ग़ज़क की रेसिपी

Gazak (Sesame and Jaggery Sweet) Recipe and Its Benefits

Ingredients:

1. Sesame seeds - 1 cup (dry roasted)

2. Jaggery - ¾ cup (grated or chopped)

3. Water - ¼ cup

4. Ghee - 1 tablespoon (for greasing)

5. Cardamom powder - ½ teaspoon (optional)

6. Nuts (like almonds or cashews) - 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tray:

   - Grease a flat surface, a plate, or a tray with ghee. This will prevent the gazak from sticking.

2. Roast the Sesame Seeds:

   - In a pan, dry roast the sesame seeds on low heat until they turn golden brown and aromatic. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.

3. Make the Jaggery Syrup:

   - In a saucepan, combine the jaggery and water. Heat on medium flame until the jaggery melts fully. 

   - You can check if the syrup is ready by dropping a little into cold water; it should form a soft ball (this is called the “soft ball stage”).

4. Combine Ingredients:

   - Once the jaggery syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and quickly add the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder. Mix well to ensure that the sesame seeds are evenly coated with the syrup.

5. Shape the Gazak:

   - Pour the mixture onto the greased tray or plate. Use a spatula or rolling pin (greased with ghee) to flatten it into a uniform thickness.

   - While it is still warm, you can also press chopped nuts into the top for added flavor and crunch.

6. Cool and Cut:

   - Allow the gazak to cool completely. Once it hardens, cut it into desired shapes and sizes (squares or diamonds).

7. Store:

   - Keep the gazak in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for several weeks.

Benefits of Gazak:

1. Nutritional Value: Sesame seeds are rich in essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and healthy fats.

2. Energy Booster: The combination of jaggery and sesame makes gazak a great energy booster, particularly during winter.

3. Rich in Antioxidants: Sesame seeds contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.

4. Digestive Health: Jaggery aids digestion and can help detoxify the liver, making this sweet beneficial for gut health.

5. Bone Health: Due to the presence of calcium and phosphorus in sesame seeds, gazak supports bone health.

Gazak is a delightful and nutritious Indian sweet that is especially popular during festivals, winter months, and as a healthy snack. Enjoy this traditional treat!