MASALA GUD
(SPICED JAGGERY BITES)

Jaggery , Gud is made from sugarcane juice. We can say it is kind of a raw sugar. Jaggery is undoubtedly healthier than refined sugar so we should use more jaggery instead of sugar. Nowadays jaggery powder is also available easily so we can easily replace it with sugar. There are two types of jaggery available. Chemical free jaggery is darker than regular jaggery but it is advisable to use chemical free jaggery.
Jaggery is iron rich and helps to keep our body warm. It not only helps in cough and cold but it also helps in digestion , acidity etc.
Masala gud is winter special delicacy from North India, specially Punjab. It is very easy to make but very much healthy. It is prepared by melting jaggery and adding some spices,seeds and nuts. Apart from having it in winter, it is good for new lactating mothers for energy and warmth after delivery of baby. Almost all ingredients used in this healthy recipe are available in our kitchen.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time : 10 minutes
Makes : 12 small bites

Ingredients:

2 cup grated jaggery
2 tbsp ghee
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tsp kalonji ( nigella seeds )
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp carrom seeds
15-20 black peppers
1 tbsp whole coriander seeds
1 tbsp roghly chopped almonds
1 tbsp roughly chopped walnuts
3-5 green cardamom
1 tbsp dry ginger powder

Method:

1. Dry roast all seeds and nuts except black pepper, corsinder seeds, cardamom and dry ginger powder, till it turns aromatic.

2. Meanwhile roughly crush black pepper and coriander seeds in mortar and pastle and add into it. Crush cardamom and separate seeds and add them too. Turn off the heat.

3. In a thick bottom pan , heat ghee and add jaggery and stir it on a low flame till it melts completely. Do not over cook.

4. Once it melts, add dry ginger powder, mix well and turn off the heat.

5. Add roasted mixture of spice, seeds and nuts. Mix well quickly.

6. Immediately transfer it to greased plate and tap a little. Flatten the surface with spatula or back of a spoon.

7. Once it cools a little, cut it into desired shape then let it cool completely. Here I have cut round with a cookie cutter and in a silicone mould.

8. Store it in an air tight jar.

Note:
1. Can add desiccated coconut.
2. You can add your choice of nuts or even it’s powder or you can skip it too.