough. If the dough is too dry, add milk, one tablespoon at a time.
5. Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten them with your hands or a fork.
6. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let them cool completely before enjoying these chewy, spicy treats.

2. Peanut Chikki (Tilgul)

This classic winter treat is made with roasted peanuts and jaggery, and it’s perfect for a quick energy boost during the cold months. Chikkis are traditionally made during Makar Sankranti, but they’re a delicious and healthy snack to enjoy anytime!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanuts (roasted)
• 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
• 1 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
• A pinch of cardamom powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan and add the ghee. Once melted, add the jaggery and let it melt on low heat.
2. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn, and once the jaggery has completely melted, add the cardamom powder.
3. Quickly add the roasted peanuts to the pan and mix well until they are evenly coated with the jaggery.
4. Transfer the mixture onto a greased surface or parchment paper and press it down to flatten it into a thick layer.
5. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into pieces.
6. Once completely cool and hardened, enjoy your crunchy, sweet chikki!

3. Jaggery Pudding (Gul Puran)

This warm and comforting pudding made from jaggery is a delightful way to end a winter meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jaggery (grated)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp rice flour or cornflour (for thickening)
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat the milk on medium flame, and once it comes to a boil, add the grated jaggery.
2. Stir until the jaggery dissolves completely in the milk.
3. Dissolve the rice flour or cornflour in a small amount of milk to make a smooth paste, then add this paste to the milk mixture to thicken the pudding.
4. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) and mix well.
6. Pour into serving bowls and let it cool. Garnish with chopped nuts for added crunch.

4. Coconut and Jaggery Laddoos

These coconut laddoos are soft, chewy, and rich with the goodness of jaggery and coconut. A perfect energy snack for the winter!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh grated coconut
• 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
• 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat the ghee and add the grated coconut. Roast it for a few minutes on low heat until it turns slightly golden.
2. Add the jaggery to the pan and stir until it dissolves and mixes well with the coconut.
3. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
4. Once the mixture thickens and starts to come together, remove from the heat.
5. Let it cool slightly, and then shape the mixture into small laddoos.
6. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired, and allow the laddoos to set before serving.

5. Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa) with Jaggery

A classic Indian dessert, Gajar ka Halwa is made with grated carrots, milk, and ghee. This version uses jaggery for sweetness, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional sugar-loaded version.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium carrots, grated
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ghee
• 1/2 cup jaggery (grated)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts and dry fruits for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and sauté the grated carrots for a few minutes until they soften.
2. Add milk and let the mixture simmer until the milk is absorbed by the carrots.
3. Once the milk is evaporated, add the grated jaggery and stir well until it melts completely.
4. Add cardamom powder and cook for a few more minutes until the halwa thickens.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts and dry fruits, and serve hot.

Conclusion

These jaggery-based dishes are the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth this winter, while also enjoying the many health benefits that come with using this unrefined sugar alternative. Whether you’re baking cookies, making a traditional chikki, or enjoying a warm pudding, jaggery adds a deep, complex sweetness that can’t be beaten. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these delicious winter treats!