Traditional Gur Rewri Recipe: A Classic Indian Sweet Treat

Ingredients

500 grams of Jaggery (Gur)
250 grams of Sesame Seeds (Til)
1/2 cup of Water
1 tablespoon of Ghee (Clarified Butter)
1/2 teaspoon of Cardamom Powder (Elaichi)

Steps and instructions

Start by dry roasting the sesame seeds on medium heat until they turn light golden brown. Ensure to stir continuously to avoid burning. Once done, transfer them to a plate and let them cool.
In a non-stick pan, add jaggery and water. Cook this mixture on low heat until the jaggery melts completely.
Next, increase the heat to medium and continue stirring the mixture until it reaches a hard-ball consistency. You can check this by dropping a little mixture in a bowl of water. If it forms a hard ball, it is ready.
Once the jaggery syrup is ready, add the ghee and cardamom powder to it. Stir well to mix everything.
Now, add the roasted sesame seeds to this jaggery mixture and turn off the heat. Mix everything well so that all the sesame seeds are coated nicely with the jaggery syrup.
While the mixture is still warm, take small portions and shape them into discs or balls as per your preference.
Allow the Gur Rewri to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. These can be stored for up to a month.

Tools for making

Non-stick Pan - A non-stick pan will be used to cook the jaggery syrup.
Plate - A plate will be used to transfer and cool the roasted sesame seeds.
Bowl - A bowl will be used to test the consistency of the jaggery syrup.
Spatula - A spatula will be needed for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Airtight Container - An airtight container will be used to store the Gur Rewri after they have cooled.

Recipe variations

Add a pinch of salt to the jaggery syrup for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Replace sesame seeds with crushed peanuts or a mix of different nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios for a nutty twist.
Include a tablespoon of desiccated coconut in the jaggery syrup for a subtle coconut flavor.
Add a teaspoon of powdered fennel seeds (saunf) to the jaggery syrup for a hint of licorice-like flavor.
For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the jaggery syrup.
Instead of shaping the mixture into discs or balls, spread it on a greased tray and cut it into squares or diamond shapes once it cools down.
To make it more indulgent, dip the Gur Rewri in melted dark chocolate and let it cool until the chocolate sets.

Recipe overview

Gur Rewri is a traditional Indian sweet typically enjoyed during the winter months, especially during the festival of Lohri. Made with jaggery and sesame seeds, this recipe creates a beautiful blend of sweetness and crunch. The sesame seeds are dry roasted to bring out their nutty flavor, then coated in a luscious syrup made from jaggery, water, and a bit of ghee for richness. The mixture is then shaped into small discs or balls, creating bite-sized treats perfect for sharing. Not only is this recipe simple and easy to follow, but the resulting Gur Rewri are also highly nutritious, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Expect a delightful sweetness from the jaggery, a wonderful crunch from the sesame seeds, and a hint of warmth from the cardamom. With a shelf life of up to a month, you can make a big batch and enjoy these sweets any time you fancy!

Common questions

Can I use white sugar instead of jaggery? No, jaggery is an essential ingredient in Gur Rewri as it provides a distinct flavor and texture. It cannot be substituted with white sugar.
Can I use black sesame seeds instead of white sesame seeds? Yes, you can use black sesame seeds instead of white sesame seeds if you prefer. It will give a slightly different flavor and appearance to the Gur Rewri.
Can I use oil instead of ghee? Ghee adds a rich and nutty flavor to the Gur Rewri. While you can use oil as a substitute, the taste may differ slightly.
How long does it take for the jaggery syrup to reach a hard-ball consistency? It usually takes around 10-15 minutes on medium heat for the jaggery syrup to reach a hard-ball consistency. However, the time may vary depending on the heat level and the thickness of the syrup.
Can I store Gur Rewri at room temperature? Yes, once completely cooled, you can store Gur Rewri in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure there is no moisture to keep them fresh for a longer duration.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the jaggery syrup, ghee, and cardamom powder with the roasted sesame seeds.
Non-stick Pan - To melt the jaggery and cook it to a hard-ball consistency without sticking to the pan.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon - For stirring and mixing the jaggery syrup and sesame seeds.
Plate - To cool the roasted sesame seeds after dry roasting.
Bowl of Water - To test the consistency of the jaggery syrup by dropping a small amount into it.
Airtight Container - To store the Gur Rewri and keep them fresh for a longer duration.

Origin stories

Gur Rewri has its roots nestled deeply in the rich culinary culture of North India, especially during the harvest festival of Lohri. This sweet, crunchy delight is traditionally prepared during winters and holds a place of pride in Punjabi households across India and Pakistan. Rewri holds a special sentiment as it symbolizes harvest and prosperity. The preparation of Rewri is a cherished tradition - a beautiful blend of culinary skill and patience. The process of tempering the jaggery, mixing in the sesame seeds, and shaping them into bite-sized delights is almost like a festive ritual. The warmth of the Rewri, shared among family and friends, echoes the warmth of the season and strengthens the bond of togetherness.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.