No Sugar Gond Paak – A Traditional Winter Treat With a Healthy Twist
There’s something incredibly comforting about the recipes that travel through generations—ones that remind us of the warmth of our grandmother’s kitchen and the fragrance of roasted ghee and dry fruits filling the winter air. Gond Paak is one such recipe. Deeply rooted in Indian culinary tradition, it is a popular winter delicacy known for its warming, healing properties. But this version comes with a twist—no refined sugar, making it a healthier, guilt-free treat that doesn’t compromise on taste.
No Sugar Gond Paak is sweetened entirely with dates, bringing in a natural, nutrient-rich alternative to sugar. This makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy traditional sweets without risking sugar spikes or processed ingredients. Whether you’re trying to eat cleaner, reduce refined sugar, or just enjoy an energy-packed bite, this revamped classic is the answer.
Why Gond Paak Is A Winter Essential ?
This dish isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients. Gond, also known as edible gum, is prized in Ayurveda for improving joint strength, boosting immunity, and warming the body. This makes it ideal for winters, especially for women in postpartum recovery or elders dealing with stiffness or fatigue. Combined with dry fruits, spices, and ghee, Gond Paak becomes a natural energy bar for all ages.
A Nutrient-Dense Recipe Passed Down With Love
To make this nourishing delicacy, begin by heating 4 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add ¼ cup of edible gond and fry it on a low to medium flame. You’ll know it’s ready when it puffs up and turns crunchy. Once cooled, crush it coarsely using a rolling pin or mixer.
In the same pan, add 2 teaspoons of ghee and roast 1 cup of mixed nuts—almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Once they begin to release their aroma, add ¼ cup of shredded dry coconut (optional) and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds (khas khas). Sauté everything for a minute, then set it aside to cool. Once cooled, coarsely chop or pulse the mixture in a blender.
Now mix the crushed gond with the nut mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of dry ginger powder, 1 teaspoon cardamom powder, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder. If you like, include Ganthoda (Peeprimul) powder, known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Stir the mixture well and keep it aside.
In another step, add 2 teaspoons of ghee to the pan and stir in 400 grams of deseeded dates, chopped roughly. Cook them on a medium flame until they turn soft and gooey. Then fold in the gond and nut-spice mixture. Stir continuously so everything binds together. This may take a few minutes as the dates melt and coat all the ingredients.
Once the mixture becomes cohesive and thick, transfer it into a greased tray. Press it down evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Let it sit for a while, then cut it into squares or bars.
This No Sugar Gond Paak can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month, making it an ideal snack to prep ahead and enjoy through the chilly days.
Delicious, Nourishing and Free from Guilt
What sets this version apart is its zero added sugar which is a rare find in Indian sweets. Dates offer natural sweetness along with fibre, iron, and potassium. The nuts provide healthy fats and protein, while spices like dry ginger and nutmeg warm the body from within. Ghee helps in nutrient absorption and enhances digestion.
This paak is especially useful during postpartum recovery, growing children’s energy needs, and senior citizens who need strength without heaviness. It’s a treat that fuels your body while comforting your soul.
Final Thoughts
In a world where sweets often come with guilt, this No Sugar Gond Paak is a heartwarming exception. It blends tradition, taste, and health in one beautiful recipe. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones, preparing it for a postpartum diet, or simply indulging with a cup of tea, this sweet will always feel like home.
