SPECIAL GUR ( JAGGERY) WALY CHAWAL RECIPE PUNJABI STYLE

Special Gur (Jaggery) Wale Chawal Recipe – Punjabi Style

Gur wale chawal, or jaggery rice, is a beloved Punjabi dessert, cherished for its rustic flavors and comforting sweetness. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s a traditional delicacy that often brings back memories of family gatherings and festive times. This dish is especially popular during winter months, thanks to jaggery’s warming properties. Here’s an easy, authentic Punjabi recipe for this delicious treat that you can enjoy with your loved ones!

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice (preferably aged rice for best flavor)
• 1 cup jaggery (gur), grated or broken into small pieces
• 2 cups water
• 3 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 2-3 cloves
• A small cinnamon stick
• 1/4 cup mixed dry fruits (like almonds, cashews, and raisins)
• A pinch of salt (optional but recommended for flavor balance)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Rice

1. Start by washing the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping together. Once rinsed, soak the rice for about 15–20 minutes.
2. After soaking, drain the rice and set it aside. Soaking helps the rice cook evenly and gives it a fluffy texture, which is ideal for this recipe.

Step 2: Preparing the Jaggery Syrup

1. In a pan, add 2 cups of water and the grated jaggery. Heat the mixture over a medium flame, stirring occasionally to dissolve the jaggery completely.
2. Once the jaggery is dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat and strain it through a sieve to remove any impurities. This ensures the final dish is smooth and free of unwanted particles. Set this jaggery syrup aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Rice with Spices

1. In a separate heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan, heat 3 tablespoons of ghee. Add the cloves and cinnamon stick, allowing them to sizzle for a few seconds. This releases their aroma and infuses the ghee with a rich, warm flavor.
2. Next, add the drained rice to the pan and sauté for about 2–3 minutes on medium flame. Sautéing the rice in ghee adds a nutty flavor and coats the rice with a subtle richness that’s characteristic of traditional Punjabi dishes.
3. Once the rice is lightly toasted, pour the strained jaggery syrup over it. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the flame to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook. Allow it to simmer gently, without stirring, until the rice absorbs all the liquid and is fully cooked. This usually takes around 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. While the rice is cooking, prepare the dry fruits. Heat a teaspoon of ghee in a small pan, then add the cashews, almonds, and raisins. Sauté them until the nuts are golden and the raisins have puffed up. This adds a delightful crunch and richness to the dish.
2. Once the rice has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes the rice fluffier.
3. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, then add the cardamom powder and the toasted dry fruits. Stir gently to mix everything together, ensuring the spices and fruits are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Serving Gur Wale Chawal

Your fragrant and flavorful Punjabi-style gur wale chawal is now ready to be served! Serve it warm, either as a standalone dessert or as part of a festive meal. The sweetness of the jaggery, the aroma of spices, and the crunch of dry fruits make this dish a satisfying, soul-warming treat.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Gur Wale Chawal

1. Use aged basmati rice for the best results, as it cooks up fluffy and aromatic.
2. Adjust sweetness according to taste; you can add more or less jaggery depending on your preference.
3. Avoid over-stirring the rice after adding the jaggery syrup, as this can break the grains and make the dish mushy.
4. Experiment with flavors by adding a hint of fennel seeds or star anise for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Nutritional Benefits of Gur Wale Chawal

This traditional Punjabi dessert is more than just a treat; it also has health benefits. Jaggery is rich in iron and minerals, making it a good alternative to refined sugar. It aids in digestion and provides a natural source of energy, especially during the colder months. The dry fruits add healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making gur wale chawal a wholesome dessert.

Enjoy this Punjabi-style gur wale chawal with family and friends, and let the simple yet soulful flavors warm your heart!