Gachhakk is a divine Indian sweet, similar to a praline, made as a special treat for celebrations. It is sweet, crunchy and unbelievably moreish. However, it is a sweet with a purpose too. The fennel seeds and jaggery aid in digestion and combined with the cashews and ghee, is also an Ojas or vitality booster for the body. For Vata body types and imbalances I would only have this sweet in minimal amounts in conjunction with a warm tea. In addition, being a nourishing food, please eat it on a strong, hungry stomach and in small amounts - in this case, it really is quality over quantity!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Serves 4-6
200g jaggery
2 cups raw, unsalted cashews
3 tbsp ghee (you could try coconut oil as a vegan substitute, although I have not tested this and cannot guarantee positive results)
3 tbsp fennel seeds
METHOD
In a large frying pan, bring to a medium/high heat on the stove.
Add your cashews and while stirring and flipping the nuts intermittently, allow them to dry roast over the heat. Your will know they are ready when the become fragrant and slightly golden.
Take off the heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, on a medium heat, melt the ghee.
Now add the jaggery and with a spoon, stir and combine the jaggery with the ghee until melted and almost caramel-like in texture.
Add the fennel seeds into the saucepan and stir into the jaggery and ghee until well combined.
Now add the cashews to the saucepan and gently fold into the mixture.
On lined and slightly greased baking tray, spread the mixture across and smooth out with the back of a spoon.
Leave in room temperature until the Gachhakk has set and become like praline.
Crack the large sweet into random-sized pieces and serve in a bowl for guests or an air-tight container to eat across a few days.
DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the science of Ayurveda. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult your chosen trained health care professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, contact The Sattva Centre directly - info@thesattvacentre.com