Creating Gajak at Home: With the arrival of winter, the delightful scent of Gajak, Rewadi, and sesame sweets fills the air. Gajak, particularly made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is not only a treat for the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits during the colder months.

Sesame seeds are known for their warming properties in winter, while jaggery is a great source of iron and energy. This makes Gajak a winter superfood, especially in North India. To avoid the risk of adulterated store-bought Gajak, preparing it at home is a fantastic alternative.

Making Gajak at home is not as challenging as many believe. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple techniques, you can create a delicious and healthy treat. Here’s an easy method to prepare Gajak in your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Gajak
White Sesame Seeds – 1 cup
Jaggery – 1 cup
Desi Ghee – 1 teaspoon
Cardamom Powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Preparation Steps

To start making Gajak, dry roast the sesame seeds on low heat for about 5-6 minutes, then set them aside. In a pan, heat the ghee, add the jaggery along with a little water, and cook until it melts.

Once the jaggery reaches a syrupy consistency and starts forming strings, incorporate the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder. Mix everything well, then spread the mixture onto a greased plate. If you prefer, you can roll it out with a rolling pin and cut it into your desired shapes. After cooling, your crispy and tasty homemade Gajak will be ready to enjoy.

Tips for Making Perfect Gajak:

1. Avoid Over-Roasting Sesame Seeds

Ensure the sesame seeds are roasted just until they turn light golden. Over-roasting can lead to a bitter flavor and affect the color of the Gajak.

2. Correctly Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

Cook the jaggery on medium heat and only add the sesame seeds when the syrup reaches a two-string consistency. If the syrup is undercooked, the Gajak will be sticky, while overcooking can make it bitter.

3. Use Low Heat

Always melt the jaggery on low or medium heat to prevent burning. Burnt jaggery will ruin the flavor of the Gajak.

4. Act Quickly After Adding Sesame Seeds

Once the jaggery is melted, it solidifies quickly. Therefore, spread it onto a plate and roll it out promptly to ensure an even texture.

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