Jaggery- for healthy desserts and some memories

Apart from all the exotic desserts in the world, my grandparents always chose jaggery as their go-to dessert after each meal. They would vouch for its good qualities calling it natural defence against many diseases. Time and again, I was motivated to include it in my diet.

Consuming jaggery in an adequate amount every day can help improve respiratory problems, control blood sugar level, support the weight loss journey and most importantly it is a great source of energy. Enjoying jaggery in winters with makke ki roti and saag is one of the best way to enjoy the season.

The humble jaggery can be used as an ingredient for many desserts that you would.  Here are some recipes to consider-

Jaggery roti

You must have tried some sweet tortilla (roti) made with sugar. So present some changes to your taste buds and replace sugar with jaggery powder. This can be the yummiest choice for an evening snack or school lunch. Here is the list of ingredients you require to make jaggery roti. (6 servings)

• ½ cup jaggery powder
• ⅛ cup water or 2 tablespoons water
• 1 to 1.25 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 2 tablespoon desiccated coconut - optional
• Butter or ghee as required, for roasting

Also read | Lemon balm and its benefits

Steps to prepare jaggery roti:

• Take ½ cup jaggery powder and ⅛ cup water 2 tablespoons water in a bowl.
• Now mix them well and keep them aside for 30 minutes. Till the time all the jaggery is dissolved.
• Now take one pan and take 1 to 1.25 cups of whole wheat flour. Also add 1 teaspoon fennel seeds also called saunf in hindi and 1 tablespoon ghee.
• Now using a strainer stir the jaggery solution and transfer it directly into the bowl containing flour.
• Mix very well first.
• Then begin to knead and make a smooth dough. The dough will be slightly sticky due to the jaggery in it. You can add a little water if the dough feels hard.
• Now take a zip lock bag. Or any plastic bag.
• Take a medium-sized ball from the dough and place it on the zip lock bag.
• Now roll it into the poori or a small size roti.
• Then gently remove the roti from the zip lock bag and place it on a hot tawa. Keep the flame to low or low-medium and begin to roast the jaggery roti.
• When one side of the roti starts warming up and turns brown, turn the side and do the same to the other side.
• Spread some ghee on the top. These roti can take a lot of ghee but do not overload the roti with ghee.
• Flip the roti, when the second side is browned.
• Spread some ghee on this side too.
• Now your roti is ready, enjoy it with your favourite drink.

Ragi ladoo

• It is a great choice for the one who is fond of sweets and best for health. Ragi is easily digestible and rich in calcium. Moreover, the combination of ghee, jaggery and ragi taste amazing. Here is what you require to prepare ragi ladoo. (14 servings)
• 1.5 cups ragi flour
• ¾ cup organic powdered jaggery
• ⅓ cup ghee or 65 to 70 grams ghee
• 3 to 4 green cardamoms (choti elaichi).

Steps to prepare ragi ladoo:

• Take 1.5 cups of ragi flour in a broad kadai.
• Now roast the ragi flour on low flame and stir often while roasting the flour so that there is even roasting.
• Keep roasting the ragi till the colour changes.
• Then add 1/3 cup ghee in the flour and mix the ghee with the flour.
• Keep on stirring and roasting this mixture for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Then switch off the pan and keep the mixture aside.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder and add 3/4 cup jaggery powder and mix it well.
• Now turn the mixture into small lumps.
• Now turn the lumps into small portions and shape into ladoos.
• Store ragi ladoo in an airtight jar or container. Serve them as a sweet snack

Banana pancake

Banana pancake is easy to make and super quick to get ready. Anyone can enjoy this sweet tasty tender food. Here is what you require to prepare a tasty banana pancake. (10 servings)
3 bananas – medium to large (overripe or ripe)or 285 grams

• 1 cup whole wheat flour or 120 grams
• ½ teaspoon crushed fennel or whole fennel seeds
• 3 tablespoons jaggery powder or add as required – optional
• ¾ cup water or add as required
• oil as required
• Here are the steps to prepare a delicious banana pancake.
• Peel and mash the banana properly then add jaggery according to the sweetness of the banana.
• Then add whole wheat flour and lightly crushed fennel seeds or whole fennel seeds.
• Add some water in parts.
• Then start mixing it with the flour.
• Mix very well and make a smooth batter without lumps. The batter has to have a medium-thick flowing consistency.
• Now heat the non-stick pan on medium flame or add a few drops of oil.
• Keep the heat to a low or medium-low. Now pour the batter of pancake in a small amount.
• Cook both sides of the pancake till they turn light brown.
• Now they are ready to serve with honey.

Enjoy these delicious healthy dishes and let us know about your experience in the comment box.