Gur Ki Kheer

This Diwali, I am sharing a very basic Indian dessert- Gur wali kheer which is loved for its subtle, simple flavors. Though the process of making it is the same as that of a normal rice kheer, just replacing sugar with jaggery makes it taste completely different.

What is Jaggery?

Jaggery, also known as gur in Hindi is a concentrated and unrefined product of cane sugar or date palm. Jaggery and similar products are used as a healthier replacement of refined sugar in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. However, it’s known by different names in every region. Do you know that almost 70% of the world’s jaggery production is done in India? Jaggery is used in a lot of recipes all over India especially during winters. In North India, you will also find Jaggery tea known as Gur wali chai and it’s very popular.

Variations in Gur ki kheer

The recipe of Gur wali kheer which I am sharing is the most common way it’s prepared in North, West, and South India. The recipe followed in the Eastern region of India especially in West Bengal is slightly different. Also there it’s known as Gurer Payesh. The jaggery used in Gurer Payesh is made with date palm, not sugar cane and it’s called Khejur gur. Also, spices like bay leaf and a pinch of salt are added to it. The process of making Gur wali kheer is very easy and hassle-free so if you don’t have time to put too much effort into making a dessert this Diwali, try this simple, tasty kheer recipe.