Authentic Ginger Jaggery Candy Recipe – Traditional Ayurvedic Remedy

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Ginger Jaggery Candy Recipe – Traditional Ayurvedic Remedy

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for little treats that are actually good for you. And let me tell you, these Ginger Jaggery Candies are a total game-changer. I first stumbled upon this recipe while chatting with my grandmother, and it’s been a winter staple in my family ever since. It’s more than just a sweet bite; it’s a little piece of Ayurvedic wisdom passed down through generations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average candies! They’re packed with warming spices and natural sweetness, making them perfect for soothing a sore throat, boosting digestion, or just enjoying a guilt-free treat. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make – seriously, you only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate the goodness of Ayurveda into your daily life.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful candies:

• 1.5 cup Dried Ginger Powder (Sonth) – about 150g
• 1.25 cup Crushed Jaggery – about 250g
• 3 tablespoon Honey – about 45ml
• 2 tablespoon Turmeric Powder – about 20g
• 4-5 tablespoon Ghee – about 60-75ml

Ingredient Notes

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

• Dried Ginger Powder (Sonth): This isn’t the same as regular ginger powder. Sonth is made from dried ginger root and has a warmer, more potent flavor. It’s fantastic for digestion and immunity. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.
• Jaggery Variations: Jaggery comes in different colors and flavors depending on the sugarcane used. I prefer using a dark jaggery for a richer, more molasses-like taste, but you can experiment with lighter varieties too.
• Ghee Quality: In Ayurveda, ghee is considered sacred! It’s not just a fat; it’s believed to have healing properties. Opt for good quality, traditionally made ghee for the best results. Cow ghee is particularly prized.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s simpler than you think.

1. First, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan on low flame. Add the dried ginger powder and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes wonderfully aromatic. Keep stirring so it doesn’t burn!
2. Once fragrant, transfer the ginger mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely. This is important – you don’t want to melt the honey!
3. Now, mix in the crushed jaggery, honey, and turmeric powder. Add the remaining ghee (2-3 tablespoons) and combine everything really well. It might take a little elbow grease to get the jaggery fully incorporated.
4. Time for the blender! Grind the mixture for 2-3 minutes until you achieve a moist, slightly sticky texture. If it seems too dry, add a little extra ghee, a teaspoon at a time.
5. Finally, roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. I usually aim for about 1cm in diameter.
6. Store your beautiful little candies in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

A few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t rush the sautéing step. Really letting the ginger bloom in the ghee unlocks its flavor.
• If your jaggery is very hard, you can gently warm it up slightly to make it easier to crush.
• A little bit of moisture on your hands helps prevent the mixture from sticking when rolling the candies.

Variations

Want to customize your candies? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the ghee for coconut oil or another plant-based butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of turmeric powder to your liking. If you want a more potent anti-inflammatory boost, add a little more.
• Ayurvedic Adaptations: For Vata dosha, add a pinch of cardamom. For Pitta, a tiny bit of fennel. And for Kapha, a dash of black pepper.
• Seasonal Variations: My aunt always adds a pinch of black salt during the monsoon season, believing it helps ward off colds.

Serving Suggestions

These candies are wonderful on their own, but they’re also lovely with a cup of warm milk or herbal tea. I often enjoy one after dinner to aid digestion.

Storage Instructions

Keep these candies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 weeks.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What are the health benefits of ginger jaggery candy? They’re fantastic for digestion, immunity, and soothing sore throats. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while jaggery provides natural energy.
• Can this candy be given to children, and if so, what is the appropriate dosage? Yes, but in moderation! For children over 5, 1-2 candies a day is usually sufficient. Always check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
• What is the shelf life of these candies? Around 2-3 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• What is the role of ghee in this recipe, and can it be substituted? Ghee is crucial in Ayurveda for its nourishing properties and ability to carry the medicinal benefits of the herbs. While you can substitute, you’ll lose some of the traditional benefits.
• How does this recipe differ from other ginger candy recipes? This recipe focuses on the Ayurvedic combination of ginger, jaggery, turmeric, and ghee, creating a remedy rather than just a sweet treat.