Rich and Warming Adadiya Recipe: A Gujarati Winter Sweet

Adadiya is a traditional Gujarati sweet made from urad dal flour, ghee, jaggery, and a mix of warming spices, renowned for its fudgy texture and robust flavor. This winter delicacy, often enjoyed during colder months or festive occasions like Diwali, is packed with energy and nutrients, making it a cherished treat in Gujarat. Whether you’re seeking a hearty sweet or a taste of tradition, this detailed Adadiya recipe will guide you to craft this rich delight at home. Let’s stir up some cozy sweetness!

Prep Time

• 15 minutes
  (Includes preparing ingredients)

Cook Time

• 40 minutes
  (Roasting and setting the adadiya)

Total Time

• 55 minutes
  (A nourishing sweet worth the time!)

Detailed Nutrition Facts (For the Entire Recipe)

This recipe makes approximately 15-20 pieces (serves 6-8 people). Nutritional values are approximate and based on the ingredients listed below:

• Calories: 2400 kcal
• Protein: 50g
• Fat: 150g
  
• Saturated Fat: 80g (from ghee)
• Unsaturated Fat: 70g
  
• Carbohydrates: 220g
  
• Dietary Fiber: 15g
• Sugars: 140g (from jaggery)
  
• Sodium: 300mg (minimal, from salt if used)
• Cholesterol: 300mg (from ghee)
  
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  
• Vitamin A: 40% of Daily Value (DV) (from ghee)
• Iron: 35% of DV
• Magnesium: 30% of DV

Note: Values may vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands.

Ingredients

For the Adadiya:

• 1 cup urad dal flour – coarse variety (roast and grind urad dal if unavailable)
• 1 cup ghee – melted, for richness
• 1 cup jaggery – grated or finely chopped
• 1/2 cup water – for jaggery syrup
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder – for aroma
• 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger powder (sonth) – for warmth
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder – for flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder – optional, for a spicy kick
• 1 tablespoon edible gum (gond) – fried in ghee, optional for texture
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds – for garnish
• 2 tablespoons slivered pistachios – for garnish

Equipment Needed:

• Heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai
• Small pan for frying gond
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Greased plate or tray

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gond (Optional)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon edible gum (gond) and fry until it puffs up and turns golden (about 1-2 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon, crush lightly, and set aside.

Step 2: Roast the Urad Dal Flour

1. Heat 1 cup ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until melted.
2. Add 1 cup urad dal flour and roast, stirring continuously, for 15-20 minutes. The flour should turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, becoming slightly pasty. Keep the heat low-medium to avoid burning.

Step 3: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup grated jaggery and 1/2 cup water over medium heat. Stir until the jaggery dissolves completely (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Simmer until it reaches a soft-ball consistency – drop a bit into cold water; it should form a soft ball. No need for threading consistency. Keep the syrup warm.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

1. Once the urad dal flour is roasted, reduce the heat to low and slowly pour the warm jaggery syrup into the pan, stirring constantly to blend smoothly.
2. Add 1 teaspoon cardamom powder, 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger powder, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder (if using). Mix well.
3. Stir in the fried gond (if using) and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides, forming a fudgy mass.

Step 5: Set and Garnish

1. Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula to about 1-inch thickness.
2. While still warm, sprinkle 2 tablespoons slivered almonds and 2 tablespoons slivered pistachios over the top, pressing lightly to embed them.
3. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes until set but not fully hardened. Cut into squares or diamonds. Allow it to cool completely to firm up.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve at room temperature as a winter sweet or festive treat.
2. Store in an airtight container – adadiya stays fresh for up to a month at room temperature!

Benefits of Adadiya

Adadiya is a rich sweet with warming nutritional perks! Here’s why it’s a winter favorite:

1. Protein Power: Urad dal flour provides plant-based protein for strength.
2. Energy Boost: Jaggery and ghee offer quick, sustained energy for cold days.
3. Healthy Fats: Ghee adds beneficial fats and vitamin A for nourishment.
4. Warming Spices: Ginger, nutmeg, and pepper aid digestion and warmth.
5. Iron Source: Jaggery contributes natural iron for vitality.
6. Festive Nourishment: A traditional treat that comforts and energizes!

Note: Due to its high fat and sugar content, enjoy adadiya in moderation as part of a balanced diet.