When the winter chill sets in, nothing beats a plate of gajjar ka halwa or sweet kheer to warm the soul. Cravings for comfort food can make it difficult to keep your New Year’s resolutions, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Try these quick, easy, and guilt-free jaggery desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your fitness goals.
Nolen Gurer Shrikhand
Nolen gurer shrikhand is made from rich and fragrant date palm (nolen gur). This wholesome treat also uses thick cottage cheese for a smooth, velvety texture—perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth! Recipe from The Gastronomic Bong.
Ingredients: 500 g of thick yogurt, 1/2 cup of grated nolengur (date palm), a pinch of cardamom powder, 2 tbsp. chopped pistachios (or any nuts of your choice).
Method: Start by straining the yogurt to remove any excess whey. Place the cheesecloth over a strainer, add the yogurt and press gently to extract the liquid. Let it stand in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Once the yogurt has thickened, transfer it to a large bowl. Add grated jade and cardamom. Mix everything together with a whisk until well combined. Spoon the shreehand into serving bowls and garnish with pistachios or your favorite nuts. Serve chilled for a refreshing, guilt-free treat.
Gur Mahana
If you’re craving a crunchy, sweet snack, look no further than these deliciously indulgent gur makhanas! Not only is this recipe healthy, but it’s also absolutely addictive, perfect for munching on as you cozy up on a winter’s evening!
Ingredients: 2 cups of whipped cream, 3 tbsp. palm jade, 2 tsp. ghee
Method: Heat ghee in a kadhai and add mahana. Fry them on low heat till they become crispy. Be careful not to burn them; patience is key. As soon as the makhanas are crispy, sprinkle them with grated jade. The heat will cause the jaggery to melt and coat the mahana. Stir gently and let it cook for a few more seconds before turning off the heat. Allow the mixture to cool before serving. Store it in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Caramel pudding with kidney beans and honey
For those who love a silky, indulgent pudding but don’t want to compromise on health, this jade and honey caramel pudding is the answer. The rich aroma of caramel combined with the natural sweetness of jade and honey creates a dessert that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the caramel: 50 g of sugar cane, ¼ cup of water.
For the pudding: ½ liter of milk (2 cups), ½ cup of honey (or jade, adjusted to taste), 3 eggs, 1 tsp. L. vanilla essence (or ½ tsp cardamom powder).
Method: Start by making the caramel. Add jade and water to a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once the mixture thickens and turns brown, remove from heat and set aside to cool. In a separate bowl, gently whisk the eggs, honey (or kidney beans) and vanilla essence (or cardamom powder). Add the milk to the egg mixture, making sure the milk is room temperature (not cold). Strain the milk mixture into the cooled caramel using a fine mesh strainer to make a smooth pudding. Then steam the mixture in a larger container with 3 cups of water for 40 minutes: 10 minutes on high heat, then 30 minutes on low heat. Allow the pudding to cool at room temperature and refrigerate for 4-5 hours. Once cooled, run a knife around the edges to loosen the pudding and invert it onto a plate. Serve cold.
These jaggery-based recipes are the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy a sweet treat while following healthier habits.
