Masala Gud is a traditional Indian sweet made with jaggery infused with a blend of aromatic spices like dry ginger, black pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg. Mixed with roasted nuts and sometimes coconut, it’s a delightful, flavorful treat enjoyed during festivals such as Makar Sankranti and as a wholesome snack, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Masala Gud at home:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams jaggery (gud)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon dry ginger powder (saunth)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
- 1/4 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jaggery:
- Break the jaggery into smaller chunks or grate it for easier melting.
- Prepare the Spices:
- In a small bowl, mix together the dry ginger powder, black pepper powder, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder. Keep it aside.
- Roast the Nuts:
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add the chopped nuts.
- Dry roast them until they turn slightly golden brown. Keep stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Once done, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
- Prepare the Masala Gud:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, add a tablespoon of ghee and let it melt over medium heat.
- Add the jaggery to the pan and let it melt slowly. Stir continuously to avoid sticking.
- Once the jaggery starts to melt, add the spice mix (dry ginger, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg powders) to it. Stir well to combine.
- If the mixture appears too thick or dry, add a tablespoon of water to aid the melting process. Continue stirring until the jaggery melts completely and the spices are well incorporated.
- Add Nuts and Coconut:
- Once the jaggery is melted and reaches a thick, syrupy consistency, add the roasted nuts and desiccated coconut (if using) to the pan. Mix them well with the jaggery syrup.
- Check Consistency and Remove from Heat:
- To check if the Masala Gud is ready, take a small amount and drop it into a bowl of water. It should form a soft ball when pressed between your fingers.
- Once the desired consistency is reached, turn off the heat.
- Shape and Set:
- While the mixture is still warm, pour it onto a greased plate or tray.
- Flatten it with the back of a spoon or spatula to an even thickness.
- Cut and Serve:
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then use a knife to cut it into desired shapes or squares while it’s still slightly soft.
- Once it completely cools down and solidifies, store the Masala Gud in an airtight container.
This Masala Gud can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert during festivals or as a treat with a cup of chai!
