Authentic Dates & Nut Roll Recipe – Indian Jaggery Sweet

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Dates & Nut Roll Recipe – Indian Jaggery Sweet

Introduction

Oh, this recipe! It’s one I’ve been making for years, and it always disappears quickly. This Dates & Nut Roll (or ‘Khajur Roll’ as my grandmother called it) is a classic Indian sweet, especially popular during festivals. It’s packed with the goodness of dates, nuts, and a hint of warming cardamom, all bound together with rich jaggery. It’s a little bit of work, but trust me, the result is so worth it. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another sweet treat; it’s a little piece of Indian tradition. It’s naturally sweetened, incredibly flavorful, and has a wonderful chewy texture. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy dates and nuts, which are both super healthy! It’s perfect for gifting, sharing with family, or just enjoying with a cup of chai.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Dates & Nut Roll:

• 1 cup dates / khajoor (about 200g)
• ?? cup raisins (about 100g – I like a mix of golden and dark)
• 1 cup hot water
• ?? cup cashew (about 75g)
• ?? cup almonds (about 75g)
• 2 tsp poppy seeds (khus khus)
• 1 cup dry coconut (about 100g)
• 1 cup jaggery (about 200g)
• ?? cup water (about ¼ cup – adjust as needed)
• 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 tbsp badam (almond) powder
• ?? tsp cardamom powder (about ½ tsp – adjust to taste)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Dates (Khajoor) – Varieties & Selection

Medjool dates are fantastic because they’re soft and plump, but any soft, good-quality dates will work. If your dates are a little dry, soaking them for longer will help.

Raisins – Types & Their Impact on Texture

I love using a mix of golden and dark raisins for a bit of visual appeal and a slightly different flavor profile. Sultanas are also a good option, but they’re a bit smaller.

Cashews & Almonds – Roasting for Optimal Flavor

Don’t skip roasting the nuts! It brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a lovely crunch. Keep a close eye on them, as they burn easily.

Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus) – Regional Uses & Benefits

Poppy seeds add a lovely nutty flavor and a slight texture. They’re often used in North Indian sweets and are believed to have cooling properties.

Dry Coconut – Fresh vs. Dried & Flavor Profiles

I usually use dried coconut for convenience, but freshly grated coconut is amazing if you can get it. It adds a wonderful freshness.

Jaggery – Understanding Different Grades & Sources

Jaggery is unrefined sugar, and it comes in different grades depending on its color and purity. A darker jaggery has a stronger flavor. Make sure to remove any grit before using.

Ghee – Clarified Butter & Its Significance in Indian Sweets

Ghee adds a richness and aroma that’s essential in Indian sweets. You can make your own or buy it pre-made.

Badam (Almond) Powder – Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Homemade almond powder is always best – it’s fresher and more flavorful. But store-bought is fine in a pinch.

Cardamom Powder – Freshly Ground vs. Store-Bought

Freshly ground cardamom is always superior. The aroma is incredible! If using store-bought, make sure it’s relatively fresh.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, soak the dates and raisins in the hot water for about 30 minutes. This softens them up beautifully, making them easier to blend.
2. Once softened, drain the dates and raisins and blend them into a smooth paste. Set this aside.
3. Now, dry roast the cashews and almonds in a pan until they’re golden brown and crunchy. Add the poppy seeds and dry coconut, and roast for another minute or two until golden. Be careful not to burn them!
4. In a separate kadai (or heavy-bottomed pan), melt the jaggery with the water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the jaggery dissolves completely.
5. Continue cooking the jaggery syrup until it reaches the 2-string consistency. (More on that in the FAQs!).
6. Add the date-raisin paste to the jaggery syrup and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens.
7. Now, add the roasted nuts, coconut, ghee, almond powder, and cardamom powder. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan.
8. Transfer the mixture onto a baking paper-lined tray. Shape it into a log.
9. Roll the log in sesame seeds, pressing them gently to adhere.
10. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the roll to firm up.
11. Finally, slice into 30 pieces and serve!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the jaggery syrup, or it will become too hard.
• If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more ghee.
• For a smoother texture, you can grind the nuts into a coarse powder before adding them.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom): If you love cardamom, feel free to add a bit more. My friend, Priya, adds a pinch of nutmeg too!
• Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi): During Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Dates & Nut Roll is delicious on its own, but it’s also lovely served with a glass of warm milk or a cup of masala chai. It’s a perfect after-dinner treat or a sweet snack any time of day.

Storage Instructions

Store the Dates & Nut Roll in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs

What is the best way to store this Dates & Nut Roll?

An airtight container is key! Room temperature is fine for a few days, but the fridge will keep it fresher for longer.

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Absolutely! Pistachios, walnuts, or even pecans would be delicious.

What is jaggery and can I substitute it with sugar?

Jaggery is unrefined sugar made from sugarcane or palm sap. You can substitute it with sugar, but the flavor will be different. Jaggery has a more complex, caramel-like flavor. Use the same quantity of sugar.

How can I achieve the perfect 2-string consistency for the jaggery?

Take a small amount of the syrup between your thumb and forefinger. If it forms two strings when you separate your fingers, it’s ready. It takes practice, but you’ll get the hang of it!

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the roll a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors meld together.