There's a nip in the air as winter season is upon us and it's that time of the year when we suddenly start craving all things warm and decadent. From piping hot adrak wali chai to delightful gajar ka halwa, there is no dearth of winter special dishes out there. But let's admit; a chunk of nutty and sweet gajak post any meal can make the whole culinary experience quite enticing. Come winters and this interesting version of til-patti or gur-patti starts to appear everywhere around the markets.
Gajak or gazak signifies a particular type of sweet that is usually a confection made from sesame or peanuts, and jaggery or sugar, which is layered and brittle yet light. Since both nuts and jaggery are winter special ingredients, gajak is also warm in nature and is eaten across northern India in the winter season to keep the body warm from within. Eating gajak during winters could also provide you with a number of benefits:
1. Satiates Well: Since gajak is made with sesame seeds or nuts that are rich in fibre, it makes for a great winter snack that would keep you full for long, further keeping untimely hunger pangs at bay.
2. Good For Skin: Peanuts contain vitamin C and E that helps delay signs of ageing. Besides this, they also have resveratrol that acts as a potent anti-ageing phytochemical and also gives you clear and glowing skin.
3. Boosts Energy:A small piece of gajak right before or after your workout may help boost your energy levels due to the presence of in it.
4. Boosts Digestion: Jaggery is also known to be great for digestion and for ensuring regular bowel movements.
(Also Read: Winter Street Food Of North India: Gajak, Daulat Ki Chaat And More)
With various benefits and a decadent flavour, gajak seems like an ideal snack to binge on this season. But did you know you can even prepare this winter delight at home? With just three ingredients and 30 minutes you can prepare and enjoy gajak right in the comforts of your home. All you have to do is melt the jaggery in ghee, stir in the nuts or sesame seeds, cool the mixture overnight and relish the light and lovely wintery goodness. Find the recipe of peanut jaggery here. Try at home and let us know how you liked it in the comments section below.