Jaggery

Jaggery is a type of raw sugar. It is usually purchased in a large block or small cone. With jaggery, the molasses is never separated from the sugar. This is different from brown sugar, which is usually made by separating the sugar into fully refined sugar, then adding the molasses back in. Jaggery is an important ingredient in India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In Indian cooking, it is often used in sweet and in savory dishes. In sweet dishes, jaggery if often used to provide the sugar. In savory dishes, it can be used to balance spicy, salty, or tart flavors. Lately, I have experimented with "jaggery powder," which is made from crushed jaggery. It is a much drier ingredient than freshly grated jaggery, and recipes often have to be adjusted to compensate. You can find jaggery at Indian grocery stores, or in Latin markets where it is called "panela."
A bowl of payasam.

Payasam: A Timeless Indian Rice Pudding

A bowl of dal dhokli

Authentic Gujarati Dal Dhokli | Lentil Soup with Dumplings

Ginger chai spice cookies

Chai Ginger Spice Cookies

Ringan batata nu shaak

Ringan Batata nu Shaak | Eggplant and Potato Sabzi

Handvo made in a sheet pan.

Handvo

Hot Gin Punch

Hot Gin Punch

Dudhi muthiya

Dudhi Muthiya

Coconut karanji

Air Fryer Gujiya | Coconut Karanji

Sukhdi

Sukhdi | Gol Papdi

Sesame chikki

Sesame Chikki | Gajak | Til Chikki

Bowl of narali bhat

Narali Bhat | Instant Pot Coconut Sweet Rice

Ringan methi nu shaak

Ringan Methi nu Shaak

Dhebra in a bowl

Dhebra, A Traditional Gujarati Bread

Karela nu Shaak (Bitter Gourd Curry)

Karela nu shaak (Bitter Gourd Curry)

Pot of osaman

Osaman: Instant Pot Indian Lentil Broth

Pouring Gujarati dal over rice.

Grandma’s Gujarati Dal

Amaranth Brittle

Rajgira ni Chikki (Amaranth Brittle)

Stack fo bajri na rotla

Gluten-Free Millet Flat Bread (Bajri no Rotlo)

Kite Wars and Puffed Rice Brittle (Chikki) Recipe

Mamra Chikki (Puffed Rice Brittle) – A Kite Wars Tradition