Nolen Gur, also known as date palm jaggery or Khejur Gur, is a traditional sweetener used in Bengali cuisine. It has a distinct, rich flavor and is often used in various desserts and sweets. Here's how you can use Nolen Gur:
1. Nolen Gur Sandesh: Make traditional Bengali Sandesh by mixing freshly grated Nolen Gur with fresh chhena (paneer) or ricotta cheese. Add cardamom powder for flavor, shape the mixture into small sandesh, and garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds.
2. Nolen Gur Payesh: Enhance your rice pudding (payesh) by adding grated Nolen Gur while the rice is cooking. It adds a unique sweetness and a lovely caramel-like flavor to the dessert.
3. Nolen Gur Rosogolla: Make Rosogolla by replacing regular sugar syrup with Nolen Gur syrup. The rich flavor of Nolen Gur will infuse the Rosogolla, giving it a distinct taste.
4. Nolen Gur Ice Cream: Create homemade Nolen Gur ice cream by mixing Nolen Gur with cream, milk, and a pinch of salt. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker, and you'll have a delightful dessert.
5. Nolen Gur Cake: Add grated or melted Nolen Gur to your cake batter. It can be a great addition to spice cakes, carrot cakes, or even a basic sponge cake.
6. Nolen Gur Tea: Dissolve a small piece of Nolen Gur in your hot cup of tea for a unique and delightful twist to your daily beverage.
7. Nolen Gur Flavored Milk: Mix grated Nolen Gur with warm milk to make a sweet, aromatic milk drink. You can add a touch of cardamom or saffron for added flavor.
8. Nolen Gur Sweets: Experiment with various traditional Bengali sweets like Pantua, Malpua, or Chhena Poda by incorporating Nolen Gur into the syrup or batter.
9. Nolen Gur Spread: Make a Nolen Gur spread by melting it and mixing it with a bit of ghee. This can be used as a topping for bread, roti, or pancakes.
10. Nolen Gur Chutney: Create a unique chutney by mixing Nolen Gur with tamarind, dates, or mango. This sweet and tangy chutney can be a delightful accompaniment to various dishes.
Remember that Nolen Gur is quite sweet, so adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences. It's best to store Nolen Gur in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness. Enjoy the rich and distinct flavor of Nolen Gur in your favorite recipes!
