5 jaggery-based Indian dessert recipes you'll love
What's the story
Jaggery is a traditional unrefined sugar that sits in most Indian households. Apart from its rich flavor and health benefits, it is also used as a natural sweetener in a number of dishes. As opposed to refined sugar, jaggery also retains important minerals such as iron and magnesium. Here are five Indian dishes sweetened naturally with jaggery, highlighting its versatility in making things tastier and healthier!
Dish 1
Gajar ka halwa with jaggery
Gajar ka halwa is a popular dessert made from grated carrots cooked with milk and ghee. While traditionally sweetened with sugar, substituting it with jaggery adds depth to the flavor profile. The earthy sweetness of jaggery complements the natural sweetness of carrots, making for a delightful dessert that is both nutritious and satisfying.
Dish 2
Puran poli: A sweet flatbread
Another delectable sweet dish that uses jaggery is puran poli. This festive flatbread is stuffed with a mixture of chana dal and jaggery. The combination of lentils and jaggery creates such an unique blend of flavors- hearty and sweet- that you won't be able to resist it. This dish shows how jaggery can be used not just as a sweetener but as an integral part of the filling, enhancing the overall taste.
Dish 3
Chikki: A nutty delight
Chikki is an Indian brittle made by mixing nuts or seeds with melted jaggery. This snack highlights the binding capabilities of jaggery while adding a crunch from nuts such as peanuts or sesame seeds. Chikki makes for an energy-boosting snack and proves how versatile jaggery can be when used in confectioneries.
Dish 4
Jaggery rice: A festive treat
Jaggery rice is usually made during festivals or special occasions in India. Basmati rice cooked with ghee, spices like cardamom and cloves, and melted jaggery make this aromatic dish. The sweetness from the jaggery balances well with the spices, which makes it an appealing choice for celebratory meals.
Dish 5
Payasam: A creamy dessert
Payasam is a delicious creamy dessert prepared by simmering milk or coconut milk with rice or vermicelli noodles until thickened. Naturally sweetened using melted jaggery instead of refined sugar gives payasam its signature caramel-like flavor, which beautifully complements with elements like cashews, raisins, saffron strands, etc. to result into luscious, comforting bowlfuls perfect any time year-round!