Gajak - Traditional Indian Sweet Treat

Ingredients

• 1 cup (150g) sesame seeds 1 cup (150g) sesame seeds
• 1 cup (150g) peanuts 1 cup (150g) peanuts
• 1/2 cup (75g) almonds, roughly chopped 1/2 cup (75g) almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) cashews, roughly chopped 1/2 cup (75g) cashews, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (200g) jaggery, grated 1 cup (200g) jaggery, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Ghee (clarified butter) for greasing Ghee (clarified butter) for greasing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (3g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (18g sugars)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.01g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Dry roast the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pan, dry roast the peanuts until they become slightly browned and crunchy. Remove the skins by rubbing them between your palms.
3. 3.
   Heat a tablespoon of ghee in the pan and add the chopped almonds and cashews. Roast them until they turn golden brown. Set aside.
4. 4.
   In a large pan, melt the grated jaggery over low heat until it becomes a thick syrup.
5. 5.
   Add the roasted sesame seeds, peanuts, almonds, cashews, and cardamom powder to the jaggery syrup. Mix well until all the ingredients are coated.
6. 6.
   Grease a flat surface or a tray with ghee and spread the mixture evenly onto it. Use a greased rolling pin to flatten the mixture to your desired thickness.
7. 7.
   While the mixture is still warm, cut it into square or diamond-shaped pieces.
8. 8.
   Allow the Gajak to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sesame seeds — Make sure to dry roast them until they turn golden brown to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Peanuts — Remove the skins after roasting to achieve a smoother texture in the Gajak.
• Jaggery — Grate the jaggery before melting it to ensure it melts evenly and quickly.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a hint of warmth, you can sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the Gajak mixture before spreading it out.
• For a touch of indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled Gajak pieces.
• If you prefer a softer texture, cook the jaggery syrup for a shorter time.
• Experiment with different combinations of nuts to customize the flavor and texture of your Gajak.
• Store the Gajak in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunchiness.

Serving advice

Serve Gajak as a sweet treat during festive occasions or as a delightful snack to satisfy your sweet cravings. Pair it with a cup of masala chai for a perfect combination of flavors.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Gajak pieces on a decorative platter or in a traditional Indian box lined with colorful tissue paper. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or edible silver foil for an elegant touch.