Lohri is all about warmth; crackling bonfires, festive music, and the comforting aroma of traditional winter dishes. And if there’s one sweet treat that captures this essence, it’s gur ke chawal. This old-school rural Punjabi-style dessert brings together rice, jaggery, ghee, and a handful of spices to create a melt-in-the-mouth bowl of cosy sweetness. With India consuming millions of tonnes of jaggery every year, this jaggery rice recipe remains a festival favourite across many households.
Below is an approachable, step-by-step, detailed gur wale chawal recipe, made even easier with modern kitchen appliances from the Wipro Appliances range.
Why Gur ke Chawal Is Perfect for Lohri
Gur ke chawal is more than just sweet rice; it is a winter essential. Jaggery is known to generate warmth in the body, making it perfect for the colder months, while the slow-cooked texture gives the dish its traditional charm. This gur ke chawal recipe is also beginner-friendly and great for quick festive cooking.
Ingredients You Need
This simple yet flavour-packed dish needs just a few everyday ingredients that come together to give gur ke chawal its signature aroma and richness.
- 1 cup basmati rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 cup grated jaggery
- 2 tbsp ghee
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- 6–8 cashews
- 8–10 raisins
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2–3 cloves
- Water as required
Step-by-Step Gur Wale Chawal Recipe
Follow this simple method to make perfectly sweet, aromatic gur wale chawal, just like they are enjoyed during Lohri.
Cook the Rice to Fluffy Perfection
Wash the rice until the water runs clear. Cook it on an induction cooktop, which provides precise temperature control so the grains stay separate and don’t become mushy. Once cooked, spread the rice on a plate to cool slightly.
Melt the Jaggery
In a small saucepan, heat the grated jaggery with a splash of water. Gentle heat helps prevent the jaggery from burning. Let it melt slowly until the syrup is smooth, then strain if needed to remove any impurities.
Infuse the Ghee with Spices
Warm ghee in a kadhai. Add cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom powder. Let them sizzle gently to release their aroma. Steady heat helps the spices bloom without burning.
Combine Rice and Jaggery
Add the cooked rice to the spiced ghee and mix lightly. Pour the jaggery syrup evenly over the rice and fold gently until all the grains are coated in the golden sweetness. Keep the heat low for 2–3 minutes so the rice can absorb the syrup fully.
Add Nuts for That Classic Lohri Touch
In a small pan or air fryer, roast cashews and raisins in just a spoonful of ghee. Air fryers on the Wipro Appliances website give you crisp nuts with very little fat, making this dessert lighter yet flavourful. Add them on top and serve warm.
Smart Appliance Tips to Elevate Your Gur ke Chawal Recipe
Using the right kitchen appliances can take your jaggery rice recipe from simple to exceptional, giving you better control, speed, and consistency.
- Use an induction cooktop for heat control: Even, precise heating ensures the jaggery melts uniformly without burning and is ideal for simmering sweets.
- Use an air fryer for roasting dry fruits: Air-fried nuts stay crunchy longer and need minimal ghee, pairing beautifully with the soft texture of gur wale chawal.
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Use a Hand Blender for Quick Jaggery Mixing: If your jaggery forms lumps after melting, a hand blender helps achieve a smooth syrup instantly. This results in an even consistency throughout the rice.
Serving Suggestions
Gur ke chawal tastes heavenly when served warm, especially alongside other Lohri classics. They pair beautifully with sarson da saag and makki roti, making the meal rich and comforting. You can also serve them with peanut chikki or til-gud ladoos for an extra festive touch, or enjoy them with a hot cup of masala chai near the bonfire. Together, these dishes create a wholesome winter platter that celebrates the warmth of jaggery, grains, and the true spirit of Lohri.
Health Benefits of Gur Wale Chawal
This simple dish is loaded with winter-friendly goodness. Jaggery is known to aid digestion, support immunity, and help maintain iron levels. When paired with rice and ghee, it becomes a comforting, naturally sweetened dish that’s perfect for festive indulgence.
A Sweet Ending to Your Lohri Feast
Gur ke chawal bring nostalgia, flavour, and warmth together in one comforting bowl. Whether you cook them the traditional way or use modern appliances to speed up the process, this dish remains an evergreen Lohri favourite. It’s quick to make, gentle on the stomach, and rich in winter wellness—just the way Lohri sweets should be.
FAQs
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What kind of rice is best for gur wale chawal?
Long-grain basmati rice works best because it stays fluffy and absorbs jaggery syrup without turning mushy. You can also use short-grain rice if you prefer a stickier texture.
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What are the benefits of jaggery rice?
This dish offers warmth, improved digestion, and natural sweetness from jaggery. It’s also rich in minerals like iron and potassium, making it a great winter comfort food.
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Can I make gur ke chawal faster using an induction cooktop?
Yes, an induction cooktop heats evenly and speeds up both rice cooking and jaggery melting. It also prevents jaggery from burning, which is essential for a perfect gur ke chawal recipe.
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Can I roast the dry fruits in an air fryer instead of a pan?
Absolutely! Air fryers need very little ghee and give a crisp, even roast. This makes your jaggery rice recipe lighter while enhancing flavour.
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How can a hand blender help in making gur wale chawal?
A hand blender helps break jaggery lumps and ensures a smooth syrup. This gives your gur wale chawal an even, glossy coating without a gritty texture.
