In India particularly in Punjab, the cold season is synonymous with indulging in traditional treats that provide warmth and nourishment , such as pinni, til ladoo, brittle, and more. One such treat is Masala Gud—a sweet made with jaggery, nuts, seeds, and a variety of spices. It helps keep the body warm in winter and serves as a healthier alternative to satisfy sweet cravings. This variant of chikki (or brittle) has a softer texture compared to the traditional crunchy version. It’s also quite easy to make, as you can see in this video.
Masala Gud is made with ingredients like peanuts, almonds, coconut, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, ginger powder, fennel seeds, carom seeds, and more—all known for their energy-boosting and heat-generating properties. Winters used to be very chilly in Punjab (where I hail from). While it doesn’t snow, the dry, cold weather often feels like it pierces right through to the bones. Due to global warming, the climate has changed, and now the chilly season lasts only about two months. Since there’s no tradition of internal heating systems in homes, consuming warming foods is important for maintaining the body’s internal heat.
Eating Masala Gud, made from this combination of nutritious ingredients, is not just a treat but also a cultural practice that connects people to their heritage. The tradition of consuming these treats has been passed down through generations, with each family adding its own unique twist to the recipe. It’s a delightful and healthy way to stay energized and warm during the colder months. Since jaggery is high in calorie it is in eaten as a small piece only after meals.
Ingredients
- 500 g jaggery, crushed or grated
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds
- 3/4 tsp carom seeds
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black peppercorns
- 1 tsp dry ginger powder
- 1/3 cup mix of nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios..)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp melon seeds
- 2 tsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- Few slices of roasted dry coconut and pistachio for garnish
- 2 tsp desi ghee + more for greasing
Instructions
- Grease a 6x6 tin or a plate and keep it aside.
- Dry roast nuts, then seeds, and coconut.
- Chop the nuts into small pieces.
- In a non stick or a heavy bottom steep pan, on slow to medium heat, add the ghee.
- Once melted, add the crushed/grated Jaggery.
- Let the jaggery melt on slow stirring in between so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Add ginger powder, once the jaggery is melted. Mix well
- Now add the remaining ingredients and mix everything.
- Quickly pour the mixture onto the greased plate or prepared tin.
- Gently tap to spread and form an even layer,(if needed use the back of the spoon or spatula).
- Let it cool a bit. Give desired shape to it. This needs to be done, while it is still a bit warm or else it would be difficult to cut it.
- I don't bother cutting in shapes and break it apart with knife.
- Cool it completely and store in an airtight container.
angiesrecipes
With all the nuts, seeds and warming spices, I am very sure these are DELICIOUS! Have never tried carom seeds, actually have no idea what they are…gotta google it :-))
Balvinder
Carom seeds are also called thymol or bishop’s weed. It tastes similar to thyme but with bitter notes. Good for digestion if eaten with little bit of salt.
Tandy I Lavender and Lime
I so want to try this. First I need to find jaggery!
Balvinder
For Jaggery you have to make a visit to Indian grocery store. Here even some the Canadian grocery stores carry.
Marcela
.Happy New Year and all the best for 2025!!…I love it!…it is like a Spaniard turron with spices!!….My first time in Punjab was in January-February long timeago….and it was very cold!….never tried this dish, but I love it!!…..Abrazotes, Marcela
Pattie
This looks really interesting. I am not familiar with jaggery, but I’m about to familiarize myself with it.
2pots2cook
This dish is so inviting! It would it be a great office snack, am I right ? It’s still cold over here and finding this one is such a pleasant surprise ! Thank you !