Gur Ghee
A warm, comforting blend of melted jaggery and rich, nutty ghee. This traditional Indian sweet condiment is perfect for drizzling over hot rotis or parathas, especially during cold winter months.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 3 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Ingredients
- b.If using a block of jaggery, grate it finely or break it into very small pieces. This is crucial for it to melt evenly without burning.
- c.Measure out the ghee and have the cardamom powder ready.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Melt the Ghee and Jaggery
- b.Place a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan or tadka pan over the lowest possible heat.
- c.Add the ghee and allow it to melt completely, which should take about 30-60 seconds.
- d.Once the ghee is warm (not hot), add the grated or powdered jaggery to the pan.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Simmer Gently
- b.Stir the mixture continuously with a spoon for 2-3 minutes.
- c.Keep the heat on low at all times. The jaggery will dissolve into the ghee, creating a smooth, glossy, and bubbly sauce.
- d.Do not let the mixture come to a rolling boil, as this can cause the jaggery to crystallize and become hard or bitter upon cooling.
- e.Once the jaggery is fully dissolved and the mixture is homogenous, turn off the heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pan from the heat.
- c.If using, stir in the green cardamom powder until well combined.
- d.Pour the warm Gur Ghee into a small serving bowl.
- e.Serve immediately with hot rotis, parathas, or millet flatbreads (bajra roti) for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always cook on the lowest possible heat to prevent the jaggery from burning, which can happen very quickly and ruin the taste.
- 2Use good quality, dark-colored organic jaggery for the best flavor and nutritional profile.
- 3The mixture will thicken considerably as it cools. To make it liquid again, gently reheat it over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
- 4Store any leftovers in a clean, airtight glass jar at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- 5For a slightly different flavor, you can add a pinch of dried ginger powder (sonth) along with the cardamom.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor
Add a pinch of dried ginger powder (sonth) for a warming, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the jaggery.
TextureTexture
Stir in a tablespoon of slivered almonds, pistachios, or chopped walnuts at the end for a delightful crunch.
AromaAroma
Add a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg along with the cardamom for a more complex and fragrant aroma.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Instant Energy
The combination of ghee (healthy fats) and jaggery (complex carbohydrates) offers a quick and sustained energy boost, making it an excellent food for winter months or for recovery.
Aids Digestion
In Ayurveda, ghee is known to lubricate the digestive tract and support a healthy gut microbiome. Jaggery is believed to activate digestive enzymes, and this combination can help promote smoother digestion.
Natural Detoxifier
Jaggery is traditionally known to help cleanse the liver by flushing out toxins from the body. It is also rich in iron and helps in purifying the blood.
Boosts Immunity
Both ghee and jaggery are packed with antioxidants and minerals like zinc and selenium, which help prevent free-radical damage and boost resistance against infections.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Gur Ghee (approximately 2 tablespoons) contains around 150-170 calories, primarily from the fats in ghee and carbohydrates in jaggery.